House Rules and Safety 

Out of the Cold: Centre County is committed to the safety of its guests and volunteers.

​Our House Rules

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Use the shelter space in a respectful manner. 
• Be a good neighbor. 
• No weapons are allowed in the shelter, and nothing may be used as a weapon at the shelter. 
• Substance use is not allowed on the premises.

​House Rules (detailed) and Safety Code:

• ADMITTANCE TO SHELTER: To spend the night at the shelter site, guests must register by calling the guest registration phone number (814.852.8864) or register at the shelter site on the sign-up sheet. First time guests of Out of the Cold must participate in an intake interview with a staff member. If a returning guest has not been at the shelter for more than 1 month, a new intake will be completed. If a guest requests an overnight stay, but doesn't show up for 3 nights, their space is forfeited.
• ARRIVAL: Guests must arrive at the shelter site between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. 
• ADULTS ONLY: All guests must be 18 years old to stay at the shelter. If a guest is underage, the police and other agencies will be contacted that can assist in finding shelter arrangements. 
• SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: Men and women sleep in separate rooms or separate assigned areas. Guests are assigned a cot and given three blankets during their stay. 
• PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Guests are responsible for their personal belongings. Some shelter sites may require guests to take belongings with them each day. OOTC and host sites are not liable for any lost or stolen personal belongings. There is limited but additional storage for personal belongings at the day shelter and resource center.
• MEDICATION: Medications must be kept with personal belongings. Volunteers and staff may not dispense prescribed medication. OOTC will not be held liable for lost or stolen medication.
• QUIET TIME: Quiet time begins at 11:00 p.m and ends at 6:30am. Do not use your phone or other electronic devices during these hours, unless you are using headphones. No phone conversations after 11pm. Guests should stay on cots until 5:30 am.
• WAKE UP AND DEPARTURE: Guests are asked to be up by 6:15am and leave the host site by 7:30 a.m (these times are site dependent and will be announced at each site). Before leaving each morning, guests should place belongings on their cots and help clean up around the shelter. No open food should be left behind. 
• WEAPONS: No guns are allowed on site. If a gun is found in possession, the police will be called. All other weapons will be put into a labeled bag and placed in a secure lock box. Items will be returned upon departure. If a volunteer finds that a guest is in possession of a weapon, there will be a formal consequence. 
• ALCOHOL/DRUGS: No alcohol or drugs are allowed on the site. If a guest comes to the site with any alcohol or drugs, they will be given a formal consequence. 
• BEHAVIOR: The shelter should be a safe and respectful environment. If a guest's behavior is unsafe or disrespectful (after being reminded), there will be a formal consequence. 
• VIOLENCE: Physical violence toward anyone on the site is not acceptable. Any use of violence, will result in a formal consequence. 
• LANGUAGE: Threatening or abusive language, bullying or harassing tones is not tolerated. 
• SMOKING: The use of tobacco products is allowed only in designated areas at the shelter site. Guests must abide by the final smoke policy of the host site. It is not acceptable to leave or throw cigarette butts anywhere on site property except in the designated receptacles. 
• APPROPRIATE ATTIRE: Guests should be clothed at all times. No changing of clothes in common areas. 
• PHOTOS or VIDEOS: No photos or videos may be taken of other guests while on site. 
• SERVICE ANIMALS: Pets are not allowed at the shelter sites. Service animals may be allowed to stay given the following: It is the guest’s responsibility to clean-up and care for the service animal. If the service animal injures someone or causes damages, the service animal will have to leave the site.
• SITE PROPERTY: Damaging or defacing site property may be cause for exiting the program. 
• DESIGNATED CHURCH AREAS: There are designated areas for Out of the Cold at each shelter site. Anything outside of those designated areas is off-limits.
• COVID GUIDELINES: Masks must be worn at all times, except on cots and while eating. There are rules and policies specific to COVID-19 which can  be found on a separate document. If a guest refuses to wear a mask, there will be a formal consequence.
• DAY SHELTER & RESOURCE CENTER: All guests are invited and encouraged to utilize the day shelter space, located at 318 South Atherton Street. Hours are Monday-Friday from 9am-2pm. Guests are expected to do regular meetings and work on their personal plan for housing and other resources with OOTC staff. The day shelter and resource center offers showers, laundry, a mid-day meal, access to phone and computers/printer and other basic needs. 
  
  

Consequences: 
Consequences vary depending upon infraction. Consequences will be enforced to guarantee the safety of guests, volunteers, and staff. The rules and consequences will remain consistent from site to site and will be enforced accordingly. All guests will sign a paper stating that they have been shown and understand the rules and consequences.