Participants in "My Sister's Place" are received on a referral basis. All referrals must commit to a 6 to 12 month stay with the goal focused on one's priorities and getting their life in order. Each referral must meet certain criteria, which will include: a need for temporary housing, and the need for a comprehensive case management program. The referral agency will be required to submit a brief explanation stating why the resident candidate would benefit from the program.

Probationary Period:

A probationary period of two weeks will be implemented during which time the resident will be closely monitored. At the end of this time, if the resident has no rule infractions, the House Supervisor shall make their recommendation to the Board of Directors for final approval. If approved, the resident will be accepted into the home and taken off probationary status.

If the candidate had not successfully completed the probationary period, a recommendation shall be made by the House Supervisor to deny acceptance into the home. This denial can be due to rule/home infractions, or through general observation noting that the candidate would not benefit from the program.

The candidate's final disposition shall be determined by the Board of Directors to accept, or dismiss the individual. If the candidate has been dismissed from the home, the referring agency shall be contacted with recommendation of another program the individual may go to for assistance. This can take the course of several other agencies throughout the state.

Walk-in Inquiries:

Individuals arriving at the residence (walk-ins) seeking shelter and assistance, who have not gone through the formal process, will not be permitted to stay at the home. The House Supervisor will advise the individual to find temporary housing through a local community agency. Under no conditions will there be money given to the individual to pay for temporary housing.

Financial:

All residents shall be required to meet all financial resposibilities to maintain the home's costs of upkeep (room & board). This amount shall be determined prior to the acceptance into the program. All participants of the program shall be required to establish a savings account. A minimum of 10% (including all wages and other funds) shall be deposited into an account of their own with deposits made weekly, biweekly or monthly. Each resident will be required to establish an individual budget to meet her individual needs. This may include: transportation, food, toiletries, school supplies, and various other activities.

Transportation:

There is public transportation (bus stop) directly in front of the home. The residents are responsible for securing schedules and tickets for their personal activity. Parking space for personal vehicles are located on the premises.

Volunteers:

All persons interested in volunteering at the home must contact one of the Screening Committee members, or Directors. Once an individual has been approved, an orientation session will be arranged and an on-site training process will begin. All volunteers will be required to attend periodic meetings to receive updated information, and to go over any issues that may need to be addressed.