STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS (6 Month Lease Agreement)

Transcription

1 STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS (6 Month Lease Agreement) Mindful Living LLC s (dba The Living House) homes provide dignified, affordable, community supportive living for people recovering from alcoholism and chemical dependency. There is no cap on the length of stay at our homes. Here at the Living House we see great value in medically assisted therapies. As in all communities, there are expectations regarding standards of behavior and participation. The Living House s standards and expectations are based on the ever-essential practical need of maintaining a positive environment that is chemical and alcohol free. Everything you are asked to do at The Living House has value. At first, you may not understand the value of these standards, but as your time at The Living House increases, they will become clear. Here, life in the community may be difficult at times, but you will soon find the meaning and strength that comes with being a part of a community of individuals working together in their recovery program. The following is a list of expectations and rules that house members are expected to abide by. The keys to living together is courtesy, respect and common sense. We all are trying to live a better life and our actions should reflect as much as we continue the journey of long term recovery. Know your rights and responsibilities, If you are not sure about something ask. We strive to give excellent value to all our residents and as such must use our resources wisely. We are able to keep our costs low, offer dignified homes and provide benefits like free laundry, all utilities, tv, internet, basic house supplies and more with your help. The supplies in the house are basic but allow residents to do a more than adequate job in the cleaning and maintaining of their home. In some of our homes, residents choose to pool money in order to buy extra cleaning supplies or shared food. We have made the decision not to offer air conditioning in any of our homes, we do not allow private individual air conditioners. We do however have fans for residents use. We ask all residents to be aware of costs and turn off lights and fans when they leave the room. CORNERSTONES OF OUR PROGRAM Drug and alcohol free at all times. Each member is responsible for their own plan of recovery. Promoting self-discipline, Pay your share of expenses on time. Consistent employment and maintaining income. Volunteering and Participating in Educational or Vocational opportunities. Making Meetings, obtaining a Sponsor; and practicing principles of recovery. Take responsibility for your health. Respect others and have consideration for all members. Residents take part in the elected House Council to run the home. Page 1

2 ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY Violation of any of the following will result in immediate dismissal from The Living House, you will have 30 minutes to gather what you need and leave. Relapse - Use or possession of drugs, alcohol and/or banned substances on or off property including but not limited to all drugs on our Banned Substances List. Physical violence or threats of violence, the police will also be called. Weapons of any kind Stealing of any kind Sexual harassment Destruction of property Abuse of over-the-counter or prescription medication Sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or any intimate bodily contact which can be construed as sexual on the property of The Living House. Racial or sexual slurs Repeated rule violation Smoking, vaping, lighting candles, or incense inside any area of the house, including exterior decks and stairs Dating or engaging in intimate relationships with house members or staff. Refusal to give a saliva test/urine screen or Breathalyzer. Disruptive behavior. Any illegal activity both on and off the premises. Page 2

3 NEW MEMBERS New members will be required to take part in a 30 day orientation. The purpose of this orientation period is to allow the current house members the opportunity to become aquatinted with the new member, discovering their personality and patterns, and helping them become acquainted with all aspects of living in this house. First day, please be home as much as possible in order to meet each of the other residents. No overnights or extended curfews. Residents must be active 30+ hours each week, through employment, school or volunteering Residents must find/maintain a sponsor through a local fellowship within 3 weeks. SENIOR RESIDENTS Senior residents are designated by the Living House management. Senior residents have reached some milestones in their long term recovery and are no longer subject to verification or mandated productive hours. Senior Residents are not under the jurisdiction of any court, probation or program, have a minimum of 18 months of sobriety and/or two years of sobriety in the last three years with one or fewer relapses and have been granted the status by the Living House management. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Weekly rent in the amount of $ is due each Friday by 7:00 p.m. and must be left in the rent drop box. Security Deposit in the amount of $ is due at move in. The term of this agreement is 6 months, after which it is agreed that 2 weeks notice is required to move. Monies paid are non-refundable (with the exception of the security Deposit as defined under move out). Acceptable forms of payment i nclude: check, credit card and money order. There is a processing fee for credit card (equal to the direct charges from the credit card processing company. Typically around 3.00%). No cash will be accepted. A Late Payment Contract will be drawn up, for any rent not paid on time MANDATORY 12-STEP/FELLOWSHIP MEETINGS Residents must attend four 12-Step meetings per week or another outside support group/fellowship approved by the house. Residents must maintain a relationship with their verified sponsor. Residents are required to record 12-Step meeting attendance by having the weekly Meeting Sheet signed by the meeting secretary and submit the Meeting Sheet in the drop box by Sunday at 6:00pm. Page 3

4 DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING AND SEARCHES You may be asked to submit to a urine analysis or breathalyzer at any time. You may not leave the house or the common areas of the house before giving a urine sample, and refusal to give one or tampering with one will be considered the same as if it were a positive result and will result in immediate permanent removal from the house. Tests may be conducted at random on a daily basis. If you are late for curfew, you will be drug tested immediately upon your return to the house. If you suspect another resident of using drugs/alcohol, it is your responsibility to report this matter immediately to the H ouse Coordinator. Knowledge of others using drugs or alcohol and not notifying will result in permanent removal from the house. Anyone dismissed from the house will not be permitted to return to the premises for a minimum of 30 days, with the exception of picking up personal belongings. Probation will be notified immediately on failed drug tests. Random room checks may be conducted. Banned Substances in the home: Any mind altering substance not prescribed by a doctor, including: K2, Spice, Valerian root, Kratom, Kava Kava, diet pills, bath salts, Metabolic/Anabolic Steroids and energy drinks. SAFETY AND SECURITY In case of an emergency, call 911 and then notify the House Coordinator via telephone. Safety is a primary concern at The Living House; therefore, any suspicious activities should be reported to the House Coordinator immediately. Fire extinguishers are located on each floor. Please familiarize yourself with their location. Fire and emergency safety plans will be reviewed upon admission. All residents will be required to participate in safety drills. Residents cannot share razors or cut each other s hair. This is for your own protection from infectious diseases transmitted through blood-borne pathogens. The Living House is not responsible for stolen, missing or damaged property. Residents are advised not to carry large sums of money or bring items they cannot replace, valuables should never be left in your room. The Living House may search personal belongings at any time including but not limited to bedrooms, closets, dressers, nightstands, vehicles, luggage, persons etc., for contraband items. No locks may be changed or installed anywhere in the house, there are no locks on any bedroom door. Residents arrested or sent to jail for any drug or alcohol offense committed while a resident, or if in jail for more than 3 days, will be terminated and belongings will be put in storage for 72 hours. If the belongings are not picked up within 15 days, they will be donated to a charity. If you know of a situation that is endangering the safety, sobriety or stability of a resident or the community and wish to report it anonymously, please send an anonymous . Smoking in designated smoking areas only. Cigarette butts must be disposed of in approved containers only, never on the ground. Smoking is never allowed in front of the home. Never reveal your front door or lockbox code to anyone. Page 4

5 VISITATION/GUESTS All guests and family members must sign in using the visitor logbook prior to entering the home. All guests and family members must enter and leave through the front door only. No person may be brought into the house or onto the property that are actively using drugs or alcohol, at any time. This is ground for permanent removal from the house. Guests are not allowed in the house before 3:00pm or after 30 minutes before quiet time. Guests must remain in common areas at all times and are not allowed in any bedroom. There is a maximum of two guests at any one time (with the exception of your children). You are responsible for the conduct of your guests. If your guests exhibit disruptive or relapse behaviors, you are responsible for their actions. You must stay with your guests at all times, while they are on the premises. Guests are not allowed to stay overnight. FELLOW MEMBERS Residents must respect the anonymity of all residents, resident information is confidential. Confidentiality provides the basic structure of trust within our community and is an integral part of maintaining a safe environment. Revealing the issues of residents, even to other residents, is a breach of confidentiality and may result in permanent removal from the house. Consideration for others feelings, personal belongings, time, and space is necessary for those sharing a house. Please respect others. Unless invited or given permission to do so, you are not allowed in another resident s room. Violations of this are grounds for permanent removal from the house. If you are sharing a room, you are not to disturb anything in the room that does not belong to you. Bartering is Strictly Forbidden, under no circumstance may you barter away your responsibilities. Bartering is grounds for permanent removal. Please respect the sanctity of each person s religious beliefs. House Members who have vehicles may offer to give you rides to meetings or appointments however, it is neither their responsibility nor their obligation to do so. Do not use anyone else s personal items. Page 5

6 HOUSE MEETING/HOUSE COUNCIL All members must attend the house meeting Sunday nights at 7:00pm. Important decisions are made at these meetings, and your voice and vote are equally as important. You are expected to be on time, if you are going to be late to a house meeting, call before the meeting starts as phones are shut off during the meeting. Excused absences may only include after-care treatment, work, or medical emergencies. Our home is run through a democratic system of an elected House Council of officers. The House Council is made up of five officers, each officer is elected for a three-month term. The five officers are: House Coordinator, Treasurer, Resource Person, Chore Leader and Secretary. No one can be elected to the same position for two consecutive terms and everyone must serve in each position equally. The House Coordinator is appointed by management. The other four officers are elected by the house members at the weekly house meeting, two weeks prior to any officer s term expiring. The primary responsibilities of the House Council are: House Coordinator Run meetings, manage disruptive behavior and conflicts, house safety (fire extinguishers, narcan etc), random drug testing, preparing rooms at tenant turnover. Secretary Keep meeting minutes Treasurer Record rents Resource Person Place orders for house dry goods etc Chore Leader Assign chores, monitor chore completion and phone in maintenance problems. CHORES All bedrooms will be kept clean and neat at all times, no clutter will be allowed. This includes making your bed daily, keeping your belongings neatly organized, and floors cleaned. Personal belongings must be kept in the drawers, closet space or shelving provided. Weekly cleaning of bed linens is mandatory. Each House Member is responsible for keeping their assigned bathroom clean after use (hair toothpaste etc.), no personal items may be left in the bathroom. Cleaning up after oneself is mandatory. If you make a mess, clean it up. You are required to wash your own dishes/pans and wipe down the stove and countertops after use. There is no food, dishes, cups or glasses allowed in the bedrooms or TV rooms. The Chore Leader will assign chores at the House Meeting. The new Chore Listing will be posted by Sunday night (if changed) each week, chores are required to rotate between House Members. Chores must be completed daily and thoroughly and in a timely manner as listed in the monthly chore listing. Respect others chore time. Don t start cooking while someone is cleaning the kitchen etc. Chores and room cleanliness are checked-off by the House Coordinator for completion and thoroughness. Page 6

7 MEDICATIONS All prescription medication will be kept in your personal lock box. Over-the-counter medications or mouthwash containing alcohol are prohibited. Clients are responsible for obtaining their own medication refills. If you are prescribed medication by a psychiatrist, you will be required to obtain a psychiatrist for continuing care and possibly be re-evaluated for the duration of your stay. Residents will self-administer medication as directed by a physician. Abuse of over-the-counter medication and/or prescription medication will result in immediate dismissal from the house. Medication cannot be stored or taken in any public area of the house, you must keep them out of view of other members of the house. Any prescribed Narcotics or other medication subject to abuse or theft must be accompanied by a Doctor s note and will be allowed in the house at the discretion of the House Coordinator and must be administered by a nurse. PRODUCTIVE HOURS - EMPLOYMENT/SCHOOL/VOLUNTEERING Residents must be involved in productive activities 32+ hours week in addition to fellowship meetings. They must obtain and maintain a job, enroll in school full time, volunteer or be in a recovery program for a total of 32+ hours/week, within two weeks of admittance. If a job cannot be found within two weeks, you must volunteer i n the community for at least 15 hours a week. During the week, residents must be occupied productively out of the house from the hours of 10:00am - 3 :00pm. This consists of following up on job leads, applying to jobs, working, taking classes, serving in volunteer positions, attending 12 Step meetings, etc. It does not consist of socializing, or any nonconstructive activity not considered beneficial to recovery. GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY There is a neighborhood-wide quiet time observed from 11:00pm - 8:00am throughout the week. Good relations are to be maintain with neighbors. Please conduct yourself accordingly, any disputes with neighbors must be reported to the House Manager immediately. Do not enter a neighbor s property or loiter in front of a neighbor s house, at any time. No parking (including guests) in front of a neighbor s house. No smoking cigarettes in front of our house or any neighboring homes. Do not throw cigarettes or other trash into the street when entering the home. Please extinguish your cigarette and bring the butt inside the house and dispose of, as per our cigarette policy. Page 7

8 HOUSE CONDITION AND PROPERTY Do not keep any house property in your room, replace all house property promptly after use, including computers, cups, dishes, cleaning supplies etc. Do not take house property off the premises. Nothing may be hung on the walls or the walls painted in anyway, without prior written approval of the house manager. Furniture may be brought into the house only with prior agreement in writing. Any furniture brought into the home is the sole responsibility of its owner. There is a 2 Hour time limit if others are waiting for the computer, please use the sign-out board. Household items that are broken or damaged by a resident must be replaced immediately by paying for the cost of the item. Resident may not do any repairs in the house, any repair work must be done by a professional that has been authorized by the House Manager. Please be conservative with water and electric use. Shut off lights (including exterior), televisions, fans and appliances when not in use or leaving a room. Thermostat must not be changed. It is kept at degrees for both heating and cooling. CONFLICT RESOLUTION An emergency house meeting may be called when a conflict/crisis arises. All house members should be given the opportunity to attend, and should be informed of such a meeting by phone and/or message board if at all possible. Other solutions can include: Meeting with the House Coordinator to develop a resolution Community and Family intervention. Depending upon the seriousness of the problem and the frequency of the offense, a decision for permanent removal from the house, may be made. Written contracts will be drawn up for members exhibiting behaviors that are not conducive to recovery or the general welfare of the house. These contracts are intended to eliminate disruptive behaviors. AUTOMOBILES Parking is limited and cars may not be parked on the street in the neighborhood, except directly in front of the home, if available. Parking privileges are assigned at move-in on a first come basis. Residents that have a car must provide proof they have a valid driver s license, registration, inspection and valid insurance policy. Residents must register the car with the Coordinator prior to bringing on the property. Cars must be in running order. No work on cars may be done on the property or street. Residents are not allowed to loan out their car to another resident for any reason. Page 8

9 KITCHENS, FOOD AND LAUNDRY Label all food and drink stored in the kitchen. Use only your assigned refrigerator/freezer shelf and kitchen cabinet. No food or drink may be stored in bedrooms. Do not use any food that belongs to other house members. This is theft. Dishwasher hours are 8:00am to 9:45pm, please ensure the cycle is complete in time to put the dishes away by 10:00pm All residents are required to purchase and prepare their own food, drinks and meals. Clean up the kitchen immediately after use, including washing and putting away all dishes, wiping down the stove and counter tops etc. Coin operated laundry facilities are on site, hours for laundry use are 8:00am to 10:00pm. Residents must purchase their own detergent. Each House Member is responsible for doing their own laundry, laundry cannot be left unattended. Do not start a load if you have to leave the house prior to it finishing. If laundry is left in machines at the end of a cycle, it will be set aside, so that someone else may use the machines. SCHEDULES, CURFEWS AND OVERNIGHTS Volume on radios, televisions and computers are to be kept at a reasonable level. There is an expectation that noise levels be within reason. No TV during lights out. No music except via headphones at any time. Lights out is midnight, 7 days a week. All residents need to be in their rooms. All residents must be out of bed, dressed, rooms cleaned and ready to start their day by 9:00am Monday Friday. Residents may not leave the house during curfew hours. If work conflicts with this curfew, prior arrangements must be made with written approval of the house Manager. If you find you are going to be late you must call the House Manager 30 minutes prior to your curfew deadline. Any infraction will result in being put on house probation and possibly removal. Curfew violations will result in a random drug test and the cost involved. Overnights must be approved in advance by the house Manager. The name, address and phone number of where you are staying must be provided. Residents must enter and leave the premises, only through the front door, using the personal code provided. Residents will have a curfew of 11:00pm on weekdays and 12:00 midnight on Friday and Saturday. Residents must turn in an overnight request form three days in advance for an overnight pass or extended curfew, limit 4 nights month. All residents must be up by 8:30am Monday through Friday. Page 9

10 PERSONAL HYGIENE AND BEHAVIOR Shoes and shirts must be worn on property at all times. Nudity is unacceptable in common areas. Clothing advertising drugs, alcohol, or with double-entendres or offensive messages are not permitted. Good personal hygiene is expected. War stories are not permitted. Borrowing or lending money is not permitted. Sleeping in common areas is prohibited No sexual intercourse anywhere in the house or on the property or grounds. No gambling of any kind. This includes the lottery and scratch tickets. All terms and conditions of the house s lease must be adhered to. Ask to see and read the lease. GENERAL GUIDELINES It is understood that you are a member of a sober home and not a tenant. There are no bosses in the house, everyone shares equally. Bed choice is made on seniority in the house. Mail will be brought into the house and distributed by the assigned person only. Please give a minimum of one weeks notice for vacations. WHAT TO BRING At least two forms of identification (driver s license, social security card, birth certificate, passport or military identification) Toiletries Prescribed medication Cell phones are permitted, unless otherwise indicated by your referring treatment facility. New phone numbers are strongly suggested. Bicycles are permitted *Please use sound judgment when packing your personal belongings, as space is limited, note that all belongings are subject to search when brought into the house. WHAT NOT TO BRING Any products containing alcohol (including mouthwash and over the counter medicines). Any medications not previously disclosed in writing and prescribed by a medical doctor. Banned/Controlled Substances, as listed under banned substances. Anything that can be considered a weapon Pets of any kind Clothing advertising drugs, alcohol or with double-entendres or offensive messages Items that cannot be replaced Large sums of personal cash Furniture or large items. All rooms are fully furnished; we have no storage available for large items. Appliances of any kind, including air conditioners and refrigerators. Page 10

11 MOVE OUT Page 11 You are responsible for paying for the full 6 month term of your lease, should you leave early, we will make every effort to re-rent your space, but you are responsible for the rent until that time. Two weeks notice to move, must be given in writing, using the Move Out Form (after the first 6 months). Upon move out for any reason, you must take your belongings. If ANY belongings are left behind for more than 48 hours, you will be charged a $ packing and storage fee. The belongings will be packed for you and stored for no longer than 15 days. After 15 days they will be donated to a charitable organization. Every effort will be made to return property, including contacting family and other contacts on your application. You are responsible for paying for towels, sheets, blankets and pillows if not returned to the housing coordinator. The cost for a full set of towels and linens is $ Security Deposits will be refunded (minus any damages and rent arrears (including a two week deduction for rent, if the two week notice to move is not given) within 30 days. COMPLAINTS / GRIEVANCES The Living House is committed to meeting the needs and expectations of our residents. We will work with you to try to resolve any conflict and try to provide a satisfactory outcome for all parties involved. If you have a grievance, you have a right to be heard. You may file a grievance at any time in person with the house manager or at the office (48 Vernon St Worcester MA 01610), by telephone with the office at or by at office@livinghouse.org. All grievances may also be filed anonymously by calling or by at office@livinghouse.org If you feel your grievance was not adequately addressed, you may call the Director Steve Sheldon at You also have the right to file a grievance with MASH (Massachusetts Association of Sober Housing) by contacting or at RESIDENTS RIGHTS The Living House supports and protects the fundamental human rights of each house member. We want you to be involved in your care and, as such, you, as the house member, have the right to: To expect and maintain a safe drug free environment in order to pursue your program of recovery. Equal rights, regardless of length of residency or sobriety. Equal access to the home and all its benefits. Live in a home with the least restrictive environment possible that canpreserve our goals with personal dignity. Assurance of your health and safety. Emergency medical care will be accessed by using 911 Visits from family and significant others. Rules and regulations in writing of The Living House that govern your conduct during your stay with us. Confidentiality and privacy.

12 EMERGENCY DEPARTURE PLAN We would like to offer those asked to leave with the opportunity to predetermine where they would go, should circumstances require the termination of membership and subsequent immediate expulsion. Please describe below who you would contact or where you would go, that would address your basic human needs so you will not become homeless or in an unsafe situation because of an expulsion. I give my consent for emergency medical treatment and for the following to be contacted in the event of an emergency and/or a relapse. 1. Doctor s Name: Phone #: 2. Relative s Name: Phone #: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF STATUS, POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS I have read or have read to me all existing Standards and Expectations of the Living House. I fully understand that I must abide by these standards and expectations for the duration of my residency. I also understand that it is my responsibility to stay abreast of any changes, addendums, deletions, or special restrictions made to these policies by periodically reviewing the policies at or by asking for a printed copy. I understand that it is my responsibility to let the other house members know if there is a part of these Standards and Expectations that I do not understand, so they may explain it to me. I understand and agree that failure to comply with and abide by all the Standards and E xpectations of the Living House could result in immediate expulsion. New House Member s Signature Date New House Member s Printed Name Page 12