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.
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— 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
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-- 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.
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Executed this [day] day of September, 2021 by:
CASA ESPERANZA
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Page 12 of 2
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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
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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.
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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
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`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.
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,,*CASA
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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
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`ORIGINAL
a. CASA
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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
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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:
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ORIGINAL
.S* CASA
'I(ESPERANZA
Departure date:
Reason for departure:
Forwarding address:
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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
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`�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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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CASA
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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
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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:
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Departure date:
Reason for departure:
Forwarding address:
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