Program Rules

Due to the many tours of the program, residents must be fully dressed when not in their room/living space.  In addition, children must be fully dressed. Dress must be modest in keeping with Christian moral standards.

ROOM/PERSONAL SPACE 

• Rooms/personal space must be kept, neat and organized always.
• Coffee pots, hotplates, toaster ovens, microwaves, etc.… are not allowed in the residents room/personal space.
• Residents are not allowed in other residents’ rooms/personal space, halls, floors, or smoking areas.  If a residents desires fellowship with another resident, they must use the common areas.
• Quiet time begins at 8:00 p.m.  in your room by 8 pm and lights out by 9 pm 
• You are required to be in your room/personal space from lights out to wake up. NO EXCEPTIONS! 

HYGIENE 

All residents must maintain personal hygiene habits daily.  This includes but is not limited to showering, brushing teeth and wearing deodorant.

LANGUAGE 

• Conversation between residents should be positive in nature to strengthen and encourage one another.  Sharing of past experiences that are not positive in nature are not allowed.
• No street talk, cursing, backbiting, gossiping or jail talk will be allowed. 
• It is also unacceptable to speak in a derogatory manner towards other residents (same or opposite sex), Staff or any other person.
• Any language that is threating in nature to staff, volunteers, or resident, etc. may be grounds for immediate dismissal. 

PORNOGRAPHY 

Possession of or viewing of pornographic material in any form will not be allowed. 

•  All Clients will observe and maintain the utmost courtesy and manners, demonstrating Christ-like character and attitude toward others.
•  Anyone in the House of Mercy will be expected to dress modestly and appropriate. 
• No imprints displaying vulgar language, beer, alcohol, cigarette ads, or anything deemed lewd or indecent by H.O.M.E.
• All working in the kitchen, dock area, clothing room and delivery truck must wear closed toed shoes. All kitchen employees must wear gloves, aprons, hats or hair nets and all other dress as required by H.O.M.E. and/or the Young County Public Health District.
• Clothing not permitted: Short shorts, tank tops, midriff tops or low-cut tops. Flip flops while working. Tight fitting clothes such as yoga pants unless they are worn as an undergarment. Wind shorts or biking shorts.
• Tattoos deemed vulgar, lewd or inappropriate by H.O.M.E. must be covered while on the job.

AUTOMATIC DISMISSAL 

When a Client has received 3 written violations there will be an exit review determining whether the client must leave or possible stay.

•  Physical violence toward another person – with intent to harm
• Destruction of property –with malicious intent
• Possession of weapons, this includes firearms, knives, shivs, anything that has been made for hurting people or using for self-defense/ Possession of items that could be used as weapons (knives, razor blades, screwdrivers, items other than those listed under weapons)
• Sexual relations with other Clients
• Possession of drugs, synthetic drugs and/or drug paraphernalia
• Selling, lending, trading or giving drugs (illegal or prescription) to other Clients 
•  Refusal to take a drug or alcohol test
•  Refusal to be searched (person, personal belongings or room/personal space)
•  Any Illegal activity not previous listed
• Inappropriate romantic or sexual behavior toward/with any client, resident, volunteer or staff member
•  Stealing-with valid proof
•  Smoking inside the building