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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 187-2021RESOLUTION NO. 187-202 1 RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THE CASA ESPERANZA TRANSITIONAL HOME AS A RESIDENTIAL USE AT 1421 PANORAMA DRIVE, AND RECOGNIZING THE CASA ESPERANZA GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY WHEREAS, Casa Esperanza filed an application with the City of Bakersfield in 2020 for a conditional use permit to allow a roominghouse to accommodate six residents (women) and their minor children, and one on-site resident assistant at the 1421 Panorama location; and WHEREAS, on January 20, 2021, the City of Bakersfield upheld an appeal to the conditional use permit for Casa Esperanza, denying issuance of the conditional use permit; and WHEREAS, the City adopted revisions to its Bakersfield Municipal Code subsequent to the conditional use permit denial by City Council , including a new definition for "Transitional Housing"; and WHEREAS, the City has received direction from the State Department of Housing and Community Development related to the interpretation of the "Transitional Housing" definition; and WHEREAS, Casa Esperanza has made a good faith effort to demonstrate their commitment to be good neighbors through development of a Good Neighbor Policy; and WHEREAS, development of affordable housing and transitional housing is consistent with the City's overall efforts to address housing needs. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Bakersfield as follows: The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein. 2. The City Council acknowledges the Casa Esperanza Transitional Home for Women and Children as a residential use, located at 1421 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, Ca 93305 with the understanding that the attached Good Neighbor Policy will be followed. OF 9AKB,flm � r — Page 1 of 2 Pages 9ORIOINALO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on SEP 15 2021 by the following vote: ✓ ✓ YE COUNCILMEMBER: AR A5, ^.�0.2.'"a`,=, SMIiH, FREEMAN, 6R*Y, PhRNER OES COUNCILMEMBER: 007 PQrI\e.I AB IN: COUNCILMEMBER: CJ0j AGS A8 COUNCILMEMBER: WEr✓ IIIA/V4. LIE DRIMAKIS, MMC CITY CLERK and Ex Officio Clerk of the Council of the City of Bakersfield APPROVED SEP 15 2021 By: KAREN GOH MAYOR APPROVED AS TO FORM: VIRGINIA GENNARO CITY ATTORNEY By -)-;� �— OSHUA H. RUDNICK Deputy City Attorney CC:JHR:ag ABachmenl S:\COUNCIL\Rests\21-22\Casa Esperanza.docx ogPKF9,, T > m -- Page 2 of 2 Pages -- `ORIGINAL GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY AGREEMENT Between CASA ESPERANZA TRANSITIONAL HOME FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN And CITY OF BAKERSFIELD In recognition that Casa Esperanza's transitional home located at 1421 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA, 93305 is a transitional housing program committed to fostering a spirit of partnership with the City and operating in a manner that enhances the City and the surrounding neighborhood, Casa Esperanza and the City agree that Casa Esperanza will: Comply with guidelines set forth in its Operating Statement (Exhibit A) and House Rules & Resident Agreement (Exhibit B), which may be amended from time to time, including by way of example: a. Participants will be either working, looking for work, acquiring job skills, and/or academic or vocational training b. Smoking, vaping, and use of illegal drugs or alcohol will be prohibited on the premises c. Resident Assistant or other supervisory personnel will be onsite and/or available d. Participants agree to abide by a curfew with approved exceptions e. Childcare facilities will not be operated on the premises f. Vehicles will be parked on -premises to minimize street parking 2. Comply with applicable City ordinances regarding graffiti removal, garbage and recycling capacity, parking, noise, litter, and occupancy limits. 3. Maintain grounds and landscaping in a manner consistent with the character of the neighborhood. 4. Utilize good faith efforts to work in partnership with community stakeholders and the community, including: a. Collaborating with neighbors and City agencies to address neighborhood concerns. b. Communicating with neighbors on an as -needed and ongoing basis to inform residents and area businesses of any material changes in Casa Esperanza's daily operation and/or services. Casa Esperanza will timely respond to all communications pertaining to neighborhood concerns. c. Participating with other stakeholders to resolve local neighborhood and City-wide concerns, especially issues related to the creation of sustainable paths to permanent housing for homeless persons, including women with children. d. Participating in City- and County -wide community events and meetings addressing issues related to homeless and affordable housing. e. Recruiting volunteers, partnering organizations, and personnel from the surrounding community when feasible, recognizing that the best qualified resources may reside out -of - area. gkK4 O4& � frl F_ 30RIGINAL� Executed this [day] day of September, 2021 by: CASA ESPERANZA CITY OF BAKERSFIELD Page 12 of 2 o``eAKF9sT > m OORIGiNAL OPERATING STATEMENT CASA ESPERANZA—TRANSITIONAL HOME FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN Revised 08/12/21 What Casa Esperanza IS: A transitional home for homeless women ("Participants') and their minor children. It is transitional residential housing program, a "Home" where Participants live in a family -like setting while acquiring the counseling, job skills and life skills required to sustainably transition to the job market and permanent housing. Participant referrals will likely come from local homeless services providers (e.g., Bakersfield Homeless Center), school districts, courts, clergy, etc. Casa Esperanza is currently debt -free and privately funded. See our Mission and History,attached as Exhibits A & B. What Casa Esperanza IS NOT: A temporary shelter, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, a safe- house/sanctuary for women actively fleeing domestic violence. Casa Esperanza has no religious requirements or affiliation. Number of Occupants & Length of Stav: The Home is 3,652 square feet, has 7 bedrooms and will safely and adequately accommodate six Participants and their minor children. Most, but not all, of the Participants will have one or more children with them. Participants will generally stay for a period of 6 to 24 months'. A Resident Assistant will live in the Home. Daily Operation: House operations will be managed by a Program Manager who will also provide individual case management to ensure each Participant is progressing toward achievement of their Life Plan goals. A part-time Administrative Assistant will support the Program Manager several days per week. A Resident Assistant will live in the home. The Program Manager, Administrative Assistant and Resident Assistant constitute the initial "Staff'. Participants will come and go based on their school, job training, or work schedules. Family dinner will be served Monday through Thursday. Attendance at family dinners is mandatory unless excused for illness or work. Curfew is 10:OOpm weekdays and Midnight on weekends. Visitors will be allowed 8 am —8 pm every day by appointment and are only permitted to be in the main living room, dining room, kitchen, and backyard areas. Programming: Our mission is to equip Participants with the skills they need to live independently and sustainably so that they can successfully re -integrate into the job market, permanent housing, and the community. Each Participant will develop her own Life Plan based on the programming outlined below. Participants must sign a House Rules and Participant Agreement wherein they promise to follow House Rules and participate in the program as designed. A copy of the House Rules and Resident Agreement is attached as Exhibit C. Program elements include a. Individual counseling 'Some Participants may stay Iongerthan 24 months depending upon unique circumstances, such as completion of a degree program. 4gAK�.9 �' RI vORIGINAL b. Groupcounseling c. Weekly house meetings J. Household chores (rotating cooking & cleaning) e. Work i. Working ii. Looking for work iii. Closing gaps in job skills iv. Closing gaps in education v. Combination of some or all of the above vi. Job search, application and interviewing skills f. Financial i. Personal finance/budget stewardship training ii. Contributing 20% of all income to the program iii. Saving 35-60% of all income for transition to permanent housing iv. Smart -Shopping g. Parenting classes h. Self -Care i. Diet & Exercise ii. Self Image iii. Healthy Cooking Outside Services: Casa Esperanza will partner with outside organizations for the provision of services where it makes sense to do so. Most services will be provided off-site, such asjob skills training, medical and dental care, counseling and child care. Parking: Onsite parking is ample for Participants, Staff and Visitors. The property is over Y, Acre in size and currently contains 16 parking spaces. After renovations, there will be 9 paved parking spaces on-site. Staff and Visitors will park in these paved spaces. Since transportation is a large household budget expense, many of our formerly homeless Participants may, but most likely will not, have their own vehicles. Casa Esperanza is Essential and Desirable for the Public Convenience and Welfare ofthe City of Bakersfield Casa Esperanza is a structured, residential transitional housing program aimed at making intergenerational impact for homeless women and children in Bakersfield. Our objective is the break the cycle of homelessness and poverty one family at a time. We provide a complementary, privately funded alternative to the government-sponsored housing -first approach. Casa Esperanza blends rights with responsibilities, providing a hand -up versus a hand-out, and requiring participants to generate a Life Plan for themselves and their children. One "casa" serving 6 homeless women and their minor children saves an estimated $50 Million in societal cost over 20 -years. Most of these savings will be realized by the city and county. 'Assumes $28,000/yr average societal cost of a single homeless person (from 2018 Cost/Benefit Study) with 50% of women transitioning out every 12 -months. Detailed economic analysis available upon request. OF0AKe 1% � m 0ORIGINAl ESPEARANZAen HOUSE RULES AND PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT I, , agree to abide by and comply with the following rules and expectations set forth by the -Casa Esperanza Program. Furthermore, I understand and agree that any violation of this Participant Agreement is reason for me to be terminated from the program, Casa Esperanza is to be a "home" for you as well as for others living with you. It is not merely a living space as you transition out of homelessness into housing and economic stability. Our program is such that you and others living with you will live somewhat as extended family. Our expectation is that participants show respect for each other by the manner of their presence toward one another, and by following the house rules, and abiding by the terms of this "Participant Agreement." LIFE PLAN and GOAL -SETTING Working with Casa Esperanza staff members, you agree to develop a Life Plan with feasible goals that will enable you to move from transitional housing at Casa Esperanza to economic stability and permanent housing. To achieve these goals, you must participate in verifiable daily activities, including work, job search, and/or classes and training that are designed to lead to stable employment, a steady income and permanent housing. You will review your goals weekly with a designated staff person. Your length of stay at Casa Esperanza will be determined based on progress made toward completing goals, saving money, providing verification and documentation of goal achievement, compliance with rules of the program and contributing toward the social and financial well-being of the home. COUNSELING/THERAPY You must participate in individual counseling/therapy and provide verification of attendance. ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES No alcohol or illegal substances are allowed on the premises. SAVINGS GOAL You must participate in a structured savings program and may elect to save money through a program offered by Casa Esperanza Program. If you choose to save in another account, you must p�0NKE9'rm 1 > m o `ORIGINAL ��CAS iEESPERANZAen provide documentation each month of funds availability/account balances. You must develop a monthly budget and track all expenses and all income each month, with the goal of saving as much money as possible for your transition to permanent housing. Staff will review your budget with you each month. The primary goal of Casa Esperanza Program is to help you improve your life circumstances such that you can afford to acquire permanent housing. You are required to save up to 50% of your income, which includes wages, earnings, welfare checks, child support payments, social security and disability payments and any other money you receive. CONTRIBUTIONS You will contribute twenty percent (20%) of your income to the home each month to help meet operating expenses. Income includes wages, earnings, welfare checks, child support payments, social security and disability payments and any other money You receive. Staff will help you establish a payment schedule. HOUSE MEETINGS You agree to attend a weekly house meeting. These meetings create a supportive environment and provide an opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns related to house governance and operation. MEALS You agree to be present for family dinner each Monday through Thursday. If for some reason you cannot be present for dinner, due to school, work or an appointment, you must inform staff in advance. You agree to sign -out on the Notice Board so the person preparing the meal knows how many to expect. You agree to take your turn preparing weekday dinner on a rotating basis, and participate in the clean- up after each dinner. If you cook, you are responsible for cleaning the stove. You are responsible for preparing yours and your family's own breakfast and lunch every day, and your weekend dinners. Grocery shopping is done each week by staff/volunteers. You agree to note any needed items on the shopping list. If basic household food items are needed at other times (for example milk, bread, eggs), you agree to pick up these items if asked, and receive reimbursement from Casa Esperanza. pF�K4 T 'ORIGNAI' ,,*CASA �' ESPERANZA Transitional en All food that enters the house is for everyone residing there. HOSPITALITY Casa Esperanza is a house of hospitality. Everyone who lives and works here is expected to contribute to a welcoming and caring atmosphere for those who come to the house. The use of profanity and inappropriate or derogatory language does not contribute to an atmosphere of respect and hospitality and will not be tolerated. You agree to speak and interact respectfully with staff and all participants. OCCUPANCY AND HOUSE MAINTENANCE You are responsible for keeping your rooms) and the rest of the house in good, clean condition. You agree to be assigned specific household chores each week on a rotating basis. Room -checks and chore -checks will be performed by staff on a regular basis. NO FOOD is allowed in the bedrooms. You agree to be responsible for and fix any damage to the property caused by you or your family members due to misuse or neglect. LIABILITY You agree that Casa Esperanza is not liable for injury to you or your family members or to any guest or property of yours. RIGHT OF ENTRANCE TO ROOMS Staff will be respectful of your privacy. You agree that, in case of emergency or concerns relating to the health and safety of program participants and your compliance with house Rules, Staff will have immediate access to your room with or without your presence or permission. CHILD SUPERVISION If you are a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the supervision of your children and agree to know the whereabouts of your children at all times. You agree not to leave your children unattended at any time. Your children under 10 years of age must be within an adult's eyesight at all times. Your children may not be in another family's room without an adult present. Your children age 10 years and older may use the microwave with your permission. Your children age 12 and older may use the stove With your permission and you agree to ensure an adult is present in the kitchen at all times during such o�0Ak69a'T 3 > m `ORIGINAL a. CASA *#EESPERANZAen use. You agree that your children will be in their room(&) and quiet no later than 9:00 p.m. each night Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, your children must be in their room and quiet by 10:00 p.m SCHOOL I EDUCATION You agree that your school age children will be enrolled in school and attending school on a regular basis. VISITORS I DINNER GUESTS Visitors are welcome at Casa Esperanza 8.00am — 8:00 p.m. every day by appointment only. Visitors are only allowed in the main living room, dining room, kitchen and back yard areas of the premises. If you are inviting guests for dinner, you agree to put the names of your guests on the Notice Board in the morning. Dinner guests are expected to leave the property by 8:00 p.m. You are responsible for ensuring that your visitors and dinner guests abide by the house rules. CURFEW You are expected to be home by 10:00 p.m. each evening, Sunday through Thursday, and by Midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings. In the event of an emergency causing you to be late, you agree to notify staff prior to the curfew time. Coming home after curfew is considered a serious breach of house rules, and grounds for termination of your participation in the program. SIGNING INIOUT AND EXTENDED ABSENCES You agree to sign -in, and sign -out, on the "Sign OUT Board." You agree to be home every night. If you must stay out past curfew or overnight for any reason, you agree to complete a "Permission to Stay out Late" form and obtain staff approval in advance. Smoking of any kind is prohibited in the house and on the premises. No lighted candles, incense burning or open Flame of any kind is permitted in your room. SAFETY OAKF � m r 90RIGINAI ' CASA ESPERANZA Transitional Home for Women Verbal and physical violence is prohibited in the house or on the Premises. At no time are guns or objects intended as weapons, including toy guns, swords, etc. allowed in the house or on the premises. Your Children may play outside in the backyard only. You agree to participate in routine fire evacuation and earthquake drills and any other safety related training provided to participants regarding living safely in the home. TERMINATION FROM PROGRAM I understand and acknowledge that my failure to follow the house rules, and in particular those listed below, is justification for Casa Esperanza to terminate my participation in the program. 1. My engaging in violence/verbal abuse against another participant or person in the house or on the premises. 2. Deliberate destruction or theft of property by me, my family member(s) or my visitors. 3. The use of or distribution of drugs or alcohol by me, my family member(s) or my visitors. 4. The possession of weapons or articles of any kind that would create a hazard, by me, my family member(s), or my visitors. 5. Intentional threats of violence made by me, my family member(s, or my visitors which staff reasonably believes endangers the life, safety or well-being of others in the house or on the premises. I have read and understand the expectations of the Casa Esperanza Program as listed above. I agree to abide by the house rules and understand that my failure to do so at any time may result in the termination of my participation in the program. Participant: Staff. Date. Date: o�gAkF9a'.n5 ' m ORIGINAL .S* CASA 'I(ESPERANZA Departure date: Reason for departure: Forwarding address: OF0PK4 6 � m t o ORIGINAL x-Ftaf_ R.+es _ 1Q�-7- 202 I G000 NEIGHBOR POLICY AGREEMENT Between CASA ESPERANZA TRANSITIONAL HOME FOR WOMEN S, CHILDREN Arid CITY OF BAKERSFIELO In recognition that Casa Esperanza's transitional home located at 1421 Panorama Oriye, Bakersfield, CA, 93305 is a transitional housing program committed to fostering a spirit of partnership with the City and operating in a manner that enhances the City and the surrounding neighborhood, Casa Esperanza and the City agree that Casa Esperanza will: 1_ Comply with guidelines set Forth in its Operating Statement (Exhibit A) and House Rules S. Resident Agreement (Exhibit B), which may be amended from time to time, including by way of example: a_ Participants will be either working, looking For work, acquiring job skills, and/or academic or vocational training b. Smoking, -ping, and use of illegal drugs or alcohol will be prohibited on the premises c. Resident Assistant or other supervisory personnel will be onsite and/or available d_ Participants agree to abide by a curfew with approved exceptions e_ Childcare facilities will not be operated on the premises f_ Vehicles will be parked on -premises to minimize street parking 2_ Comply with applicable City ordinances regarding graffiti removal, garbage and recycling capacity, parking, noise, litter, and occupancy limits_ 3. Maintain grounds and landscaping in a manner consistent with the character of the neighborhood_ 4_ Utilize good faith efforts to work in partnership with community stakeholders and the community, including= a. Collaborating with neighbors and City agencies to address neighborhood concerns. b_ Communicating with neighbors on an as -needed and ongoing basis to inform residents and area businesses of any material changes in Casa Esperanza's daily operation and/or services_ Casa Esperanza will timely respond to all communications pertaining to neighborhood concerns_ c_ Participating with other stakeholders to resolve local neighborhood and City-wide concerns, especially issues related to the creation of sustainable paths to permanent housing for homeless persons, including women with children_ d_ Participating in City- and County -wide community events and meetings addressing issues related to homeless and affordable housing_ e_ Recruiting volunteers, partnering organizations, and personnel from the surrounding community when feasible, recognizing that the best qualified resources may reside out -of - area_ o�O P KE9`rT Y m `�ORIGINAI_ Executed this 15th day of September, 2021 by: CASA ESPERANZA CITY OF BAKERSFIELD KAREN GOH MAYOR Page 12 of 2 0�0 P K49q o OORIGINAL OPERATING STATEMENT CASA ESPERANZA —TRANSITIONAL HOME FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN Revised 08/12/21 What Casa Esperanza IS: A transitional home for homeless women ("Participants") and their minor children. It is transitional residential housing program, a "Home" where Participants live in a family -like setting while acquiring the counseling, job skills and life skills required to sustainably transition to the job market and permanent housing. Participant referrals will likely come from local homeless services providers (e.g., Bakersfield Homeless Center), school districts, courts, clergy, etc. Casa Esperanza is currently debt -free and privately funded. See our Mission and History, attached as Exhibits A & B. What Casa Esperanza IS NOT: A temporary shelter, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, a safe- house/sanctuary for women actively fleeing domestic violence. Casa Esperanza has no religious requirements or affiliation. Number of Occupants & Length of Stay: The Home is 3,652 square feet, has 7 bedrooms and will safely and adequately accommodate six Participants and their minor children. Most, but not all, of the Participants will have one or more children with them. Participants will generally stay for a period of 6 to 24 months'. A Resident Assistant will live in the Home. Daily Operation: House operations will be managed by a Program Manager who will also provide individual case management to ensure each Participant is progressing toward achievement of their Life Plan goals. A part-time Administrative Assistant will support the Program Manager several days per week. A Resident Assistant will live in the home. The Program Manager, Administrative Assistant and Resident Assistant constitute the initial "Staff'. Participants will come and go based on their school, job training, or work schedules. Family dinner will be served Monday through Thursday. Attendance at family dinners is mandatory unless excused for illness or work. Curfew is 10:00pm weekdays and Midnight on weekends. Visitors will be allowed 8 am — 8 pm every day by appointment and are only permitted to be in the main living room, dining room, kitchen, and backyard areas. Programming: Our mission is to equip Participants with the skills they need to live independently and sustainably so that they can successfully re -integrate into the job market, permanent housing, and the community. Each Participant will develop her own Life Plan based on the programming outlined below. Participants must sign a House Rules and Participant Agreement wherein they promise to follow House Rules and participate in the program as designed. A copy of the House Rules and Resident Agreement is attached as Exhibit C. Program elements include: a. Individual counseling ' Some Participants may stay longer than 24 months depending upon unique circumstances, such as completion of a degree program. �AKk9q > rn t— r 50RIGINAL b. Group counseling c. Weekly house meetings d. Household chores (rotating cooking & cleaning) e. Work i. Working ii. Looking for work iii. Closing gaps in job skills iv. Closing gaps in education v. Combination of some or all of the above vi. Job search, application and interviewing skills f. Financial i. Personal finance/budget stewardship training ii. Contributing 20% of all income to the program iii. Saving 35-60% of all income for transition to permanent housing iv. Smart -Shopping g. Parenting classes h. Self -Care i. Diet & Exercise ii. Self -Image iii. Healthy Cooking Outside Services: Casa Esperanza will partner with outside organizations for the provision of services where it makes sense to do so. Most services will be provided off-site, such as job skills training, medical and dental care, counseling and child care. Parking: Onsite parking is ample for Participants, Staff and Visitors. The property is over % Acre in size and currently contains 16 parking spaces. After renovations, there will be 9 paved parking spaces on-site. Staff and Visitors will park in these paved spaces. Since transportation is a large household budget expense, many of our formerly homeless Participants may, but most likely will not, have their own vehicles. Casa Esperanza is Essential and Desirable for the Public Convenience and Welfare of the City of Bakersfield Casa Esperanza is a structured, residential transitional housing program aimed at making intergenerational impact for homeless women and children in Bakersfield. Our objective is the break the cycle of homelessness and poverty one family at a time. We provide a complementary, privately funded alternative to the government-sponsored housing -first approach. Casa Esperanza blends rights with responsibilities, providing a hand -up versus a hand-out, and requiring participants to generate a Life Plan for themselves and their children. One "casa" serving 6 homeless women and their minor children saves an estimated $50 Million in societal cost over 20-years2. Most of these savings will be realized by the city and county. 2 Assumes $28,000/yr average societal cost of a single homeless person (from 2018 Cost/Benefit Study) with 50% of women transitioning out every 12 -months. Detailed economic analysis available upon request. P > m F- r 30RIGINAI CASA ESPERANZA •/'\� Transitional Home for Women HOUSE RULES AND PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT , agree to abide by and comply with the following rules and expectations set forth by the -Casa Esperanza Program. Furthermore, I understand and agree that any violation of this Participant Agreement is reason for me to be terminated from the program. Casa Esperanza is to be a "home" for you as well as for others living with you. It is not merely a living space as you transition out of homelessness into housing and economic stability. Our program is such that you and others living with you will live somewhat as extended family. Our expectation is that participants show respect for each other by the manner of their presence toward one another, and by following the house rules, and abiding by the terms of this "Participant Agreement." LIFE PLAN and GOAL -SETTING Working with Casa Esperanza staff members, you agree to develop a Life Plan with feasible goals that will enable you to move from transitional housing at Casa Esperanza to economic stability and permanent housing. To achieve these goals, you must participate in verifiable daily activities, including work, job search, and/or classes and training that are designed to lead to stable employment, a steady income and permanent housing. You will review your goals weekly with a designated staff person. Your length of stay at Casa Esperanza will be determined based on progress made toward completing goals, saving money, providing verification and documentation of goal achievement, compliance with rules of the program and contributing toward the social and financial well-being of the home. COUNSELING/THERAPY You must participate in individual counseling/therapy and provide verification of attendance. ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES No alcohol or illegal substances are allowed on the premises. SAVINGS GOAL You must participate in a structured savings program and may elect to save money through a program offered by Casa Esperanza Program. If you choose to save in another account, you must �4KF9 o s., >- m � r 0RIGINO CASA -ESPERANZA +/"\• Transitional Nome for Women provide documentation each month of funds availability/account balances. You must develop a monthly budget and track all expenses and all income each month, with the goal of saving as much money as possible for your transition to permanent housing. Staff will review your budget with you each month. The primary goal of Casa Esperanza Program is to help you improve your life circumstances such that you can afford to acquire permanent housing. You are required to save up to 50% of your income, which includes wages, earnings, welfare checks, child support payments, social security and disability payments and any other money you receive. CONTRIBUTIONS You will contribute twenty percent (20%) of your income to the home each month to help meet operating expenses. Income includes wages, earnings, welfare checks, child support payments, social security and disability payments and any other money You receive. Staff will help you establish a payment schedule. HOUSE MEETINGS You agree to attend a weekly house meeting. These meetings create a supportive environment and provide an opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns related to house governance and operation. MEALS You agree to be present for family dinner each Monday through Thursday. If for some reason you cannot be present for dinner, due to school, work or an appointment, you must inform staff in advance. You agree to sign -out on the Notice Board so the person preparing the meal knows how many to expect. You agree to take your turn preparing weekday dinner on a rotating basis, and participate in the clean- up after each dinner. If you cook, you are responsible for cleaning the stove. You are responsible for preparing yours and your family's own breakfast and lunch every day, and your weekend dinners. Grocery shopping is done each week by staff/volunteers. You agree to note any needed items on the shopping list. If basic household food items are needed at other times (for example milk, bread, eggs), you agree to pick up these items if asked, and receive reimbursement from Casa Espe�r�ap�9. o & Z F- r- 0 vpR►GINAL CASA ESffRANZA • Transitional Nome for Women All food that enters the house is for everyone residing there. HOSPITALITY Casa Esperanza is a house of hospitality. Everyone who lives and works here is expected to contribute to a welcoming and caring atmosphere for those who come to the house. The use of profanity and inappropriate or derogatory language does not contribute to an atmosphere of respect and hospitality and will not be tolerated. You agree to speak and interact respectfully with staff and all participants. OCCUPANCY AND HOUSE MAINTENANCE You are responsible for keeping your room(o and the rest of the house in good, clean condition. You agree to be assigned specific household chores each week on a rotating basis. Room -checks and chore -checks will be performed by staff on a regular basis. NO FOOD is allowed in the bedrooms. You agree to be responsible for and fix any damage to the property caused by you or your family members due to misuse or neglect. LIABILITY You agree that Casa Esperanza is not liable for injury to you or your family members or to any guest or property of yours. RIGHT OF ENTRANCE TO ROOMS Staff will be respectful of your privacy. You agree that, in case of emergency or concerns relating to the health and safety of program participants and your compliance with house Rules, Staff will have immediate access to your room with or without your presence or permission. CHILD SUPERVISION If you are a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the supervision of your children and agree to know the whereabouts of your children at all times. You agree not to leave your children unattended at any time. Your children under 10 years of age must be within an adult's eyesight at all times. Your children may not be in another family's room without an adult present. Your children age 10 years and older may use the microwave with your permission. Your children age 12 and older may use the stove with your permission and you agree to ensure an adult is present in the kitchen at all times during such o� ,NK4 3 � o `'ORIGINAL CASA ��- ESPERANZA !�• Transitional Nome for Women use. You agree that your children will be in their roomW and quiet no later than 9:00 p.m. each night Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, your children must be in their room and quiet by 10:00 p.m. SCHOOL/EDUCATION You agree that your school age children will be enrolled in school and attending school on a regular basis. VISITORS / DINNER GUESTS Visitors are welcome at Casa Esperanza 8:00am — 8:00 p.m. every day by appointment only. Visitors are only allowed in the main living room, dining room, kitchen and back yard areas of the premises. If you are inviting guests for dinner, you agree to put the names of your guests on the Notice Board in the morning. Dinner guests are expected to leave the property by 8:00 p.m. You are responsible for ensuring that your visitors and dinner guests abide by the house rules. CURFEW You are expected to be home by 10:00 p.m. each evening, Sunday through Thursday, and by Midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings. In the event of an emergency causing you to be late, you agree to notify staff prior to the curfew time. Coming home after curfew is considered a serious breach of house rules, and grounds for termination of your participation in the program. SIGNING IN/OUT AND EXTENDED ABSENCES You agree to sign -in, and sign -out, on the "Sign OUT Board." You agree to be home every night. If you must stay out past curfew or overnight for any reason, you agree to complete a "Permission to Stay out Late" form and obtain staff approval in advance. SMOKING Smoking of any kind is prohibited in the house and on the premises. No lighted candles, incense burning or open flame of any kind is permitted in your room - SAFETY Off$ $NK,45, > m F- r OORIGINAL CASA }a ESPERANZA '�• Transitional Home for Women Verbal and physical violence is prohibited in the house or on the Premises. At no time are guns or objects intended as weapons, including toy guns, swords, etc. allowed in the house or on the premises. Your Children may play outside in the backyard only. You agree to participate in routine fire evacuation and earthquake drills and any other safety related training provided to participants regarding living safely in the home. TERMINATION FROM PROGRAM I understand and acknowledge that my failure to follow the house rules, and in particular those listed below, is justification for Casa Esperanza to terminate my participation in the program. 1. My engaging in violence/verbal abuse against another participant or person in the house or on the premises. 2. Deliberate destruction or theft of property by me, my family member(s) or my visitors. 3. The use of or distribution of drugs or alcohol by me, my family member(s) or my visitors. 4. The possession of weapons or articles of any kind that would create a hazard, by me, my family member(s), or my visitors. 5. Intentional threats of violence made by me, my family member(s, or my visitors which staff reasonably believes endangers the life, safety or well-being of others in the house or on the premises. I have read and understand the expectations of the Casa Esperanza Program as listed above. I agree to abide by the house rules and understand that my failure to do so at any time may result in the termination of my participation in the program. Participant: Staff: Date: Date: o0PKE9s/ 5 r � v ` 0RIGINAL. � CASA 3�i�EESPERANZA Departure date: Reason for departure: Forwarding address: o``a��Ess O OORIGINAL