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ALAMEDA COUNTY
EMERGENCY SHELTER STANDARDS
FOR YEAR-ROUND SHELTERS
April 2022 Update
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 2
PREFACE
These Emergency Shelter Standards, adopted by the Board of Supervisors on February 27, 2017, were
developed based on the guiding principles of inclusion, dignity, accessibility, self-determination, and
mutual accountability. They are intended to ensure a consistent quality of care across all County-funded
emergency shelters and to operationalize the County’s commitment to providing low barrier, housing
first, and emergency shelter services to those without homes in our community. County funded
emergency shelters are expected to meet these operating standards as a requirement of county funding.
The standards were developed through a community process that included surveying the practices of
existing county funded shelters, reviewing standards from other communities and other public funding
standards, such as those required by the federal Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program and the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Meetings were held with shelter operators and city
funders, and the standards were posted online for public comment in March of 2016. Twenty-eight
shelter programs and dozens of stakeholders, including people with homelessness expertise, provided
feedback that informed the final version.
Most county funded shelters already meet many of these standards, and it is understood that compliance
will increase over time. Technical assistance (TA) and training will help shelters to meet the standards
over the course of the next several years.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................................................... 3
GUIDING PRINCIPLES .................................................................................................................................... 6
COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES ...................................................................................................................... 7
CV1. Stay informed of key COVID-19 guidance and resources .............................................................. 7
CV2. Vaccines and vaccine tracking for residents and staff ................................................................... 7
CV3. Safety Protocols for Shelter Staff, Volunteers and Visitors ........................................................... 9
CV4. Provide hygiene and prevention materials to staff and residents .............................................. 10
CV5. Screen residents for symptoms, risk, and health care provider status ....................................... 11
CV6. Refer Symptomatic and Exposed Residents to COVID-19 Isolation Housing .............................. 12
CV7. Practice safe physical distancing in the shelter setting, including adequate ventilation ............ 12
CV8. Isolate and provide care for symptomatic persons ..................................................................... 13
CV9. Sanitation: routine cleaning and disinfecting throughout shelter .............................................. 14
CV10. Appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and infection prevention routines . 15
CV11. Keep funding partners up to date on changes at the shelter due to COVID-19 ........................ 16
CV12. COVID-19 protocols during a county-wide, statewide, or national disaster (e.g., fire,
earthquake, etc.) .................................................................................................................................... 17
A. SHELTER OPERATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 18
A1. Admission ....................................................................................................................................... 18
A2. Denial of admission ........................................................................................................................ 18
A3. Intake ............................................................................................................................................. 19
A4. Length of stay ................................................................................................................................. 19
A5. Hours .............................................................................................................................................. 19
A6. Sleeping hours ................................................................................................................................ 19
A7. Resident rights ............................................................................................................................... 19
A8. Resident responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 20
A9. Confidentiality ................................................................................................................................ 21
A10. Transfer between shelters ............................................................................................................. 21
A11. Voluntary services .......................................................................................................................... 21
A12. Visitors ........................................................................................................................................... 21
A13. Language accessibility .................................................................................................................... 21
A14. Curfew ............................................................................................................................................ 22
A15. Resident input ................................................................................................................................ 22
A16. Participation in religious activities ................................................................................................. 22
A17. Chores ............................................................................................................................................ 22
A18. Handling resident mail ................................................................................................................... 22
A19. Storage of resident belongings ...................................................................................................... 22
A20. Medication ..................................................................................................................................... 23
A21. Resident emergency information .................................................................................................. 24
A22. Universal precautions .................................................................................................................... 24
A23. First aid supplies ............................................................................................................................ 24
A24. Weapons ........................................................................................................................................ 24
A25. Pets/Service Animals ...................................................................................................................... 24
A26. Smoking .......................................................................................................................................... 24
A27. Accessibility .................................................................................................................................... 24
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 4
A28. Non-discrimination/reasonable accommodation .......................................................................... 25
A29. Transgender access ........................................................................................................................ 25
A30. Grievance ....................................................................................................................................... 25
A31. Emergency response ...................................................................................................................... 26
A32. Abuse reporting ............................................................................................................................. 26
A33. Drug and alcohol use/possession .................................................................................................. 26
A34. Infectious disease .......................................................................................................................... 26
A35. Search of Resident Possessions ..................................................................................................... 27
A36. Discharge Reasons ......................................................................................................................... 27
A37. Discharge requirements ................................................................................................................. 28
A38. Storage of belongings after discharge ........................................................................................... 29
B. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................... 30
B1. Staff on duty ................................................................................................................................... 30
B2. Living wage ..................................................................................................................................... 30
B3. First aid capacity ............................................................................................................................ 30
B4. Hiring .............................................................................................................................................. 30
B5. Infectious disease control .............................................................................................................. 30
C. STAFF TRAINING ...................................................................................................................................... 32
C1. Documenting Training.................................................................................................................... 32
C2. Required Training ........................................................................................................................... 32
D. STANDARDS FOR FAMILY SHELTERS ONLY ............................................................................................. 33
D1. Definition of families ...................................................................................................................... 33
D2. Diaper changing space ................................................................................................................... 33
D3. Child supervision ............................................................................................................................ 33
D4. Child safety proofing ...................................................................................................................... 33
D5. Inspections ..................................................................................................................................... 33
D6. Play space ....................................................................................................................................... 33
D7. Facilities ......................................................................................................................................... 33
D8. Collaboration with early childhood programs ............................................................................... 33
D9. Collaboration with schools ............................................................................................................ 34
D10. Toys ................................................................................................................................................ 34
D11. Referrals ......................................................................................................................................... 34
D12. Home visits ..................................................................................................................................... 34
D13. Food storage and preparation ....................................................................................................... 34
D14. Furniture/Cribs ............................................................................................................................... 34
E. FOOD SERVICE ......................................................................................................................................... 35
E1. Sanitary facilities ............................................................................................................................ 35
E2. Donated Food ................................................................................................................................ 35
E3. Meal schedule ................................................................................................................................ 35
E4. Dietary modifications ..................................................................................................................... 35
E5. CalFresh .......................................................................................................................................... 35
E6. Dining facilities ............................................................................................................................... 35
E7. Food allergies ................................................................................................................................. 35
E8. Food Safety .................................................................................................................................... 36
F. PHYSICAL PLANT ...................................................................................................................................... 37
F1. Basic building standards and fire safety ........................................................................................ 37
F2. Safety standards ............................................................................................................................ 37
F3. Toilets/Washbasins ........................................................................................................................ 37
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 5
F4. Showers .......................................................................................................................................... 37
F5. Hygiene products ........................................................................................................................... 37
F6. Beds/linens .................................................................................................................................... 37
F7. Drinking water ............................................................................................................................... 38
F8. Outlet access .................................................................................................................................. 38
F9. Sanitation and Cleanliness ............................................................................................................. 38
F10. Pest control .................................................................................................................................... 38
F11. Maintenance/ Repair ..................................................................................................................... 38
F12. Phone access .................................................................................................................................. 38
F13. Hazardous materials ...................................................................................................................... 39
F14. Entrances/ Exits ............................................................................................................................. 39
F15. Agency vehicle ............................................................................................................................... 39
G. SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................................................. 40
G1. Health services access .................................................................................................................... 40
G2. Recordkeeping ............................................................................................................................... 40
G3. Assessment .................................................................................................................................... 40
G4. Service linkage ............................................................................................................................... 40
G5. Housing plan .................................................................................................................................. 40
G6. Housing support services ............................................................................................................... 41
G7. Referral follow up .......................................................................................................................... 41
G8. Transportation ............................................................................................................................... 41
G9. Exit planning ................................................................................................................................... 41
G10. Staffing qualifications .................................................................................................................... 41
H. ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................................................................... 42
H1. Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) .................................................................... 42
H2. Data Quality ................................................................................................................................... 42
H3. Tracking denials ............................................................................................................................. 42
H4. Tracking discharges ........................................................................................................................ 42
H5. Board of Directors .......................................................................................................................... 42
H6. Job descriptions ............................................................................................................................. 42
H7. Fiscal system .................................................................................................................................. 42
APPENDIX 1: Shelter Standards 2022 Update Timeline .............................................................................. 43
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 6
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Alameda County Emergency Shelter Standards are grounded in the following principles and values
that promote a philosophy for service provision. These principles and values are not shelter standards but
are intended to help guide the delivery of shelter services.
1. The health and safety of residents, volunteers and staff should be safeguarded within each shelter.
2. All homeless people have the right to shelter service regardless of religious affiliation, race, color,
national origin, ancestry, political or religious beliefs, language, disability, family composition, gender
identity and/or sexual orientation. Staff must respect and be sensitive to the diversity of residents.
Residents’ rights must be protected against all forms of discrimination.
3. The shelter will provide an atmosphere of dignity and respect for all shelter residents and provide
services in a non-judgmental manner.
4. Residents can move toward increasing levels of self-reliance and self-determination. Shelter staff will
work with residents to assist them in achieving their goals.
5. Shelter staff often have access to detailed and highly sensitive personal information about residents.
Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of shelter residents and their personal information is of the
utmost importance.
6. People who are homeless have few resources, and the shelter system is often their final option to
receive the basic necessities of life: food and shelter. Issuing service restrictions in the shelter system
must be done in accordance with these standards and only as a last resort and in the most serious
cases.
7. People who are homeless, like other members of our community, may use substances to varying
degrees. Everyone is entitled to shelter services whether they use substances or not. As a result, these
standards require that admission, discharge, and service restriction policies must not be based on
substance use alone, unless otherwise specifically provided for in these standards.
8. Shelter residents must be offered opportunities to be involved in service provision, program planning,
development and evaluation, and policy development in order to provide effective shelter programs
and services.
9. In shelters where support services are provided, staff should actively attempt to engage all residents
in services designed to support shelter exit to stable housing with consideration given to each
resident's barriers to engagement. Residents shall not be discharged for lack of participation in
services unless a resident has refused to work towards a housing plan and/or has refused multiple
housing opportunities and only after diligent efforts have been made to engage the resident.
10. All shelter residents are entitled to just and standardized procedures for determining eligibility,
admissions, sanctions, dismissals, and grievance resolution.
11. All program residents are entitled to enjoy the maximum amount of privacy within the constrictions
of the shelter environment.
12. Shelters are part of a larger network of homeless services and agencies. Collaboration within this
network is important to ensure effective and coordinated services.
These standards are subject to annual review and revision and shelter providers are encouraged to
provide feedback on these standards and suggest future modifications.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 7
COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES
This section of the Shelter Standards is in effect until further notice, as of January 2022.
CV1. Stay informed of key COVID-19 guidance and resources
1. Shelters shall coordinate closely with the Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless
(ACHCH) program and have a system to share information and health and safety updates to
staff and residents. Shelters shall regularly review and utilize the most updated guidance
from these resources. Due to continuous updates to public health guidance as the COVD-19
pandemic evolves, shelters shall verify the latest guidance with ACHCH via their website,
weekly shelter provider calls, and direct technical assistance. Any updated guidance related
to COVID-19 from ACHCH or the Alameda County Public Health Officer supersedes any
conflicting guidance in this document:
a. ACHCH Homeless Providers Community Calls. Contact ACHCH to receive information to
participate in these conference calls that provide resources and technical assistance for
COVID-19 response to homeless service providers.
b. ACHCH Shelter Health Guidance webpage
c. ACHCH COVID-19 guidance and resource
d. ACHCH Shelter Providers COVID-19 response checklist
e. Alameda County Public Health Department COVID-19 updates and guidance
f. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Guidance and Resources
g. CDC Interim Guidance for Homeless Shelters
h. Housing & Urban Development Department (HUD) Infectious Disease Toolkit for
Shelters
i. Seattle King County Sanitation and Hygiene Guide
2. Maintain a designated staff person as the point of contact (POC) with the ACHCH program.
Consult with ACHCH for additional guidance needed that is not included in ACHCH’s online
resources or the Alameda County Emergency Shelter Standards.
3. Any updated guidance or mandates released by the Alameda County Public Health Officer,
California State Public Health Officer, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that
differs from current guidance will replace the current guidance. If a shelter is subject to COVID-
19 safety requirements by both a City and County, the more restrictive of the requirements
shall apply to the shelter.
CV2. Vaccines and vaccine tracking for residents and staff
* Vaccines are the best way to protect staff and residents and stop the community spread
of COVID-19.
1. Shelters shall make every available effort to ensure that staff are vaccinated. In compliance
with the California State Public Health Officer Order of July 26, 2021, all homeless shelters in
Alameda County must require all staff to be vaccinated or submit a negative COVID-19 test
to managers weekly.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 8
a. Shelters shall distribute a written COVID-19 Vaccination Policy to all employees and
volunteers. All employees must review and sign the policy to confirm agreement to
comply with the policy. The signed forms shall be kept in employee files.
b. Employees must provide documentation supporting medical and religious exemptions,
and shelters must review documentation to evaluate legitimate application of
exemptions claimed.
c. Vaccination information must be kept confidential in the workplace, except for reporting
to management and Human Resources. Shelters shall utilize mechanisms to keep
information private, such as private online portals for reporting.
d. Shelters may not exercise or allow harassment of or discrimination against employees
who request or receive legal exemptions from vaccination requirements.
e. Shelters must allow employees paid time off to get vaccinated for COVID-19. The policy
for paid time off must be outlined in the shelter’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
2. Shelters shall develop and implement a plan to vaccinate all residents and staff who are willing
to be vaccinated. Shelters will utilize resources on the ACHCH Vaccine Webpage to identify
local vaccination resources for residents and staff, and/or set up an ACHCH-provided vaccine
clinic at the shelter by contacting ACHCH. Shelters will partner with ACHCH to continue to
increase and maximize their vaccination rate of residents and staff. Shelters will provide a copy
of their vaccination plan to County partners upon request.
3. Shelters shall provide information and resources to shelter residents and staff about COVID-19
vaccination to help them make informed decisions about getting vaccinated. Shelters shall
utilize the ACHCH Vaccine Webpage for resources to share with residents, and refer residents
to their primary care physician for medical advice about getting vaccinated.
a. Shelter staff may not advise residents not to get vaccinated, as this does not comply with
shelter policies, as well as federal and state guidelines to encourage COVID-19
vaccination. This behavior is appropriate grounds for disciplinary action.
b. Shelters are encouraged to arrange workshops with medical professionals to discuss
COVID-19 vaccination with shelter residents and staff. The ACHCH can provide assistance
as needed.
4. Shelters shall ensure that staff review and utilize information on ACHCH Vaccine Webpage,
including:
a. List of Alameda County vaccine sites
b. ACHCH Community Care vaccine schedule
c. Moderna, Pfizer and Janssen information packets
d. COVID-19 Vaccination Resources
e. Vaccine posters for shelters
5. Shelters shall track vaccination status of residents, including how many residents are
vaccinated. The tracking log should include:
a. Names of residents
b. Age
c. Gender
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 9
d. Known illnesses and health conditions
6. Shelters shall apply the same vaccination policies and protocols that are applied to staff to on-
site volunteers.
7. Shelters may not require a negative COVID-19 test or COVID-19 vaccination as a condition to
enter the shelter, but they shall request, but not require, proof of COVID-19 vaccination status
and complete the COVID-19 health screening at intake, carry out at least daily symptoms
screening (Section CV5), and refer clients to Isolation Housing at Operation Comfort or a
designated isolation room at the shelter if the client confirms COVD-19 symptoms or exposure
to a confirmed COVID-19-positive individual. See Sections CV6 and CV8 for further details on
Isolation Housing referrals and isolation spaces at shelters.
a. If space allows, shelters are encouraged to establish one or more isolation rooms that can
be occupied by new residents after intake for their first 10-14 days in the shelter before
being assigned to a regular room or dorm.
8. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination status shall be requested from all staff, as well as requested from
all residents at intake and when appropriate during health screenings. Shelters may not accept
self-attestation/self-reporting as verification of COVID-19 vaccination status, due to the high-risk
nature of the shelter environment for transmission. Acceptable forms of verification are:
a. Vaccination card (includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided, and date
last dose administered); or
b. A photo of a vaccination card as a separate document; or
c. A photo of, or QR code linking to, a vaccine card stored on a phone or electronic device;
or
d. Documentation of vaccination from a health care provider; or
e. Documentation of vaccination from the California Immunization Registry (CAIR)
Any staff or resident unable or unwilling to provide one of these forms of verification shall be
documented as unvaccinated for COVID-19. Staff or residents who provide acceptable forms of
verification of vaccination are only considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the recorded date of
vaccination.
CV3. Safety Protocols for Shelter Staff, Volunteers and Visitors
1. Shelters shall effectively screen all staff, volunteers and visitors for symptoms or potential
exposure before or when they arrive at the shelter every day, regardless of COVID-19
vaccination status. See the latest “ACHCH Shelter Health Guidance for Shelter Providers”
document on the ACHCH Shelter Health Guidance webpage for examples of screening
questions.
2. Shelters shall not allow shelter staff, volunteers, or visitors to come to work or stay at the
shelter if they are sick, do not pass the COVID-19 health screening, are under COVID-19
quarantine, have reason to believe they have been exposed to a COVID-19-positive individual,
or are not in compliance with the vaccination requirements outlined in Section CV2.1.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 10
3. Shelters are encouraged to redirect unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and
immunocompromised staff and volunteers who are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection, to
duties that require no contact or less contact with residents, to the extent possible.
4. Shelters shall ensure staff, volunteers, and visitors avoid all close contact with and maintain 6
feet of distance from residents to the greatest extent possible, including symptomatic and
asymptomatic persons.
5. Shelters shall implement Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards for workplace
safety for employees.
6. Shelters shall ensure that staff and volunteers model for residents the consistent practice of
all COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures as outlined throughout Sections CV1-CV12 of
the Alameda County Emergency Shelter Standards and the most current “ACHCH Shelter Health Guidance for Shelter Providers” document on the ACHCH Shelter Health Guidance
webpage.
a. Newly hired staff and volunteers shall receive COVID-19 safety training before
beginning any work at the shelter.
b. Shelters shall establish a disciplinary procedure for staff who do not comply with
COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures. Shelters should utilize a system of
reminders and warnings, appropriate one-on-one refresher trainings or other types
of supervisor/peer support as needed, and opportunities to correct behavior and
receive supervisor feedback on sufficient correction—before disciplinary action is
taken. Shelters shall apply this procedure consistently to all staff, and take
appropriate disciplinary action to address non-compliance.
c. Shelters shall suspend or terminate any staff who repeatedly demonstrate behavior
that endangers the health and safety of shelter residents and staff due to non-
compliance with COVID-19 safety measures.
7. Limiting unnecessary travel in and out of the shelter:
a. Shelters shall establish a “No Visitors” policy or establish appropriate restrictions on
the existing visitors’ policy to maintain COVID-19 safety. Residents are encouraged
to utilize e-visits whenever possible, and shelters shall assist residents with the
technology for this, as appropriate.
8. Shelters shall plan ahead for staff absences and turnover to ensure adequate supervision of
shelter activities at all times, to the extent possible.
CV4. Provide hygiene and prevention materials to staff and residents
1. All residents who are new intakes to the shelter must receive a complete orientation to the
shelter’s COVID-19 rules and requirements before being assigned to a bed or room.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 11
2. Shelters shall have the following hygiene supplies available and accessible for residents and
staff at multiple locations throughout the shelter:
a. Easy access to soap, water, and hand-drying resources to ensure frequent handwashing
b. Hand sanitizer
c. Tissues
d. Wastebaskets, emptied regularly
3. Shelters shall ensure that all staff, volunteers, and residents wear a mask unless eating,
drinking, or sleeping, or if in their assigned room with only asymptomatic/non-infected
members of their own household. See the latest “ACHCH Shelter Health Guidance for Shelter
Providers” document on the ACHCH Shelter Health Guidance webpage for more detailed
guidance about masks.
a. Masks must be changed and disposed of immediately if they get saturated.
b. Hands must be washed before and after changing a mask to prevent the spread of
germs. See Section CV10.3 for further guidance on how to appropriately use a mask.
c. See the ACHCH webpage for guidance on appropriate masks.
4. Shelters shall maintain adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies, and train staff,
volunteers, and residents on proper use of PPE. See Section CV10 for further guidance on
proper PPE use and PPE inventory management.
5. Shelters shall ensure that flyers and posters have educational information clearly visible and
available to staff, volunteers, and residents, including: Symptoms, Wear a Mask, Cover Your
Cough, Wash Your Hands, Physical Distancing Meals, Physical Distancing Sleeping
6. Shelters shall communicate COVID-19 information to residents using methods that overcome
language, cultural and disability barriers, including the use of multilingual staff or language
interpretation services described in Section A13 of the Alameda County Emergency Shelter
Standards.
CV5. Screen residents for symptoms, risk, and health care provider status
1. Shelters shall follow this guidance to screen residents for symptoms and risk of infection:
a. Follow guidelines in the Shelter Providers COVID+ Resident Checklist.
b. Provide symptom management checks 2 times daily, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination
status, and record on this Shelter Residents Symptoms Screening Log.
i. Only taking temperatures is not a comprehensive way to screen for symptoms.
However, taking temperatures is crucial, and shelters shall refer any clients with
temperatures over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and their accompanying household
members, to the isolation process described in Standards CV5.2, CV6 and CV8.
ii. Ask open-ended questions (i.e. Are you feeling ok? Any new or unexplained
symptoms? Have you had recent contact with anyone known to have COVID-19?).
See sample screening questions in Section 2 of the ACHCH Shelter Health
Guidance for COVID-19 and Influenza document.
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iii. Limit contact between individuals by using phones or written questionnaires to
perform health screening as feasible, especially when conducting triage about
symptoms and exposures to communicable diseases.
2. Shelters shall take the following actions to address residents who are experiencing COVID-19
symptoms, under quarantine, or have reason to believe they have been exposed to a COVID-
19-positive individual:
a. Place them in isolation, separated from other residents in the shelter. See Section C8
below for further instructions on isolation procedures.
b. Refer symptomatic residents or residents who have confirmed recent contact with
COVID-19-positive individuals to COVID-19 Isolation Housing as soon as possible. See
Section C6 below.
c. Call 911 if a person has severe symptoms (shaking, high fevers, difficulty breathing,
difficulty walking, inability to stay hydrated, unable to care for self in shelter/tent).
j. Contact ACHCH’s COVID-19 Outbreak Response Lead at the phone number or email
listed in the most current “ACHCH Shelter Health Guidance for Shelter Providers”
document on the ACHCH Shelter Health Guidance webpage ASAP.
3. Shelters shall make referrals for COVID-19 testing frequently:
a. Refer to https://covid-19.acgov.org/testing.page?#Community for free community
testing locations nearby.
b. Consider requesting regular on-site testing by ACHCH.
4. Shelters shall coordinate access to Health Care:
a. Ensure that shelter residents have access to a primary care provider. People with chronic
health conditions continue to need ongoing health care during the pandemic.
CV6. Refer Symptomatic and Exposed Residents to COVID-19 Isolation Housing
Refer to the ACHCH Shelter Health Guidance webpage for the latest guidance on referrals to
COVID-19 Isolation/Quarantine Housing for symptomatic and COVID-19-exposed shelter
residents.
CV7. Practice safe physical distancing in the shelter setting, including adequate ventilation
1. Shelters shall ensure that all residents and staff follow current orders from the Alameda
County Public Health Officer for safe physical distancing. As of the publication of this Shelter
Standards update, the current order being utilized is Alameda County Public Health Officer’s
Order No. 20-14c.
2. Shelters shall continue filling beds and rooms at reduced capacity at levels confirmed with
ACHCH and their Alameda County funding agency, until advised otherwise. For family shelters
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 13
with rooms, a maximum of one family or 2 singles per room is advised for optimum safety.
Shelters will consult with ACHCH if there is a need to explore safely exceeding this guideline.
a. Shelters may consider extending the available physical space of their shelters through
the use of supplemental shelter options such as hotel rooms (outside of Project
Roomkey), trailers, etc.
b. Installing physical barriers such as plastic or cloth sheets in between beds is
encouraged to enable higher capacity in the shelter.
3. Shelters shall ensure that all staff and residents shall keep at least 6 feet of “social distancing”
with other people outside of their household, avoid handshakes, hugs, etc.
4. Shelters shall separate high-risk residents in sleeping quarters, dining spaces, and shelter
activities, as appropriate. Residents identified as higher risk for contracting COVID-19
infection are elderly, immunocompromised, and/or experiencing chronic illness.
5. Shelters shall provide appropriate, safe outdoor space for resident and staff activities to the
extent possible, to provide outdoor options for activities formerly conducted indoors, such as
dining, meetings, workshops, etc.
6. Shelters shall maintain adequate ventilation by keeping windows and doors ajar to create
airflow as much as possible, using filters in HVAC systems and portable air filters, and
maintaining appropriate spacing of people, furniture, and activities.
7. Shelters shall maintain safe physical distancing in sleeping arrangements.
a. See CDC guidance for Physical Distancing Sleeping.
b. Divide up sleeping spaces into smaller groups, with at least 6’ between each bed.
c. Create room dividers to separate beds.
8. Shelters shall maintain safe physical distancing in food and dining activities.
a. See CDC guidance for Physical Distancing Meals.
b. Provide “grab and go” meals.
c. Stagger scheduled meal sessions to enable people to eat at separate times and
locations.
d. Allow for outdoor dining spaces as appropriate.
e. Staff preparing food shall wear masks at all times and follow all applicable food safety
guidelines.
CV8. Isolate and provide care for symptomatic persons
1. Shelters shall make contingency plans for outbreak situations in which a shelter may need
to convert to a Quarantine In Place environment.
2. Shelters shall provide temporary isolation space when no other isolation options are available
or when waiting for referral to Isolation Housing. Symptomatic persons with no other
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 14
isolation options, or who are awaiting referral or transport to Isolation Housing, should be
enabled to temporarily isolate in a separate, well-ventilated room, kept out of close contact
(at least 6’) of others, arrange to receive “to go” bag lunches, water, tissue and face masks.
They should be provided with medical care information and “home” isolation. Refer to the
Isolation vs. Quarantine FAQ from the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD)
for more information.
3. Shelters shall provide appropriate designated isolation spaces at the shelter for symptomatic
persons:
a. Designate a space for people who may become symptomatic. If possible, designate a
nearby separate bathroom just for symptomatic people. Develop a plan for cleaning the
room at least daily.
b. Require the resident to wear a surgical mask.
c. Encourage the resident to lie down and rest.
d. Prevent dehydration. Encourage resident to drink plenty of water, clear soup,
decaffeinated tea, juice. Bring food to the resident to avoid contact with other persons.
e. Provide resident with hand sanitizer, tissues and plastic bag or lined garbage bag to
dispose of tissues.
f. Encourage resident to cough into their elbow area or cover their mouth with tissues or
paper towels when they cough or sneeze.
g. Avoid housing the sick person in a room with people who have health conditions that
increase their risk of complications from COVID-19, these include but are not limited to
HIV, asthma, diabetes and pregnancy.
h. Use sheets or curtains to create temporary barriers between beds.
i. Check in on resident several times a day and continue symptoms screening.
4. The Shelter COVID-19 Isolation Housing Lead will maintain communication between affected
resident/s, the ACPHD COVID-19 Investigators, Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless and
Operation Comfort to coordinate and communicate around Isolation and Quarantine orders,
resident discharge from Operation Comfort, and completion of Health Officer-ordered isolation
or quarantine carried out at a shelter site.
CV9. Sanitation: routine cleaning and disinfecting throughout shelter
1. Shelters shall review and become familiar with the Seattle King County Sanitation and Hygiene
Guide.
2. Shelters shall conduct routine cleaning and disinfecting of shelters.
a. High touch areas such as doorknobs, door handles, countertops, appliances, furniture,
sinks, toilets, etc. likely to be contaminated should be cleaned and disinfected at least
daily.
i. More frequent cleaning/disinfecting every two hours or multiple times per day is
recommended if possible.
ii. Incorporate routine cleaning and disinfecting tasks into shelter staff’s daily
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 15
responsibilities and/or increase frequency of contracted janitorial services.
b. A 10% bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach to 1-gallon water) is adequate. After cleaning, let
a bleach solution stand for 3-5 minutes and air dry.
i. Review more detailed information in the “How and When to Disinfect Surfaces:
COVID-19” handout from the Seattle and King County Public Health Department.
c. Be sure to use a separate procedure for first cleaning a surface, then disinfecting it:
Disinfection usually requires the product to remain on the surface for a certain period of
time (e.g., letting it stand for 3 to 5 minutes) with an EPA-registered disinfectant, after
the surface has been cleaned with soap and water.
d. Personnel performing the cleaning and disinfecting should use disposable gloves.
e. Use damp cleaning methods. Dry dusting or sweeping can cause airborne virus droplets.
f. Change mop heads, rags, and similar items used for cleaning and disinfecting frequently.
g. Clean, disinfect, and dry equipment used for cleaning after each use.
h. Items such as dishes, linens, or eating utensil do not need to be cleaned separately, but it
is important to note these items should not be shared or used by others before they are
cleaned.
3. Shelters shall maintain adequate cleaning and disinfecting supplies that are made available to
residents to use to routinely clean and disinfect their assigned rooms, spaces, and personal
possessions.
CV10. Appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and infection prevention routines
1. Shelters shall use PPE: Depending on the role in the shelter, staff will have different PPE
needs.
a. Janitor- gloves and surgical mask.
b. Food server- gloves and surgical mask.
c. Shelter staff- surgical masks and gloves when touching residents.
2. How to use PPE
a. Put on before contact with residents, generally when you get to work.
b. Use carefully – don’t spread contamination.
c. Do not touch your face.
d. Avoid touching or adjusting other PPE.
e. Remove gloves if they become torn; perform hand hygiene before putting on new
gloves.
f. Limit surfaces and items touched.
3. Wearing and Disposing of a Surgical Mask
a. Clean your hands with soap/water or hand sanitizer: 1) before putting on a mask, 2)
before removing it, and 3) after disposing of it.
b. Make sure mask has no holes or tears.
c. Determine the top from the bottom. Top has metal edge to mold to the shape of your
nose.
d. Determine front from back. The color side is usually the front, white side touches the
face.
e. Follow the instructions for the mask.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 16
i. Hold mask by ear loops.
ii. Place a loop around each ear.
iii. Mold/pinch the metal edge to the shape of your nose.
iv. Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.
f. When disposing of the mask, avoid touching the front of the mask, hold and lift ear loops
to remove mask, and dispose in trash.
g. Replace daily, at a minimum, or if torn or visibly soiled.
4. Optimizing supply of PPE at shelters
a. Staff should try to wear the same mask throughout their shift if it is not soiled.
b. Shelters shall ensure that shelter managers and operations managers review and utilize
PPE supply optimization strategies at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/.
c. Shelters shall maintain adequate supplies of PPE at shelter sites.
d. Shelters shall assign designated staff to track PPE inventory and manage procurement
of new supplies.
5. Recommended safe routine practices for shelter staff to prevent infection of themselves
and others:
a. Before leaving home and prior to leaving the shelter to go home:
i. Wash hands, arms to elbows and face.
ii. Clean hard surfaces with disinfectant prior to leaving, eg. phones, purses, lunch
bags, etc.
iii. Put on clean clothes immediately prior to leaving.
iv. Avoid scarves and flowy clothing.
v. Minimize the number of objects transported between home and work.
b. At work:
i. Maintain social distance as much as possible from staff and residents.
ii. Wear surgical mask at all times except when eating or drinking.
iii. Wash hands well when arriving at the shelter, prior to eating or preparing food,
after using the restroom, after using tissues, and after touching your face, your
hair, PPE, food, trash, trash receptacles, and high-touch surfaces.
iv. Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds.
v. Avoid contact with other people, but wear gloves if you must make contact with
a resident.
vi. Frequently disinfect phones, keyboards mouse, pens, badges, door handles and
high-touch areas.
c. Returning home:
i. Wash hands again when you arrive at home, and before and after handling
clothes worn at the shelter.
ii. If it was not possible to change clothes before leaving the shelter, change clothing
immediately upon returning home.
iii. Put work clothing in a bag or in the washer to be cleaned.
CV11. Keep funding partners up to date on changes at the shelter due to COVID-19
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 17
1. Shelters shall immediately inform the Alameda County contract liaison for the Alameda
County funding agency when the provider identifies significant changes to services that must
be made due to COVID-19.
CV12. COVID-19 protocols during a county-wide, statewide, or national disaster (e.g., fire, earthquake,
etc.)
1. Shelters shall maintain all COVID-19 protocols when complying with any instructions from
their County or City for responding to disasters. Instructions from their local Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) may include changes in shelter operations or temporary evacuation
of residents.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 18
A. SHELTER OPERATIONS
A1. Admission
All shelters must have clearly written and consistently implemented referral standards, admission policies,
and hours for new resident admission. All shelters must accept new resident admissions (when shelter is
open, and beds are available) Monday through Friday for at least a four-hour period daily. Where feasible,
admissions should be accepted on weekends.1
Shelters should use the admissions protocols established through Alameda County’s Coordinated Entry
System (CES). The shelter must adhere to the admission protocols developed for the CES.
A2. Denial of admission
Denial of admission to the facility can only be based on the following reasons and is at the discretion of
the shelter2:
• Client does not meet the basic eligibility criteria for shelter admission (e.g., gender, age, homeless
status, domestic violence victim, etc.). Shelters with beds designated by funding sources as having
additional restrictions (e.g., VA beds that require advance approval by the VA) may deny entry to
those not meeting funder requirements.
• Client has a criminal record involving sex offenses, arson or violent crime that poses a current risk to
the health and safety of staff and/or residents. When considering a resident’s criminal record, shelters
must include an assessment of the length of time since the crime occurred and efforts made towards
rehabilitation in the evaluation of eligibility for entrance. This standard does not require that shelters
assess criminal history.
• A restraining order that prohibits admission to the facility.
• Violent or threatening behavior.
• Conduct from prior stay at the shelter that puts the health and safety of staff or residents at risk (e.g.,
violence, weapons violations, disclosing confidential location of shelter, and egregious damage to
property). If a client is denied entrance based on a prior stay the client must be informed of the reason,
conditions for lifting the restriction and right to appeal, including who to contact regarding an appeal
and information about the appeal process. Additional requirements for communication regarding
grievance and appeals procedures at the point of discharge are included in standard A.37.
• Infectious disease that significantly increases the risk of harm to other residents. Note that residents
with lice or scabies or exhibiting symptoms of TB should be allowed to stay in shelter and sent to a
health care provider for treatment as soon as possible. Precautions should be taken to avoid spread
as feasible (see Appendix A for best practices related to preventing the spread of disease).
Noncompliance with treatment or containment measures that endangers other residents may be
cause for discharge.
• The individual requires care and supervision to manage the activities of daily living (feeding, toileting,
selecting proper attire, grooming, maintaining continence, putting on clothes, bathing, walking and
transferring) without the appropriate supports available on-site (e.g., an inappropriate request for
admission as a discharge location from a hospital).
1 As a coordinated entry system is developed, the issue of the feasibility of requiring weekend admissions at all
shelters will be reevaluated and this may be added to these standards. 2 Admissions standards will be reevaluated as part of the development of CES and may change as a result of that
process.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 19
A3. Intake
Upon admissions, residents must be provided with copies of the following:
• Resident rights (see standard A7)
• Written program rules (see standard A8)
• Visitation policy (see standard A12)
• Storage policy, including storage after exit (see standard A19 and A38)
• Medication storage policy (see standard A20)
• Grievance Procedure (see standard A30)
A4. Length of stay
Shelters may not establish a maximum length of stay for shelter residents unless such a restriction is
required by a funding source. Residents have an obligation to be engaged in a housing plan and shelters
may discharge a resident who refuses to work towards a housing plan and/or has refused multiple housing
opportunities. Before discharge for this reason, evidence must be present that the shelter staff actively
attempted to engage the resident in services designed to support shelter exit to stable housing with
consideration given to each resident's barriers to engagement.
As a system, we will work towards providing training for program staff on developing housing plans and
motivating residents towards successful exits to permanent housing. The intent of this standard is for
each person or household’s shelter stay to be focused on exiting to permanent housing and to discourage
exits to homelessness due to arbitrary time limits. This flexibility also acknowledges that obtaining
permanent housing within a set timeframe is not always the reality in our current housing market.
A5. Hours
All shelters must post hours of operation in a visible location. If the facility is open 24/7, residents must
be allowed access to their possessions and to the facility’s common space at all times. If access to sleeping
areas is not available during the day, accommodations should be made to allow access for those working
second and third shifts, those who are ill, etc.
Shelters should remain open 24/7 unless prohibited by inadequate funding or space limitations. As
feasible, shelters that are not open 24/7 must make reasonable accommodations to normal hours for
illness, weather, disabilities, persons working second and third shifts, and other reasonable requests.
Shelters that serve children must permit 24-hour access to an area where children can nap.
A6. Sleeping hours
All shelters must provide facilities available to residents for sleeping for a minimum of eight (8) hours.
Warming shelters may be granted a waiver to this provision if site availability does not allow for an 8-hour
sleeping period.
A7. Resident rights
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 20
Residents’ rights must be provided in writing and posted in the facility. All program requirements must be
consistent with these standards. These include the right to:
Be treated with dignity and respect.
Have a safe shelter environment, including personal safety, a healthy setting and access to health care
services.
Have privacy within the constrictions of the shelter environment.
Be treated with cultural sensitivity.
Use self-determination in identifying and setting goals.
Be provided with services only in the context of a professional relationship based on valid, informed
consent.
Be clearly informed, in understandable language, about the purpose of the services being delivered,
including residents who are not literate and/or have limited-English proficiency.
Have personal information treated with confidentiality and be provided information about when
confidential information will be disclosed, to whom and for what purpose, as well as the right to deny
disclosure, unless disclosure is required by law.
Have reasonable access to records concerning their involvement in the program.
A8. Resident responsibilities
Resident responsibilities must be provided to each resident in writing upon admission and posted in the
facility in a visible location. Residents must sign and date a copy of the residents’ rights and
responsibilities. A copy of this signed document and all written documents outlining shelter rules must be
provided to the resident at intake, and a copy of the signed document placed in their case file. This must
include:
• A clear description of all program rules and potential consequences for violations of these rules.
• A “good neighbor” policy that outlines expected behavior to not interfere with the rights of other
residents including the use of scented products when residents with chemical sensitivities are in
residence.
• Any expectations related to chores.
• Expectations regarding working to exit shelter into stable housing as quickly as possible.
• Contributing to the health and safety of those around them through compliance with health and
safety protocols.
Enforcement of compliance with resident responsibilities:
Shelters must include in staff training materials written policies and procedures for the enforcement of
compliance with residents’ responsibilities that include the following:
• Identification of non-compliance issues that are grounds for discharge.
• Steps that shelter staff will take to address noncompliance with residents.
• A system of warnings, reminders, direct support from staff or peers, opportunities to correct
behavior, and opportunities to receive feedback from staff about appropriate correction for
residents found in noncompliance, that will be consistently utilized before residents are
discharged due to noncompliance.
• A requirement for staff to meet with noncompliant residents within 3 days of identification of
noncompliance to discuss the concern and identify ways to correct noncompliance.
• A requirement for residents found in repeated noncompliance to develop a corrective action plan
with shelter staff that identifies the responsibilities being violated and impact to the shelter,
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 21
strategies, and a timeline for correction, supports provided to assist the resident with achieving
compliance, and consequences of noncompliance by an agreed upon target date.
• Documentation in HMIS and case notes of all observations of and communications with residents
regarding noncompliance shall be documented. Case notes must be placed in client case files.
This includes documentation of meetings, conversations, and corrective action plans.
• A requirement for staff to keep site supervisors informed of all noncompliance observations,
communications, and interventions at the shelter.
A9. Confidentiality
All shelters must have confidentiality policies that, at minimum, are consistent with Homeless
Management Information System (HMIS) privacy and security requirements, make certain that files are
kept in a secure or locked location, and ensure that verbal communication of confidential information is
done in such a way that avoids unintended disclosure.
A10. Transfer between shelters
Shelters may not transfer residents to other shelters arbitrarily, as a punitive measure, or without the
resident’s consent. Shelters may however arrange for a resident to move to a different shelter, with the
consent of the resident, if a determination is made by both shelters that an alternative setting is likely to
better meet the needs of the resident.
A11. Voluntary services
Support services are voluntary. Residents cannot be discharged for lack of participation in services.
Residents have an obligation to be engaged in a housing plan and shelters may discharge a resident who
refuses to engage in a housing plan or who refuses multiple housing opportunities. Before discharge for
this reason, evidence must be present that shelter staff actively attempted to engage the residents in
services designed to support shelter exit to permanent housing with consideration given to each resident's
barriers to engagement.
A12. Visitors
Shelters must have and post a visitation policy. The visitation policy should also be provided in writing to
each resident upon entry into the shelter. Each shelter should determine the visitation policy for their
program; however, each shelter’s visitation policy must include that service providers from other
programs or agencies will be accommodated to meet with a resident.
A13. Language accessibility
Staff must ensure that residents have access to interpreter services and that written materials are
available in Medi-Cal threshold languages (in Alameda County, currently Spanish, Cantonese, Vietnamese,
Mandarin, Farsi, and Tagalog).
Note: SSA provides access to a free language interpretation phone line and free document translation
services for all SSA shelter contractors. Details regarding how to utilize this service are included in
Appendix F.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 22
A14. Curfew
If a shelter has a curfew policy, the policy must be clearly written and explained to residents at the
shelter’s entry. The policy must be consistently enforced. Missing a curfew cannot be a reason for denial
of entry or discharge unless the curfew violation compromises the health or safety of other residents or
staff, if the curfew is violated repeatedly, or if the resident’s curfew violation repeatedly interferes with
the rights of other residents to peaceful enjoyment of the facility.
Some shelters maintain a curfew policy to ensure the safety of residents. In some cases, shelters may
have a policy that includes filing a missing person report if a resident does not return by the curfew time.
This should be clearly explained to residents at the time of shelter entry.
A15. Resident input
Shelters shall provide residents with ongoing opportunities to voice opinions and make suggestions
regarding program operations, services and rules. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways including
exit interviews, discharge surveys, one-on-one interviews, resident surveys, resident focus groups,
inclusion of homeless or formerly homeless members on the agency board of directors, having homeless
or formerly homeless people trained and hired as staff, and/or the creation of a residents’ advisory
council.
In addition to any other activities, shelters must host resident meetings once per month and provide at
least 24 hours advance notice to residents of the meeting time and location.
A16. Participation in religious activities
Shelters cannot require participation in religious activities. Religious activities include moments of prayer
or the saying of grace before meals. While these activities are not prohibited, participation in such
activities may not be required.
A17. Chores
Written program rules must specify any chores and/or housekeeping requirements of residents and must
be provided to residents upon entry or posted in a location easily visible by residents. Chore policies
should allow for accommodations for those who cannot participate in chores due to disability, pregnancy,
etc.
Noncompliance with a chore policy cannot be a reason for discharge unless there is a repeated pattern of
violation that impacts other residents.
A18. Handling resident mail
If a shelter provides mail service, any mail sent or received cannot be interfered with (e.g., staff opening
residents’ mail, not providing mail to the resident on the day it is received, etc.).
A19. Storage of resident belongings
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 23
All shelters must have a written policy that is provided upon intake as to what provision is made for
securing belongings including what possessions can be held by the program at the resident’s request such
as money, medications, and vital documents.
If a shelter holds funds or possessions on behalf of residents, this service must be voluntary, the program
must maintain a log of items in their possession, and the funds or possessions must be promptly returned
upon the resident’s request. Each shelter should decide how specific to make their log, with consideration
to their liability. It is expected that the log would track only those belongings that residents choose to
store with the program and not all possessions brought into the shelter. This does not apply to belongings
abandoned by a person who does not return to the shelter; in that situation, please refer to A38. Storage
of Belongings After Discharge.
Shelters must provide lockable lockers, storage trunks or make other accommodations that allow
residents to securely store their belongings. Reasonable access by the residents to their belongings must
be provided.
Waivers of the requirement that storage space be lockable can be requested if the physical layout of the
shelter does not allow for lockable space.
A20. Medication
Shelters may not administer or dispense medication and may not require residents to turn over
medication.
Shelters must have a written policy that is provided upon intake as to whether provision is made for
securing prescription and non-prescription (over the counter, OTC) medications and residents’
responsibility to store and utilize their medication safely. Shelters may encourage residents to lock
medications in secure storage areas made available in order to protect medication from theft but may not
require residents to turn over medication. The written policy must also include a grace period in which a
resident’s medications may be kept after their exit from the shelter, and the appropriate disposal methods
for medications unclaimed before the end of this grace period. This policy language will also be included
in the shelter’s written policy regarding storage of residents’ belongings after discharge, as outlined in
Standard A38. Shelter providers may reference the following resource for guidance for proper disposal
of medications: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-
medicines.
Shelters must make available a lockable storage area for medications and access to refrigeration for
medications. This can include a locked box within a refrigerator that also serves other functions.
Residents who hold a legally valid California medical marijuana card cannot be discharged for possession
of marijuana that falls within the legal limit. Additionally, those residents may use medical marijuana, but
it cannot be smoked or consumed in any form on the shelter premises.
Information about the California Medical Marijuana Program is available on the California Department of
Public Health website at this address: https://cannabis.ca.gov/consumers/medicinal-cannabis/
If there is a question about the validity of a medical marijuana ID card, anyone can access the California
Department of Public Health verification website here: http://mmic.cdph.ca.gov/. This website allows
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 24
anyone to look up an ID card (by number only) and confirm whether the card is valid or invalid. The website
does not include any personal information.
A21. Resident emergency information
Shelter staff must collect emergency contact information and information about health needs at
admission that may impact an emergency response. Such information should be kept in a place accessible
to on-duty staff in the event of an emergency.
A22. Universal precautions
Staff must comply with universal precautions, proper sharps disposal and have a written policy in place
governing protocols related to universal precautions.
A23. First aid supplies
Basic first aid supplies must be available on-site and accessible to staff whenever residents are on site.
A24. Weapons
All shelters are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment. All shelters must
have a weapons prohibition policy. This prohibition applies regardless of whether a federal or state
license to possess a weapon has been issued to the possessor. Weapons include but are not limited
to firearms, explosives, pepper spray, mace, knives, or any item that may be construed as such, on
the premises. Shelters should use discretion when determining which types of knives should be
prohibited. Shelters may, but are not required to, have a mechanism for checking weapons upon entry.
A25. Pets/Service Animals
Shelters must have a policy regarding whether pets are allowed in the facility. Per Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, shelters must make reasonable accommodation for service animals.
Additional information regarding ADA requirements for service animals from the U.S. Department of
Justice is included in Appendix G. According to this guidance, emotional support, therapy, comfort, or
companion animals are not considered service animals under the ADA. These terms are used to describe
animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform
a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
A26. Smoking
Shelters shall prohibit smoking indoors and reasonable efforts must be made to prevent smoke from
entering buildings. No smoking should be allowed within 20 feet of shelter facilities unless this is infeasible
due to layout of grounds. Shelters are required to follow any local ordinances regarding smoking in public
areas.
It is recommended that information about tobacco cessation resources be posted.
A27. Accessibility
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 25
All shelters must conform to all pertinent requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Beds designated as accessible must comply with federal height and distance standards requiring a
minimum of 36 inches between sleeping units and a sleeping surface height between 17-19 inches above
the finished floor. Beds designated as accessible must be prioritized for residents with disabilities. Shelters
are encouraged to provide as many ADA accessible beds as possible, but it is not required or expected
that all beds meet these requirements.
Program documentation must be provided in forms accessible to hearing-impaired and sight-impaired
individuals, upon request.
Shelters that provide transportation for residents must also make provisions for residents who need
vehicles that are wheelchair accessible.
A28. Non-discrimination/reasonable accommodation
All shelters must have policies on non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation and make
reasonable modifications in programs, activities, and services when necessary to ensure equal access to
individuals with disabilities, unless fundamental alteration in the nature of the program would result from
the accommodation.
A29. Transgender access
All shelters must comply with the HUD Rule on Appropriate Placement for Transgender Persons in Single-
Sex Emergency Shelters and Other Facilities.3
A30. Grievance
All shelters must have a written grievance and complaint protocol that is provided to each resident upon
intake and is publicly posted in a location visible to residents. The protocol must include:
• The opportunity for residents to present their case before a neutral decision-maker (a supervisor or
manager who was not directly involved in the incident or situation of the grievance).
• Accommodation of third-party advocates in the grievance process. Reasonable efforts must be made
to coordinate with a resident’s advocate in order to schedule the appeal.
• A requirement that residents be given a written response to their grievance within a reasonable time
frame.
3 Requires that providers that place eligible persons in single-sex emergency shelters should place them based on
the gender with which the person identifies, taking health and safety concerns into consideration. A client’s own
views with respect to personal health and safety should be given serious consideration in making the placement. A
provider will not make an assignment or re-assignment based on complaints of another person when the sole stated
basis of the complaint is a client’s or potential client’s non-conformance with gender stereotypes. There generally is
no legitimate reason for the provider to request documentation of a person’s sex in order to determine appropriate
placement, nor should the provider have any basis to deny access to a single-sex emergency shelter solely because
the provider possesses identity documents indicating a sex different than the gender with which the client identifies.
The provider may not ask questions or otherwise seek information or documentation concerning the person’s anatomy or medical history. Nor may the provider consider the client ineligible for an emergency shelter or other
facility because his or her appearance or behavior does not conform to gender stereotypes.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 26
• A provision that when a resident files a grievance related to his/her ability to stay in the shelter, the
action is suspended until the grievance process is completed, unless by allowing the resident
continued residence poses a risk to the health and safety of other residents and/or staff.
• An appeals procedure that allows residents to appeal, at a minimum, decisions related to admissions
denials for cause, terminations, and disciplinary actions.
• Provisions for providing residents with information about any subsequent appeals process available
through any funding agency.
• All written grievances filed by residents, along with responses by shelters and associated case notes,
shall be kept in client case files and made available to funding agencies.
• All residents shall be provided with written verification of receipt of their grievance by the shelter,
unless the resident was asked to exit due to a violent event, in which case written verification can be
provided by the shelter at a later date, as determined by the shelter manager or their designee.
A31. Emergency response
All shelters must have an emergency response plan in place.
A32. Abuse reporting
All shelters must have a policy that details any legal duties to report child or elder abuse and a written
plan and process for reporting such abuse to the appropriate reporting agency.
A33. Drug and alcohol use/possession
Shelters must have a policy prohibiting the possession, use or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs on
the premises. If alcohol or drugs are found, residents should be given the opportunity to dispose of the
prohibited substance or leave the shelter for that night if they do not wish to dispose of the prohibited
substance. A violation of this policy cannot be a reason for discharge unless the violation compromises
the health or safety of other residents or staff or repeatedly interferes with the rights of other residents
to peaceful enjoyment of the facility.
Shelter policies must not include criteria that deny admission, allow discharge, or restrict services based
on substance use or possession alone, unless the program is designated as an abstinence-based program
in its funding contract.
Drug testing of residents is prohibited unless the testing is part of an agreed upon treatment plan with
the resident. Submission to drug testing cannot be a requirement for residency and refusal to participate
in drug testing cannot be the basis for involuntary discharge.
Being under the influence on-site may not be the basis for discharge. Discharge must be based on specific
behaviors that meet the standard for discharge as described in standard A36.
A34. Infectious disease
All shelters must have policies for responding to infectious disease including tuberculosis (TB), lice or
scabies along with staff trained in infectious disease response in place. These policies must include
protocols for:
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 27
• Making referrals to health care providers when a resident shows symptoms of TB, lice or scabies.
• Notifying residents when there is a possibility that they were exposed to a communicable disease
that is spread through casual contact.
• Policies on resident confidentiality related to communicable diseases.
• Responding to any identified communicable disease, including consultation with a medical
professional when determining if a resident is infected with a contagious communicable disease
that might seriously endanger the health of other residents.
A TB test may not be required as a condition of entry.
An infectious disease that significantly increases the risk harm to other residents may be a reason for
denial or discharge. Residents with lice or scabies or exhibiting symptoms of TB shall be allowed to stay in
the shelter unless the disease or infestation cannot be appropriately contained (e.g., due to close quarters
of facility), in which case those residents may be discharged and referred to a health care provider for
treatment.
Noncompliance with treatment or containment measures that endangers other residents may be cause
for discharge.
Shelters must comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5199, regarding Aerosol
Transmissible Diseases (ATD) control and worker and client safety expectations:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5199.HTML. For additional guidance on this regulation, please also refer to
Appendix A of “Preventing Tuberculosis (TB) in Homeless Shelters” published by the Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/tb/docs/LATBGuidelinesforShelters.pdf.
Additional information regarding best practices for control of infectious disease can be found in Appendix
A.
A35. Search of Resident Possessions
All shelters must have a policy and procedures in place governing how and when searches of residents’
private possessions may be conducted. Searches may only be conducted when there is “probable cause”
to believe that the person has in their possession something which may jeopardize the safety of other
residents or staff, including a weapon, or illegal material, including illegal drugs, or something which is
interfering with the peaceful enjoyment of the facility of other residents such as food that is attracting
vermin. If the person does not consent to the search, and “probable cause” exists to search, the person
must be given the choice of being discharged or being searched.
A36. Discharge Reasons
Only the following reasons may be used as a basis for discharge from a shelter facility:
• Possession of a weapon at the facility.
• Possession of illegal drugs on premises (see standard A33 for additional information about drug
and alcohol use by residents).
• Assault or other violent behavior.
• Theft.
• Destruction of property.
• Restraining order precludes continued residence.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 28
• Resident behavior endangers health or safety of residents or staff.
• Disclosure of confidential shelter location.
• Repeated interference with the rights of other residents to peaceful enjoyment of the facility.
• Presence of infectious disease that significantly increases the risk of harm to other residents. Note
that residents with lice or scabies or exhibiting symptoms of TB should be allowed to stay in
shelter and sent to a health care provider for treatment as soon as possible. Precautions should
be taken to avoid spread as feasible (see Appendix A for best practices related to preventing the
spread of disease). Noncompliance with treatment or containment measures that endangers
other residents may be cause for discharge.
• Individual requires care and supervision to manage their activities of daily living (feeding, toileting,
selecting proper attire, grooming, maintaining continence, putting on clothes, bathing, walking,
and transferring) without appropriate supports available on-site. Individuals discharged due to
care and supervision needs cannot be discharged to the streets.
Residents may be discharged for refusing to work towards a housing plan and/or refusing multiple housing
opportunities. However, evidence must be present that shelter staff actively attempted to engage the
resident in services designed to support shelter exit to stable housing with consideration given to each
resident's barriers to engagement.
Shelters are not required to hold beds for longer than 72 hours. If a resident is absent from their bed for
72 hours without appropriate notification of shelter staff regarding absence, the resident may be
discharged.
While residents may be encouraged to get a TB test, lack of a test cannot be used as a reason for discharge.
If a resident is exhibiting symptoms of TB and does not comply with testing and treatment
recommendations, the resident may be discharged to protect the health and safety of other shelter
residents and staff. Additional information regarding control of infectious disease and how to evaluate
whether a resident exhibits signs of TB is included in Appendix A.
A37. Discharge requirements
All shelters must provide a written copy of the procedure for filing a grievance to the resident when a
resident is involuntarily discharged. If it is infeasible to provide the procedure at the time of discharge
(e.g., the resident is being removed by law enforcement) this requirement may be waived. However, if
the resident subsequently returns to the facility, the grievance procedure must be provided. (Additional
requirements related to grievance protocols are included in standard A30).
If a resident may be denied future readmission because of the circumstances of discharge, the resident
must be informed of the reason, the conditions for lifting the restriction and right to appeal, including
whom to contact regarding an appeal and information about the appeal process.
Unless the resident poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of other residents and/or staff
members, shelters should avoid discharging residents at night.
Unless the resident poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of other residents and/or staff
members, involuntary discharges must be approved by a supervisor. During hours that there is no
supervisor on site, there must be a supervisor available on call to approve discharge decisions. Approval
may be given verbally but should be documented in case notes.
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A38. Storage of belongings after discharge
Shelters must have a written policy for the storage of belongings after a resident exits which must include,
at a minimum, storage of belongings for at least five (5) working days after the resident exits. A copy of
the policy must be provided to all residents at intake.
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Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 30
B. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
B1. Staff on duty
Shelters must have sufficient staff on duty at all times. When only one staff person is scheduled to work
a shift, shelters must make provisions to have on-call staff available.
Shelters must have at least one staff on duty and awake during all hours of operation. If the size of the
shelter and population served by the shelter do not warrant on-site staff at all times, the shelter may
request a waiver of this requirement. Shelters granted a waiver must have staff on-call and available by
phone during all times that residents are on-site.
Shelters must have a supervisor/manager available on call to the program at all times for consultation to
staff about challenging resident situations and other urgent matters. All shelters should have a
consultation policy in place that outlines situations requiring consultation up the chain of command.
B2. Living wage
If the facility is in a city with a living wage ordinance, the shelter must be in compliance with this ordinance.
B3. First aid capacity
There must be at least one staff person on duty at all times trained in emergency first aid and
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), (unless granted a waiver to the on-site staffing requirement as
detailed in item B1). The County will arrange for first aid and CPR training for shelter staff. This standard
will not be in effect until such arrangements have been made.
All staff should receive naloxone and opioid overdose response training within 60 days of hire and
annually. All staff should know where naloxone is stored and located on the premises. Free virtual training
can be scheduled by contacting Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH) at the contact
information listed at www.achch.org.
B4. Hiring
Shelters must conduct criminal background checks on all staff members. Each agency shall have a policy
regarding when criminal history would disqualify an applicant from hiring that considers the
responsibilities of the position which is being filled, the population to be served (e.g., will the position be
interacting with minors), the nature, severity and recentness of the crime, and evidence of rehabilitation.
B5. Infectious disease control
Tuberculosis:
All shelter staff must be tested for tuberculosis every 12 months and referred to any necessary follow up
and/or treatment if indicated. Staff must comply with any recommended follow up testing necessary as
indicated by a health care provider.
COVID-19 and Influenza:
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 31
Shelter staff should obtain up-to-date information and guidance from Alameda County Health Care for
the Homeless on appropriate protocols to maintain resident and staff safety during the COVID-19
pandemic. See guidance outlined in Section CV. COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for further detail.
Shelters must stay current with all local and state health officer orders.
Staff should be encouraged to obtain an annual flu vaccine.
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Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 32
C. STAFF TRAINING
C1. Documenting Training
Shelter providers should maintain a log or other similar record of which trainings each staff member has
successfully completed. This may be maintained in the personnel file or through a separate tracking
system.
C2. Required Training
The following trainings must be provided to all staff within 30 days of hire:
• Confidentiality protocols
• Crisis prevention and/or verbal de-escalation
• Mandatory reporting requirements related to child/elder abuse
• Universal precautions/infectious disease prevention
• Proper food handling and storage if required by law. State law requires all food handlers in the
state of California have a California Food Handler Card. New hires have 30 days from the date of
hire to obtain a card. Online training is available through ServSafe and other vendors.
• Anti-discrimination/reasonable accommodation training including accommodation of
transgender residents
• Shelter policies and procedures, including procedures for enforcing compliance of residents with
shelter rules
• Emergency evacuation procedures and fire safety
• First Aid and CPR (at least one trained staff on site as required in standard above). First aid
certification must be renewed as indicated by training provider
• Overdose detection and response training within 60 days of hire (See Standard B3)
• HMIS Privacy and Security Certification Training (In accordance with the InHOUSE Policies and
Procedures Manual, this applies to any agency/jurisdiction staff or designees conducting any
intake, data entry, or other data processing functions. It does not apply to staff who do not
conduct those activities. Privacy and Security Certification Training is provided by Alameda
County)
• Overview of the Coordinated Entry System (CES) Procedures for using the AC FAST (Alameda
County Find A Shelter Tonight) online shelter bed availability update and referral system
• Ethics/boundaries
The following trainings will be provided to all staff during their term of service at the shelter:
• Mental health issues in the homeless population
• Domestic violence recognition and referral
• Harm reduction approach to substance use disorders
• Diversity awareness/humility training/cultural competence
• Basics in health insurance and primary care navigation
• Housing Problem Solving and Housing Plan development
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Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 33
D. STANDARDS FOR FAMILY SHELTERS ONLY
D1. Definition of families
A family is defined as a household that includes one or more minor children (17 or under) in the legal
custody of one or more adults who, prior to losing housing, were living together, and working
cooperatively to care for the children. This includes 2-parent and 1-parent families, including those with
same-sex partners, families with intergenerational and/or extended family members, unmarried couples
with children, families that contain adults who are not the biological parents of the children and other
family configurations.
D2. Diaper changing space
Shelters that house infants must provide an appropriate sanitary place for use by parents to change
diapers.
D3. Child supervision
Children must always be supervised by parents, staff, or volunteers following established staff to child
ratios.
D4. Child safety proofing
The shelter facility must be child safety proofed including:
• Childproof electrical outlets are installed.
• Floors above ground have precautions in place to prevent children from falling out of windows (see
Appendix C for tips).
• Doors open from inside without a key.
• Precautions are in place to protect children from burns (from stoves or other heating units).
• Precautions are in place to protect children from injury from fans.
D5. Inspections
Annual safety inspections must be performed by agency staff to ensure child safety.
D6. Play space
Play space for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers should be provided as feasible within the confines of
the physical space available in the shelter.
D7. Facilities
Adequate space must be provided for bathing and changing young children and feeding children. If the
shelter layout allows, private space should be offered for breastfeeding.
D8. Collaboration with early childhood programs
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 34
Shelters must have procedures in place for collaboration with local early care and education programs
(e.g., Head Start, Early Head Start, child care subsidy programs).
D9. Collaboration with schools
• Shelters that serve families must have procedures in place for collaborating with local K-12 education
support programs and the schools.
• Heads of households must be advised of their rights as they relate to the public education system.
• Shelter policies and practices must be consistent with laws related to providing education services to
individuals and families.
• Shelters must have a designated staff person responsible for ensuring that children are enrolled in
school and receive educational services, as appropriate. The staff person may be either an operations
or a support services staff person.
D10. Toys
Shelters must maintain developmentally appropriate toys and books that are clean and in good repair.
D11. Referrals
Shelters must post information about and support access to Head Start, child care, preschool, etc. and
support connections to mainstream benefits.
D12. Home visits
Shelters must provide space for home visits to occur either on site or at another location.
D13. Food storage and preparation
Shelters must provide refrigeration and cooking equipment to prepare and store formula, baby food and
milk.
D14. Furniture/Cribs
Shelters must provide age-appropriate cribs/beds.
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Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 35
E. FOOD SERVICE
E1. Sanitary facilities
All shelters that either prepare and serve meals or provide areas for residents to prepare and consume
their own meals must ensure that all areas used for food storage and preparation are sanitary. Kitchen
and dining areas must be kept clean and comply with all relevant health codes.
See Appendix E for additional guidance related to safe food preparation. Additional information regarding
this standard may be issued at a later date.
E2. Donated Food
Programs that serve food prepared off site by regular donors must provide donors with a handout that
details the requirements for food preparation. All food donors must read and sign the handout to confirm
knowledge of the standards and must provide current contact information.
Programs are discouraged from accepting food that has been prepared off-site by intermittent donors.
E3. Meal schedule
If meals are served, a meal schedule must be posted.
See Standard CV7.8 for guidance on safe physical distancing during food and dining activities during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
E4. Dietary modifications
If meals are served or food is provided for residents to prepare their own meals, shelters must make
dietary modifications and/or provide appropriate food options based on residents’ health, religious,
and/or cultural practices.
As feasible, food provided should promote healthy eating.
E5. CalFresh
Shelters cannot accept residents’ CalFresh benefits as payment for food provided to them by the shelter.
E6. Dining facilities
Shelters must provide a table and chairs if is food served at the facility.
E7. Food allergies
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 36
Any snacks and meals provided should be provided with reasonable accommodations made for known
children’s allergies if children are a resident at the shelter. Providers should be asking about food allergies
at intake; however, it is the parents’ responsibility to inform the program of children’s food allergies.
E8. Food Safety
All staff responsible for food handling and food preparation must possess an up-to-date California Food
Handler’s Card. All shelters providing prepared meal service to residents must prepare food in a kitchen
that has been permitted and inspected by the Alameda County Environmental Health Department, and
ensure that at least one person overseeing food preparation at the shelter maintains an up-to-date Food
Safety Manager certificate.
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Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 37
F. PHYSICAL PLANT
F1. Basic building standards and fire safety
All facilities must comply with local applicable building and fire codes. Shelters must maintain facility
standards that are well above the conditions of a “substandard building,” as defined in California Health
and Safety Code §17920.3, and perform timely inspections in response to any complaints from shelter
residents or staff about possible substandard conditions. Shelters must coordinate with the County to
accommodate County site inspections in response to such complaints.
Evidence of compliance with local codes must be provided. Facilities that do not have a fire alarm system
that is designed for hearing-impaired residents may request funding from SSA for this purpose that is
separate from the shelter’s regular operations allocation.
Facilities must have annual fire inspections conducted by the fire department and conduct regular fire
drills.
Training must be provided to staff on fire safety.
F2. Safety standards
Shelters must comply with state and local health environmental and safety standards.
F3. Toilets/Washbasins
Shelters must provide sufficient toilets and wash basins with warm and cold running water. The resident
to toilet ratio must be 1 toilet for every 15 residents (excluding infants) or 1 toilet for every 30 residents,
if over 100 residents.
F4. Showers
Shelters must make a reasonable supply of showers available or provide referrals to community shower
access. The resident to shower ratio must be at least 1 shower for every 20 residents (excluding infants).
F5. Hygiene products
Shelters must provide toilet tissue, soap, towels, and feminine hygiene products for females, if applicable.
F6. Beds/linens
Shelters must provide a bed, crib or cot, clean mattress and pillow, linens, and towels. Linens must be
laundered regularly and/or when soiled. Linens can be laundered by shelter staff, or a shelter may
require residents to launder their own linens if facilities are available. Newly laundered linens must be
provided to each new resident upon entry.
Mats may be used for overflow capacity and by seasonal shelters.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 38
F7. Drinking water
Shelters must provide access to drinking water at all times.
F8. Outlet access
Shelters must provide access to electrical outlets for charging cell phones and medical equipment.
F9. Sanitation and Cleanliness
See Standard CV9 for Sanitation protocols that must be observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bath/toilet areas, hallways, and other common use areas must be cleaned daily. Shelters must have
proper trash receptacles that are emptied regularly.
Both the interior and exterior of the facility must be free of debris, clutter, and unsanitary items and there
must be no obvious safety risks.
Ventilation: Shelters must provide adequate fresh air ventilation and filtration. Shelters must assess and
provide the safest possible sleeping and eating arrangements that reduce staff and resident risk of
airborne transmitted diseases, as well as improve air quality during smoke and air quality emergencies.
F10. Pest control
Shelters must ensure adequate provision of pest control services.
Shelters must have a protocol in place for the prevention and control of bed bugs. (See Appendix D for
best practices related to bed-bug prevention).
24-hour notice must be provided to residents of pest control activities unless the type and degree of
infestation requires an immediate response (e.g., bed bugs).
F11. Maintenance/ Repair
Facilities must be maintained in good repair, including all aspects of infrastructure and good overall
appearance of the building and property, including roofs, floors, walls, plumbing, electrical, waste
disposal, appliances, elevators, landscaping, etc. There must be a written housekeeping and maintenance
plan.
Shelters must post the process for reporting maintenance concerns, acknowledge issues reported within
two days, and identify the timeframe for addressing the concern. Emergency maintenance items must be
immediately addressed.
F12. Phone access
A telephone must be available to staff for emergencies. Emergency numbers should be posted by the
telephone or otherwise made available to on duty staff.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 39
Shelters must take emergency phone messages and messages from service providers for residents. If the
shelter has periods where no staff are on duty, there must be a phone available to residents for
emergencies with information posted nearby with emergency numbers.
F13. Hazardous materials
Shelters must label all chemicals and cleaning supplies and keep all such materials out of reach of children.
Any hazardous materials must be stored separate from food.
F14. Entrances/ Exits
Exits must be clearly marked and must be kept clear of blockage and tripping hazards.
All steps must have handrails as required by applicable codes. Steps must have treads or similar
accommodation to prevent slipping.
Exit signage must be consistent with all applicable codes.
F15. Agency vehicle
If a shelter maintains a vehicle used for resident transport, the vehicle must be properly maintained,
licensed, and insured. All drivers must be properly licensed. Car seats must be used by children. Provisions
must be made to provide equal access to transportation services to disabled residents.
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Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 40
G. SUPPORT SERVICES
G1. Health services access
Health Insurance and Primary Care:
Shelter staff shall encourage residents to obtain and maintain health insurance, obtain a primary care
provider, and access immunization services. A health screening should be conducted for each client and
family member upon registration. The health screening should include insurance status and medical
home. Staff shall be trained to support individuals with basic information on how to obtain health
insurance and a primary care provider. Shelters shall publicly post or otherwise make available
information about health-related services.
G2. Recordkeeping
Shelters must have written intake and client record keeping procedures and files that include intake
interviews and records of services provided.
G3. Assessment
A basic assessment that includes an evaluation of the service needs of the household, information about
past or current services received and other information necessary to provide services must be conducted
or updated for all households. All households should be offered, or connected to a resource that offers,
housing problem solving services and should be entered into the Coordinated Entry System (CES) in
HMIS if they are not already. A Coordinated Entry housing needs assessment should be conducted if
indicated by the Coordinated Entry policies and procedures.
G4. Service linkage
Shelters must have a resource area that residents can access without staff assistance that provides
information about available community services and housing opportunities.
Shelters are strongly encouraged to provide or link participants to drug and alcohol services, mental health
services, life skills services, employment services, money management/credit counseling, parenting
support, health care resources, and other services as needed.
G5. Housing plan
A written Housing Plan must be developed as soon as possible with the resident upon entry and no later
than within 7 days of admission. The Housing Plan shall include appropriate housing goals established in
consultation with shelter staff, action steps that the resident will take to reach these goals, and forms of
support and resources that the shelter will provide to help the client reach their goals. The development
of a Housing Plan should include inquiring about and fostering family and/or friend relationships that may
open up potential housing opportunities, including inviting those people to participate in Housing Plan
conversations if and when appropriate, and with consent from the resident. Ongoing housing search
assistance shall be provided while the household is staying at the shelter. The Housing Plan shall be kept
in client case files and in HMIS, monitored and kept updated by shelter staff, and continually reviewed
and discussed with the resident as appropriate throughout the resident’s stay at the shelter.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 41
G6. Housing support services
Shelters shall provide information, services and referrals to services that support exits to stable housing
including assistance with accessing services, benefits linkage and advocacy, provision of or referral to
employment services, and regular check-ins about progress towards the shelter exit plan. If a household
has a service provider supporting them with housing navigation outside of the shelter, shelters are
strongly encouraged to coordinate with the outside provider(s). Shelters that provide assistance with
placement in permanent housing or rapid re-housing services shall provide written information to
residents about eligibility requirements for these programs upon intake to the shelter, and at other times
as appropriate throughout the resident’s stay at the shelter.
G7. Referral follow up
Shelters are strongly encouraged to follow up to ensure that residents connect with services to which they
are referred. The intention of this is to ensure residents have the support and information needed to
make a successful connection when a referral is made. If a client chooses not to pursue a referral, that
decision should be respected.
G8. Transportation
Shelters are strongly encouraged to provide assistance with transportation to appointments which can
include assisting residents to access public transportation. Shelters are permitted, but not required, to
have policies regarding how to prioritize the allocation of limited transportation resources such as bus
passes or taxi vouchers.
G9. Exit planning
Shelters must develop exit plans with all households served, including linkage to aftercare resources.
G10. Staffing qualifications
Ongoing professional development and supervision must be provided by the shelter and may include case
conferences, case supervision, workshops, and training courses.
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Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 42
H. ADMINISTRATION
H1. Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
All shelters must participate in HMIS or a comparable system for Domestic Violence (DV) providers.
H2. Data Quality
All shelters must utilize HMIS (or comparable) data quality reports to ensure the accuracy of submitted
information.
H3. Tracking denials
All shelters must track all reasons for denials based on cause (this does not include denials because the
shelter is at capacity) and have the ability to report this information. This information should be
documented in HMIS when the referral is denied per CES policies and procedures.
H4. Tracking discharges
All shelters must track all reasons for discharge and have the ability to report this information for all
residents. All discharges and the reasons for each discharge must be documented in HMIS.
H5. Board of Directors
The shelter must have a volunteer board that meets at least quarterly.
H6. Job descriptions
The shelter must have written job descriptions for all shelter positions.
H7. Fiscal system
The shelter must have an accounting system that is maintained in accordance with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP).
The shelter shall have internal fiscal control procedures that are reviewed and approved by its Board of
Directors.
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Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 43
APPENDIX 1: Shelter Standards 2022 Update Timeline
• 8/3/2021: Updated COVID-19 shelter health guidance received from ACHCH (Alameda County
Health Care for the Homeless).
• 8/5/2021: SSA (Social Services Agency), HCSA (Health Care Services Agency) and HCD (Housing &
Community Development Department) begin collaborating on edits to Shelter Standards.
• 8/13/2021: Initial draft of COVID-19 updates to shelter standards reviewed internally at SSA.
• 8/13/2021: Shelter Survey about COVID-19 health and safety best practices and challenges
sent out to all SSA shelter providers.
• 8/20/2021: Shelter Surveys returned to SSA.
• 8/30/2021: 2nd draft of COVID-19 updates to shelter standards reviewed internally at SSA.
• 8/30/2021: 1st draft of edits and comments received from HCSA (Health Care Services
Agency) (OHCC (Office of Homeless Care and Coordination) and ACHCH).
• 9/10/2021: Additional updates related to Coordinated Entry received by OHCC.
• 9/10/2021: Report out regarding the Shelter Standards Update provided to the County
Homelessness Roundtable and Board of Supervisors.
• 9/16/2021: COVID-19 updates from SSA shared with ACHCH for review and editing.
• 9/22/2021: ACHCH returned edits and comments back to SSA on COVID-19 updates.
• 9/29/2021: 1st draft of full Shelter Standards updates incorporating edits and addressing
comments from all three agencies is released to the three agencies for review and follow-up to
finalize first public draft of document for public comment period.
• 10/11/2021: SSA provides internal comments/edits to draft.
• 10/18/2021: Final 1st Draft for public review released.
• 10/18/2021-10/28/2021: Review and comment period for all shelter providers.
• 11/5/2021: Summary of all comments received from shelter providers and edits/responses to
track edits received from providers shared with all three agencies for review and comments.
ACHCH requested to provide feedback on COVID-19 comments and questions from providers.
• 11/18/2021 and 11/21/2021: Edits/responses to COVID-19 edits/comments from shelter
providers received from ACHCH.
• 12/2/2021: ACHCH meets with a shelter provider to address their questions about COVID-19
guidance in the updated Shelter Standards draft.
• 12/7/2021: SSA provides internal edits to draft.
• 12/9/2021: Correspondence between SSA and ACHCH to clarify and finalize edits from ACHCH.
on COVID-19 edits/comments from shelter providers.
Alameda County Emergency Homeless Shelter Standards - Year-Round (April 2022 Update) Page 44
• 12/17/2021: Next full draft of Shelter Standards updates incorporating responses to all
comments from shelter providers and three agencies provided to SSA senior management for
review.
• 12/28/2021: Edits on draft provided by SSA senior management.
• 1/4/2022: Next full draft of updates provided for SSA review, incorporating edits from SSA
senior management.
• 1/11/2022: Minor updates incorporating recently updated COVID-19 guidance from ACHCH sent
to SSA senior management.
• 2/4/2022: SSA senior management provided edits and feedback for review and follow-up, and
timeline was added as an appendix to Shelter Standards.
• 2/24/2022: SSA senior management edits and feedback addressed.
• 3/14/2022: Current draft sent to SSA upper management for final review and feedback.
• 4/4/2022: Final edits provided by SSA senior management.
• 4/22/2022: Final draft completed by SSA.
• 4/25/2022: Final draft approved by HCSA and HCD.
• May 2022: Final update of Alameda County Emergency Shelter Standards shared with all
agencies and providers
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