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Kitsap Homes of Compassion

Recovery Homes

Resident Handbook

The MISSION of Kitsap Homes of Compassion is to provide safe, affordable, permanent housing with comprehensive support services for those who are homeless or are struggling with housing insecurity.

It is the MISSION of the Shared Housing Program to provide housing opportunities for the unhoused and those in recovery to build a thriving community.

The VISION of Kitsap Homes of Compassion, in partnership with our community, is a future where everyone in Kitsap County is provided an opportunity for housing and any support services they may require, as a basic human right and are treated with dignity and respect.

The VISION of Kitsap Homes of Compassion’s Recovery Homes is to create a healthy recovery environment that inspires purpose, community, and good neighborship through healthy, safe practices and self-governance.

Table of Contents

Initial Screening        2

Non-Discrimination Policy        2

Client Rights        2

Confidentiality        3

Complaints/Appeals Policy        4

Financial Obligations        5

Resident Expectations        6

Denial of Services        6

Good Neighbor Policy        7

Definitions of Required Programs        7

Infractions and Consequences        8

Over-the-Counter and Prescribed Medications Policy        9

Bodily Fluids and Contagious Disease Policy        9

Discharge Policy        10

House Management        11

House Meetings        11

Services Provided        12

Room Inspections        12

Drug Testing        12

Return to Use Penalty Policy        13

Intervention Procedure        13

Employment        13

Paid Work Agreements        14

Treatment Attendance Form        15

Initial Screening

Admission to a KHOC Recovery Home is open to any person over the age of 18, who is in active recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction. The application process is as follows:

Items provided in residence:

Denial of Services

KHOC runs background checks on all residents, staff, and volunteers associated with the Recovery Home. Applicants for KHOC housing may be denied/terminated from the program for one or more of the following reasons:

Non-Discrimination Policy

Kitsap Homes of Compassion will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, creed, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, military status, or genetic information. KHOC is attesting to compliance with nondiscriminatory state/federal requirements.  

Client Rights

Clients have the right to:

Confidentiality

Residents may be exposed to information which is confidential and/or privileged and proprietary in nature. All information concerning residents and former residents, financial data, and business records of KHOC is confidential. People associated with KHOC are free to talk about KHOC, the programs, and positions, but are not permitted to disclose residents’ names or disclose information that would make their identity known on any platform, including social media. No information may be released without appropriate authorization. This policy is not intended to prevent disclosure where disclosure is required by law.

KHOC uses resident data, including length of stay, to track resident and program success through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and a House Log (completed by the House Manager). Resident and program data that will show success is gained employment, no return to homelessness, adherence to a recovery plan, and conflicts resolved in a timely and satisfactory manner.

        KHOC understands that social networking and media sites are widely integrated into today’s world and everyday activities. KHOC respects our residents’ right to personal expression but also expects that residents be alert to the potential impact - intentional or unintentional - should a resident choose to publicly connect themselves or others to KHOC on social media. Residents should never speak on behalf of KHOC and ensure it is clear their views do not represent those of the organization. Employees are highly discouraged from being connected to clients on social media, and KHOC business must never be conducted over social media. Residents should be mindful and respectful on social media platforms, as it could be a reflection of KHOC’s Recovery Home.

Complaints/Appeals Policy

Concerns and/or complaints are to be brought to the weekly house meeting to be discussed. Resident input is encouraged and is necessary for a healthy living environment. Residents will have access to incident report forms from the House Manager that can be turned in to the House Manager at any time.

        

If a resident has concern about the behavior of a fellow resident:

  1. They should go to the other person directly and respectfully state the truth of how the behavior is affecting them and state the changes they’d like to see.
  2. If that has no effect, the resident may ask for a mediated conversation with the other person and the House Manager, who will help you work toward a solution.

For conflicts that involve issues that affect the whole house:

  1. If an individual conversation has no effect, the House Manager will issue a verbal warning first.
  2. If the behavior continues, the resident will receive a written warning letter from the House Manager.
  3. If the disruptive behavior doesn’t stop, the resident is choosing not to live in the Recovery Home any longer. The final decision will be made by the Executive Director or their designee.

Additionally, individuals have the right to appeal decisions made regarding their eligibility, the types of programs and services in which they may participate, and any disciplinary actions taken resulting from problems experienced during participation. The appeal process is structured to ensure fairness.

Any resident or program participant may file a grievance by making a written complaint to their House Manager or Service Provider (Housing Specialist, Peer Support Specialist, or Housing Navigator). The House Manager or KHOC Staff may assist the resident or program participant in completing the written complaint. The nature of the complaint should be specified along with the corrective action being sought. The resident or program participant will be given the opportunity to discuss the matter in private. Following a thorough investigation, the resident or program participant will receive a written decision within ten (10) working days, or an appropriate date will be given as to when a response should be expected. If the complaint is regarding a Service Provider, the grievance may be directed to the Program Manager or Clinical Director.

If the decision does not satisfy the resident or program participant, they may bring their written complaint to the Program Manager or Clinical Director. If necessary, a conference of all concerned parties will be set up to settle the complaint within ten (10) working days of notice or of meeting with the Program Manager or Clinical Director. If the complaint is regarding the Program Manager or Clinical Director, the grievance may be directed to the Executive Director.

If the resident or program participant is not satisfied with the decision, the complaint must be presented in writing to the Executive Director. The Executive Director’s decisions are final and binding. In certain cases the Executive Director may choose to select a committee to hear grievances and may make suggestions to them for final decisions. If the complaint is regarding the Executive Director, the grievance may be directed to the Board of Directors.

A complaint does not need to be in any particular format, but must be in writing. If this is a challenge for a resident or program participant, a staff person will be made available for assistance. However, reports of harassment can be verbal, and will be investigated.

For a complaint, the following information should be provided:

Complaints may be submitted directly to the House Manager, Service Providers, the Housing Program Manager or Clinical Director, the Executive Director, or to the admin@kitsaphoc.org email. Grievances are tracked in confidential resident or personnel files to ensure patterns of concern can be identified.

KHOC will ensure that no resident or program participant faces any retribution or is denied services after utilizing this grievance process. Throughout the complaints process, the resident has the right to contact, make a complaint and/or appeal the grievance outcome to the Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR) if they feel the grievance is in violation of the WAQRR Quality Standards. To submit a grievance to WAQRR, visit www.waqrr.org and select “grievances” from the drop-down menu.

Financial Obligations

        Residents are expected to pay the monthly rental fee on time by the 1st of each month, with a five day grace period. If a resident is more than five days late in paying the monthly program fee, they will be charged a late fee of 10%. The late fee may be stopped or prevented with timely communication with KHOC about the residents’ situation and details of their plans/efforts toward payment.

        Residents will pay a refundable security deposit before participating in this program. The Security Deposit is intended to pay the cost of damages, cleaning, excessive wear and tear, and unreturned keys once the resident has left the residence. The deposit will be returned within 21 of the resident leaving the program. The security deposit may be forfeited if the resident leaves and does not give 30 days’ notice. Under special circumstances, the security deposit can be paid in installments. Any security deposit paid for by a grant or other agency will be returned to that grant or agency if the resident leaves the program within six months.

        Residents are expected to pay for drug testing, utilizing five or seven panel tests available for approximately $35 from a pharmacy or drugstore.

        Residents may be required to pay a fine in increments of $50 for any infraction of the program agreement, including but not limited to property damage. Residents will be informed of any fines in a written warning letter with the expectation that the fine is paid with their next rental payment.

        As is outlined in the KHOC Employee Manual, staff members will not lend to or borrow money from residents, or complete other transactions involving property or services. Staff must never become involved in residents’ personal financial affairs, including lending, or borrowing money, or other transitions involving property or services. The operator, the Executive Director or their designee, may make arrangements with residents with respect to payment of rental fees or fines associated with residency at the Recovery Home.

Resident Expectations

        Residents are expected to be responsible for their own activities of daily living. Reasonable accommodations are available. Residents should be involved in their own food preparation and help maintain and clean the home. Residents are expected to share in household expenses. Residents are responsible for ensuring their schedule allows them to attend house meetings.

Good Neighbor Policy

        It is crucial to the long term success of any person in recovery to adopt a new set of skills for approaching a life of recovery. One of the most important is being a part of a community, and adopting pro-neighbor attitudes and behaviors. KHOC Recovery Home residents represent that home and what it stands for. The following guidelines will help residents live in harmony with neighbors and demonstrate excellent recovery behaviors. Residents can greet and introduce themselves to neighbors at appropriate times. Upon request, neighbors should be provided with the contact information of a staff House Manager as a point of contact for the organization beyond the Resident House Manager.

Residents should be respectful of their neighbors and the neighborhood the Recovery Home is located in. Residents agree to not create a nuisance by annoying, disturbing, or interfering with the quiet enjoyment of any other tenant living in the house or nearby resident. Residents should avoid using lewd or offensive language in the Recovery Home and in the neighborhood. Residents must respect curfew and quiet hours.

        No loud noises or odors will arise or emit from the lot that would render the property unsanitary, unsightly, offensive, or detrimental to any other property. Smoking is only allowed in designated outside areas away from doors and windows, to ensure it does not disturb other tenants or neighbors. Cigarette discards must be cleaned up and disposed of in fire safe containers. Residents should avoid loitering off the residence’s property within the neighborhood.

        Residents agree to respect the yard and common natural areas between properties. Residents will not dump anything, including grass, rocks, or dirt, in the yard or common areas. Trash will be kept in covered sanitary containers (not exceeding 96 gallons) and will not be placed or kept in the yard or common areas. Containers will not be visible from the street unless they are being made available for collection (in which case they may be visible for 24 hours before and 24 hours after noon of the day of collection. Tenants agree to not place any signs that are visible from neighboring properties except signs required by legal proceedings or promotional and sales signs approved by KHOC. Artificial lighting will be arranged so the light is shaded/otherwise directed away from the adjoining properties.

        Each resident may have only one car at the residence. Cars must be kept in running order and with proper up to date registration. All residents must park with consideration for others and for safety, taking care not to block driveways, roadways, or other vehicles.

If a neighbor complains and would like to speak to someone in charge, please provide them with the following contact information:

Scott Willard, Executive Director

541-480-5187

Definitions of Required Programs

Minimum qualifications for treatment programs to qualify for the recovery house:

Infractions and Consequences

Infractions (varied in severity and in no particular order):

Prohibited Items:

Consequences (varied in severity and in no particular order):

Pet Policy

        KHOC Recovery Homes do not allow pets, including Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Service Animals, to the extent allowed by law. If a resident has a Service Animal that is trained to perform a task necessary to a resident’s Activities of Daily Living, they may make an appeal to the pet policy and potentially receive an exception. Appeals may be made in the form of a request for a reasonable accommodation, which should be written to the admin@kitsaphoc.org email address.

Over-the-Counter and Prescribed Medications Policy

        KHOC strongly discourages misuse of medications by residents and drug-seeking behaviors. Residents should not leave pill bottles or packages in view of others, as pills can be a trigger for some individuals. Residents should be discreet when taking medications. It is against KHOC policy to self-diagnose (i.e. deciding to cease, increase, or decrease a prescribed medication on a resident’s own). All changes in prescribed medications and dosages must be made in consultation with their prescribing physician. Prescription opiates, stimulants, or cannabis of any kind (including CBD) are not allowed in the home. KHOC staff and the House Manager may utilize inspections of residents’ rooms to confirm proper storage of medications. Any leftover medications remaining after a resident has been discharged will be disposed of at any police station by the House Manager or KHOC staff.

        Syringes must be kept locked in the appropriate resident’s room. Injections should be performed in the bathroom, out of sight. Pens, caps, and testing strips must be disposed of in a dedicated medical container labeled as such. Syringes must be disposed of in an approved sharps container that cannot be opened.

        KHOC supports medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Residents engaging in MAT must sign a release of information with all medical providers. KHOC staff may contact providers with questions or to discuss changes in treatment. Misuse of medications (i.e. altering dosages or providing medication to other residents) is cause for termination of residency.

Carelessness with medications will not be tolerated. Medication should be kept in a locked box or other locking mechanism which may be provided by KHOC if the resident cannot afford one. Medications must be self-administered out of sight of other residents.

Bodily Fluids and Contagious Disease Policy

KHOC will use “universal precautions” to prevent the spread of disease within the home, as follows:

"Universal Precautions" means an approach to infection control that treats all human blood and body fluids as if they are infectious. Generally, Universal Precautions consist of regular hand-washing after coming into contact with another person's body fluids (mucous, saliva, urine, etc.) and includes the use of gloves when handling blood or body fluids that contain blood.

Specifically, Universal Precautions consist of the following four basic infection guidelines:

(A) Hand-washing -

Staff and residents should wash their hands:

1. After assisting wiping one’s nose.

2. Before preparing or eating foods.

3. After using the toilet.

4. Before and after treating or bandaging a cut.

5. After handling urine test kits or collection of urine.

5. After wiping down surfaces, cleaning spills, or any other housekeeping.

6. After being in contact with any body fluids from another person.

7. Even if they wore gloves during contact with body fluids.

(B) Gloves - Staff and residents should always wear gloves:

1. When they come into contact with blood or body fluids that contain blood.

2. When they have open cuts or scratches on their hands.

3. When cleaning up urine, stool, or vomit.

4. When administering first aid for a cut, a bleeding wound, or a bloody nose.

5. And use gloves only one time, for one incident or client.

a. Staff must air dry their hands prior to putting on a new pair of gloves.

6. And dispose of used gloves immediately after use.

(C) Cleaning with a disinfectant – Staff and residents should clean with a disinfectant:

1. On all surfaces and in the resident's room and on an "as needed" basis on any surface that has come into contact with blood.

2. Such as a basic bleach solution, made fresh daily by mixing:

a. 1/4 cup household liquid chlorine bleach in one gallon of tap water, or one tablespoon bleach in one quart of water.

(D) Proper disposal of infectious materials – Staff and residents should dispose of infectious materials by:

1. Placing it in a plastic trash bag, tying it with a secure tie, and disposing of it out of reach of residents

and any children who may be present.

Discharge Policy

KHOC’s Recovery Homes are abstinence-based. The Recovery Homes have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to recurrence of use (relapse) and/or drugs or alcohol being found on the property. When a relapse occurs, circumstances determine how each situation is handled.

Residents agree to take their belongings upon discharge from the premises. Residents’ belongings that are left behind will be held for 72 hours before being put in storage for 30 days before being donated. Residents must make arrangements with the House Manager to collect their belongings. Failure to follow and adhere to the rules and regulations may result in a resident being asked to leave. If they refuse to leave, KHOC may contact appropriate local law enforcement to assist in the removal from the premises.

There are different types of discharges from the KHOC Recovery Home.

House Management

House Managers for Recovery Homes are residents and report directly to the staff House Managers and other KHOC staff. This position requires a detail-oriented individual with leadership skills and a passion for helping others recover from a substance use disorder. The Resident House Manager is a full-time, live-in professional with the responsibility of managing and coordinating the Recovery Home. This includes duties related to administration, housekeeping, and daily living. This position works directly with people in early recovery, providing structure and support to people seeking to establish stable long-term recovery from a substance use disorder. The Resident House Manager or KHOC Staff may not act as a resident’s sponsor.

The Resident House Manager works with people seeking recovery from the time they apply for entry into the program to program completion, or transition to housing in the community. The Resident House Manager oversees daily operations of the Recovery Home. This includes managing and coordinating daily housekeeping tasks, leading weekly “House Meetings,” conducting inspections, and making arrangements for random drug testing.  This position is also involved in supporting residents to develop recovery plans and teaching residents skills needed to live in recovery. The Resident House Manager works as part of a team and receives regular non-clinical supervision.

Candidates for this position must be able to maintain organized records, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and be able to interact appropriately and professionally with people who are working on their recovery. Candidates must also be able to effectively handle emergency/crisis situations as they arise.

House Meetings

        House meetings will be held weekly by the House Manager for at least 20 minutes. All residents are expected to attend. If a person cannot attend, they must contact the House Manager in advance. Repeated failure to attend meetings may result in discharge from the program.

House Meeting topics:

Services Provided

        Any services provided by KHOC are voluntary. KHOC utilizes partnerships with agencies in the community to provide optional opportunities for participation in services including those that support employment, education, volunteering, financial security, and more. KHOC encourages residents to work, attend school, and volunteer. Residents should feel empowered to participate in mutual aid and community support activities. KHOC’s goal for residents is that they do not return to use, they are employed, and are ultimately self-sufficient.  

Room Inspections

KHOC staff and the House Manager have the right and the responsibility to inspect residents’ rooms and the Recovery Homes for illegal substances and inappropriate/hazardous items. Periodic room searches by the House Manager (at least monthly) will occur.

If a resident is found to be in possession of an illegal or inappropriate/hazardous item, upon discovery or admission the item or substance will be confiscated by the house manager and disposed of properly. If, during a residence search, it is discovered that a resident is keeping an illegal substance (e.g. drugs such as cocaine, heroin) or an inappropriate/hazardous item (e.g. a legal but mood-altering drug such as alcohol or a weapon) the item(s) will be confiscated and the resident will be subject to discipline and may be discharged.

Drug Testing

Drug tests mean that you can trust that everyone in the home is on the same page and committed to doing the right thing. Knowing that a drug test could happen at any time may be what a resident needs to stay accountable for their sobriety.

Residents agree to submit to observed drug screening and/or breathalyzer within the reasonable period of time of one (1) hour upon request. While waiting to produce a sample, the resident must remain in the presence of the house manager.

Admission of use or failure to pass a drug screen and/or breathalyzer will result in the resident being discharged for 72 hours and must gather their belongings and leave the home within 15 minutes. The resident is not allowed to drive their vehicle from the house; if the resident attempts to drive, law enforcement will be notified. The resident will be allowed to re-enter residence following a temporary discharge if they can pass another drug screen and/or breathalyzer after the 72-hour discharge period. The resident will then be put on a behavioral contract. If the resident breaks a behavioral contract or fails another drug screen and/or breathalyzer, it will result in permanent termination.  

Residents are responsible for costs of testing. Random drug tests will occur twice a month on a date drawn through a random number generator at the first of the month. Residents will be chosen for the random drug testing through a random number generator. Drug testing may also be performed at the discretion of the House Manager or KHOC staff upon suspicion of substance (drug or alcohol) use.

Return to Use Penalty Policy

First Relapse

Second Relapse

Third Relapse

Intervention Procedure

The House Manager who observes the behavior, or is informed of the possibility of the resident being intoxicated, should evaluate the situation by assessing the following:

If the resident is assessed to potentially be intoxicated or impaired by a substance, the House Manager will ask the resident if he/she has been drinking/using a substance. If the resident acknowledges use, they will follow procedure for a positive drug test depending on the frequency of the relapse. If the resident who is assessed to be intoxicated or impaired by a substance denies using alcohol or drugs, then the House Manager will require a drug test. Also, a room search may be warranted to ensure that no illegal or dangerous substances have been brought into the house. If the drug test/breathalyzer shows a positive reading or the search reveals alcohol or mood altering/illegal substances, then the procedure should be followed.

The House Manager will document the incident in the resident file and discharge the resident. The House Manager, resident’s sponsor, or someone of the resident's family or friends will then transport the resident off of the premises.

Employment

If the resident does not become employed within the first six month program term, the program agreement will not be renewed. Compliance may be evidenced through proof of pay stub or a letter from the employer. Residents who are not working must be out of the residence between 9am-4pm actively looking for employment or volunteering.

Paid Work Agreements

        Paid work agreements between the organization and residents are completely voluntary. Residents do not suffer consequences for declining work. Residents who accept paid work are not treated more favorably than residents who do not and do not get any special privileges for doing the work. All qualified residents are given equal opportunity for available work. Paid work must not impair residents’ progress towards their recovery goals and must not negatively affect the recovery environment or morale of the home. The paid work should be treated the same as any other employment situation. Any wages will be at least minimum wage and at marketplace value. Residents should all view the arrangements as fair. Any unsatisfactory work relationships are terminated without recriminations that can impair recovery.

Treatment Attendance Form

Name:                                        

My Treatment Plan/Recovery Goals:

Date

Group Name/Location

Time

Witness Signature

I certify that the above record is an accurate account of the meetings I have attended:

Signature