GIFTS Men's Shelter

WELCOME TO G.I.F.T.S.

First and foremost, you should understand that this is a Christian ministry.  All of the workers that you meet here are volunteers and are doing this in Christ’s Name and because they love you.  We are not doctors or social workers, but simply Christians.  We don’t have a lot of rules, but those we do have are in place for the good of everyone.

This rule sheet is given to all guests and covered in detail during the initial check-in.  All situations not covered here are up to the SOLE discretion of the site coordinator at the church.  Again, remember, the workers are just volunteers.  Treat them, and the other guests with respect.

The Basics

1)  Shelter guests must fill out completely, and then sign the intake form before being allowed in.  Proof of ID will  be requested and a police background check conducted.  If one has any wants or open warrants, or if one is a  registered sex offender, he will not be able to participate.

2) The doors will usually open at 6:00PM.  Open check-in is between 6:00 – 9:00 PM.  After 9:00 PM, a Police  escort will be required to enter the shelter.  Once guests are checked in, they must remain on the premises.   No coming and going.

3) No smoking, weapons, alcohol or drugs are permitted at any time.  There may be a smoking area just outside  the building, if the church permits.  This will remain available until 9:00 PM, when the doors are locked.

4) We have a strict “NO ALCOHOL” policy.  If one chooses to consume alcohol on a given day, we ask that they  not even come to the church that evening.  They will not be allowed in and may be banned for an extensive  period.  A breathalyzer may be administered at any time.

5) Dinner will be served at about 6:45 PM.  Those who would like to eat that evening are asked to be in by that  time.  We will begin the evening meal with a short prayer and all, whether eating or not, are asked to  participate.

6) No violent, threatening behavior, fighting or arguments will be tolerated.

7) When in the neighborhood around the church, whether coming to or leaving, we ask that the guests respect  the neighbors.

8) Guests must remain in the designated shelter areas of the building.  Only volunteers are allowed in the kitchen  area of the shelter.

9) If you have anything of value, we ask that you keep it with you at all times.  The shelter is not responsible for  lost or stolen articles.

10) Lights out is at 10:15 PM.  Quiet should be observed after this time.

11) Wake up is usually at 6:00 AM, but will be determined by each shelter site.  Breakfast is usually between 6:30  and 7:30 AM.  We ask that each guest make their bed every day.

12) Guests must leave by either 7:30 or 8:00 AM, as determined the shelter site coordinator.

13) Personal items that will not be needed during the day may be left next to the guest’s bed when they leave.  Any  item(s) left for more than 48 hours will be considered abandoned and disposed of.  When moving from one  church to another (on Sundays), we can transport one item per guest to the new church.

14) Special moving day rules: The shelter moves from one church to another on Sunday morning.  All guests are expected to help break down and load the trailer on Sunday morning. If you are not there to help load, or if items are left behind, no one will babysit them.  They will not be loaded onto the truck and will be disposed of on Monday.

15) We have a limit on how many men can be housed.  If a guest has a bed on a given night, it will be reserved for  them the next night until 7:00 PM.  After 7:00 PM, beds will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.