House Rules and Safety
Out of the Cold: Centre County is committed to the safety of its guests and volunteers.
Hours of Operation
Public Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Open to the public
Overnight Shelter Hours: 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM – Closed to the public
Only individuals on the overnight guest list are permitted on-site during these hours.
Public Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Open to the public
Overnight Shelter Hours: 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM – Closed to the public
Only individuals on the overnight guest list are permitted on-site during these hours.
General Shelter Rules
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- Use shelter space respectfully and be a good neighbor.
- No weapons or items that can be used as weapons.
- No drugs, alcohol, or vaping on the property.
- We are a smoke-free facility.
- Adults only (18+ years).
- OOTC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- No discrimination, bullying, harassment, or violence will be tolerated.
Entry, Intake, and Arrival
- Guests must update intake forms annually or each time they re-enter the program.
- Overnight guests must arrive by 11:00 PM, unless pre-approved.
- If a guest leaves the building between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM, they may not return until 8:00 AM.
Sleeping Arrangements & Daily Routine
- Men and women sleep in separate rooms.
- Each guest receives:
- 1 bed, 1 pillow, 1 blanket, 1 fitted sheet
- 2 towels and 2 washcloths
- Guests are responsible for cleaning their bedding and doing laundry weekly.
- Wake-up: Between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Guests who work late/overnight or are sick may sleep in with permission.
- Beds must be made and areas cleaned by 9:00 AM.
- Bunks are locked from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Conduct & Behavior Expectations
- Quiet hours are from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
- Phones allowed with earphones and dimmed screens.
- Headphones required for all devices in shared spaces.
- No threatening language or behavior.
- No discrimination based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or background.
- Inappropriate behavior or repeated infractions may result in consequences or removal from the program.
Substance Use & Medication
- No alcohol or drugs permitted.
- If substances are found and not surrendered, the guest will be asked to leave.
- Medical marijuana:
- Allowed off-site only with valid ID and signed form
- Combusting marijuana is not permitted.
- All medications must be kept with the guest or secured by case management (for controlled substances).
- OOTC is not responsible for medication loss.
Weapons Policy
- No guns allowed on property – police will be contacted and the guest will be banned.
- Other weapons will be bagged, labeled, locked, and returned when guests depart.
- Possession of a weapon will result in a formal consequence.
Property & Belongings
- Guests receive:
- One 3-drawer storage unit
- One locker
- Optional tote stored in OOTC shed
- All items must be kept in designated spaces.
- Property may be searched at any time if needed.
- Lost & Found: Items left behind will be stored for 45 days, then donated or discarded.
Kitchen, Showers, Laundry
- Showers closed from 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM
- Kitchen closed to guests after dinner.
- Guests are expected to:
- Shower regularly
- Wash bedding weekly
- Do personal laundry weekly
- Clean dishes immediately after use
Case Management & Program Participation
- Weekly meetings with case managers are mandatory.
- Guests must complete and review weekly goal sheets.
- Guests will be shown three suitable apartment options during their stay.
- If all three are declined, guests have 30 days to find housing or return to the waitlist.
- Guests must complete assigned chores daily by 8:00 PM.
- House activities are mandatory, unless the guest is working (proof required).
Absence & Exit PoliciesNights Out
- Guests absent 3 nights in a row will be removed from the guest list.
- No more than 10 nights out per month (resets monthly).
- Extended absences must be approved by the Director or Case Management.
- If exited for behavior 3+ nights, the guest loses their bed.
- A 90-day probation is required before reapplying to the waitlist after any exit.
Point System
Guests may receive demerits for:
Guests may receive demerits for:
- Missing case management or house meetings
- Declining to participate in required activities
- Behavioral issues or program violations
Additional Policies
- Mail: Sent to 318 S. Atherton Street. Held for 45 days after departure.
- Dress Code: Guests must remain clothed at all times. No changing in common areas.
- Photos/Videos: Not allowed, especially of other guests.
- Animals: No pets. Service animals allowed with documentation and proof of vaccinations.
- Vehicles: Must be inspected, registered, and insured. No sleeping in vehicles or allowing others in your car on property.
- Transportation: Temporary rides for overnight guests only (for work, medical, housing). Staff can connect guests with CATA or County Transportation.
- Video Surveillance: Security cameras are used onsite. Footage is for staff or police use only.
Policy Changes
All rules are subject to change at the discretion of Out of the Cold.
All rules are subject to change at the discretion of Out of the Cold.
