Staying at COMEA is a privilege, NOT A RIGHT.  COMEA reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.  In the best interest of everyone at COMEA, abuse of these guidelines may result in denial of services.

ADMISSION:

1. All guests/residents must have a valid picture ID.  Those without an ID will be allowed to stay one (1) night unless other arrangements are approved by management.  Anyone without an ID who desires to stay longer than one night must make an appointment with the case manager on the next business day and begin the process of acquiring an ID.
2. TB tests or proof of recent TB testing (12 months) is required.  Failure or to present proof of testing will result in denial of services. TB tests are to be taken on the first scheduled testing day after admission.
3. All guests are required to meet with the case manager.  YOU must make an appointment to see the case manager within two (2) business days.  Failure to keep this appointment will result in termination of stay.
4. COMEA is a drug and alcohol free building.  Breathalyzer (BA) tests are given upon admission.  The “3 day out” policy NO LONGER EXISTS.  If you blow “HOT” you forfeit your stay and must wait six months to return.  We reserve the right to “spot check” anyone in the building at any time.  Reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use may result in immediate dismissal from the facility.  The only exception to this rule is if you are seeking assistance in getting treatment and seriously working on sobriety.  This exception will be granted on a case by case basis and is not guaranteed for everyone
5. Weapons on the premises are forbidden.  All weapons (or anything that can be used as a weapon) must be stored off the property.  Possession of such items on your person or anywhere on COMEA property will result in denial of services. 
6. Beds are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis unless otherwise arranged and approved by management.
7. Personal belongings will be stored in assigned lockers unless other arrangements have been made with the management.  Those with vehicles will be expected to store personal property in their vehicle.  All guests/residents are limited to what fits in a locker plus ONE bag on the shelf.  Items of value such as laptops or musical instruments will be stored in a locked closet but will not be readily accessible on a daily basis.  Large sums of money or other small valuables can be stored in the COMEA safe during your stay.  A 24 hour notice is necessary to guarantee a timely return of your property as not everyone has access to these secure areas.
8. COMEA management reserves the right to search any property brought onto the premises. 
9. Pets are not allowed to remain on the property for more than 24 hours.  Keeping them confined to a vehicle or tied up outside is not acceptable.  COMEA will assist you in contacting the local animal shelter if necessary.

LENGTH OF STAY:

1. COMEA has a 15 day consecutive stay policy.
2. Individual guests pursuing case management plans according to contract may apply to the Journey Program and stay for up to 45 consecutive days. 
3. Families may stay for a maximum of 2 weeks (14 days).  Families must meet with the case manager bi-weekly during this time.  One extension may be granted in certain circumstances, depending on the waiting list and demand for services.  COMEA staff will help families identify other services in the community in order to secure other temporary or permanent housing.
4. Exit dates for both individual guests and families may be adjusted for failure to follow case management plans or shelter guidelines.
5. Guests/Residents who become resident volunteers or “RV’s” may stay up to 90 days.  The 90 days begin on the day you are given RV status.  Guests seeking acceptance into the RV program must submit an application to the House Manager.  Following an interview, the application will be brought to the executive team and the current RV’s for approval.  RV applications will ONLY be accepted after your 7th day.  All resident volunteers will sign a volunteer agreement.
6. Each resident’s time period begins on the first night he/she stays.  It continues for 15/45 consecutive calendar days.  If a night is missed without prior approval, the individual must wait the six months to return.  Medical emergencies are acceptable causes for a missed night but hospital admission must be proven for continued stay at COMEA.
7. There will be a six month period between 15/45 day stays, regardless of how much of this time was used.

ACTIVITIES:

1.  Smoking is allowed OUTSIDE ONLY and smokers must remain behind the yellow line.  This is per city ordinance.  Only ONE warning will be given.  A second infraction of this rule may result in termination of services.
2. Guests/residents may be assigned small house-keeping chores.  Failure to do an assigned chore will result in a warning.  ONE WARNING!!!  If you are unable to fulfill your chore obligation, you must speak to the night supervisor or your stay may be terminated.
3. No food or drinks allowed in the dorms or common areas.
4. Only residents assigned to kitchen chores/duties are allowed in the kitchen area. 
5. Use of abusive language (loud, profane or disrespectful) will not be tolerated.
6. Showers will be taken by all guests/residents.  Shower times are available as posted and are to be limited to 5 minutes each.  Failure to shower WILL result in denial of stay.
7. Guests/residents may leave the premises after checking in.  They will be required to take a breathalyzer upon their return and must be in by 10:00 PM unless approved by management.
8. Checking in and failing to stay the night will forfeit the remainder of your stay.  Saving the bed for you means someone else may have been turned away.
9. All guests/residents must be clothed when sleeping.  Sleeping in the nude is not permitted.  Footwear (shoes) must be worn at all times when not in bed.  Pants and shirts MUST be worn at all times when outside the dorm.
10. Lights will be turned out in the dorms at 10:00 PM.  All electronic devices, including cell phones, MP3 players, etc must be turned off by 10:00 PM.  If you leave the building after 10:00 PM you will not be allowed back in and the remainder of your stay will be forfeited.
11. Wake up time is 6:00 AM (April through October) and 7:00 AM November through March.  Coffee and breakfast will be served until 6:45/7:45 AM.  Coffee cups are to remain in the dining area.  Only one pot of coffee will be made each day.
12. The dorm will close at 7:00 AM/8:00 AM for morning cleaning.  Guests/residents should attend to morning grooming prior to 7:00/8:00 AM.
13. COMEA is a night shelter.  Guests must leave the building between 8:00 AM (summer hours) and 9:00 AM (winter hours).  Check in is at 5:00 PM (summer hours) and 4:00 PM (winter hours) unless approved my management.  Persons with case-management appointments or other “business” may return to COMEA at the time of their scheduled appointments.  If your appointment is early in the morning (before 10:00 AM) you are welcome to wait outside or in the lobby ONLY.
14.   Although the COMEA offers services 24/7, the front doors are locked (for security purposes) from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM.  Access to the building is possible by ringing the doorbell/intercom system.  Anyone wishing to check in after 12:00 Midnight, must be accompanied by a police officer or one will be called prior to admittance to the building.
15. All individuals must make their beds each day/night.  Sleeping on bare mattresses is prohibited.  Beds must be stripped every MONDAY (this includes sheets and pillowcases only).  Areas around beds must be cleaned each morning.  Guests/residents are required to take personal belongings with them or put them into storage/lockers when you leave the building for the day.  NO PERSONAL PROPERTY IS TO BE LEFT IN THE DORM.  We would appreciate you using your towel for a minimum of 5 days then putting it in the hamper. 
16. COMEA is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property.  We recommend that medication and cash never be left unattended.  Guests/residents who steal (FIND items not belonging to them) or damage property will be asked to leave.
17. Guests/residents are expected to respectfully follow the COMEA guidelines, be respectful to staff, volunteers and other residents at all times.  Disrespectful or inappropriate behavior, language or attitude will not be tolerated. 
18. Individuals requesting showers and an evening meal will be welcomed each day until further notice.  These individuals are expected to check in at the designated “check-in” time, eat dinner, shower at the scheduled time, and promptly leave the property.  COMEA is not a drop-in facility and our services must be reserved for our resident guests (this includes the use of restrooms after).  Inappropriate behavior or blowing “HOT” on the BA could result in loss of this privilege for 30 days.
19. Work-status is reserved for those individuals working a minimum of 25 hours per week.  Paystubs must be provided every 2 weeks to remain on work status.  Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis.  See the night supervisor or an executive staff member for consideration.  “Work status” does not allow residents the same privileges as RV status.  Be sure to check with the front desk staff for details.
20. Inclement weather policy will go into effect when: overnight temps are expected to dip below 32 degrees and daytime temps below 18 degrees. This includes consideration of the wind-chill factor.  Rain, snow and wind will also be considered.  Only the night supervisor or executive staff members are authorized to call for the weather policy. 
21. Because of the strictness of the NO TOLERANCE policies for alcohol and drug use, anyone needing help with sobriety is encouraged to see Robin.  We will do everything we can to help get you into treatment or identify whatever support you need at your stage of recovery. ASK FOR HELP...it’s here!