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ALAMEDA COUNTY EMERGENCY
SHELTER STANDARDS FOR
YEAR-ROUND SHELTERS
August 2026 Update
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Alameda County Shelter Standards
2026 Revision
Table of Contents
Preface
Glossary
Guiding Principles
Use of Standards
Section A: Program Operations
Section B: Health and Safety
Section C: Food Service
Section D: Service Coordination and Linkage
Section E: Physical Plant
Section F: Additional Family Shelter Standards
Section G: Staffing
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Preface
Alameda County Emergency Shelter Standards were originally adopted by the Board of Supervisors on
February 27, 2017. Development of these standards was first led by Alameda County Social Services
Agency in collaboration with Alameda County Health (formerly Health Care Services Agency). The
standards were developed based on the guiding principles of equity, inclusion, dignity, accessibility,
self-determination, and mutual accountability. The standards were 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 emergency shelter services to those without homes in Alameda
County.
The standards were originally developed through a community process that included surveying the
practices of existing county-funded shelters and 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 of the original shelter
standards.
In 2026, aligned with the Alameda County Home Together Plan (adopted by the Board of Supervisors
in 2022), Alameda County Health Housing and Homelessness Services (H&H) undertook a
comprehensive process to update the standards to bring current the previously approved and shared
standards document. This process included obtaining stakeholder input through:
o Listening sessions with 32 shelter providers representing 15 different agencies.
o Listening sessions with 97 participants at 10 shelters throughout the County including adult,
family, gender-based violence, and overnight-only.
o Surveys from 100 shelter participants at 13 shelter programs throughout the County
o Interviews with 74 unsheltered people collected by grass roots agencies and people with lived
experience.
o Input from Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (AHCH) Consumer Advisory Board
(CCAB)
o Input from the Youth Advisory Board.
o Written feedback on draft standards from community members with lived experience and
shelter providers.
H&H is committed to supporting shelters in meeting these standards through ongoing technical
assistance, training, and monitoring—extending that support to shelters not funded by Alameda
County. These standards are intended to evolve alongside emerging needs, best practices, and
community feedback. H&H will continue to partner with providers and community members in this
work. Ultimately, the goal is a shelter system that reflects principles of equity, inclusion, dignity,
accessibility, self-determination, and mutual accountability, and that serve our community well.
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Glossary
Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH) – A County program housed in Alameda
County Health Housing and Homelessness Services dedicated to reducing mortality and improving
the health and well-being of people experiencing homelessness by providing health care services,
case management, and support through a network of community-based health care providers.
(H&H) – A division within Alameda
County Health responsible for overseeing housing and homelessness programs, funding distribution,
and policy implementation.
– Alameda County government agency that provides
essential social services, including public assistance, child welfare, employment support, and
housing assistance to individuals and families in need within Alameda County.
A type of shelter where five or more participants from different households share
a room.
– A regional planning body designated by the federal
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to coordinate housing and services for
individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Alameda County H&H is the management entity
for the EveryOne Home CoC.
– The approach to coordinate and manage the Homelessness
Response System’s resources to enable providers to make equity-consistent decisions to best
connect people experiencing homelessness to housing and other interventions to end their
homelessness.
– A confidential emergency shelter program serving survivors of
domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, and other forms of
gender-based violence. Safe houses utilize trauma-informed, survivor-centered practices designed to
promote safety, confidentiality, healing, and long-term housing stability.
– A temporary residential facility that provides immediate, short- and long-term
housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness.
(ESA) – A pet of any species prescribed by a licensed mental health
professional to provide therapeutic benefit to a person with a diagnosed mental or emotional
disability.
(GBV) – Any harmful act directed at an individual because of their gender,
gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender,
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– Alameda County’s strategic plan for ending homelessness.
– A data collection and management system used
by shelters and service providers to track participant information, service usage, housing needs, and
housing outcomes.
– A program within H&H that provides critical services to Medi-
Cal members experiencing or at risk of homelessness under the California Advancing and Innovating
Medi-Cal (CalAIM) program. These services include finding stable housing, covering move-in deposits,
and sustaining tenancy.
– Specialized, wrap-around services designed to help people experiencing or
at risk of homelessness find, apply for, and secure permanent housing.
– 24/7 emergency shelters that provide enhanced medical services (e.g.,
Registered Nurse or personal care services) for participants.
– A primary care provider or clinic, usually assigned by a health plan or insurance plan.
– Shelters where up to four participants from the same or different
households share a room.
– Security, daily maintenance, and daily operations personnel such as program
manager, site coordinators, janitorial, safety, intake, kitchen, etc.
– Shelters that provide overnight accommodation only and require participants
to vacate the premises during the day.
– Individuals or families staying in emergency shelters.
– A shelter's written, internal document governing its day-to-day operations.
A shelter’s Policies and Procedures must meet Alameda County’s Shelter Standards as defined in this
document but will contain additional provisions at the discretion of the shelter.
– Organizations, both governmental and non-profit, that deliver housing, health
care, case management, and other essential services to homeless individuals and families.
– Staff who provide service linkage/referral (but not the services themselves) to
education support, job search, medical care, housing navigation, benefits enrollment, drug and
alcohol support, etc. This is a separate function than shelter operations staff.
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– An approach grounded in understanding the impact of trauma that emphasizes
physical, psychological, and emotional safety, and seeks to avoid practices that retraumatize
individuals.
– Shelters funded to remain open 24/7 that do not require participants to leave for any
portion of the day.
– Federal agency that oversees funding
for housing and homeless programs including Alameda County’s Continuum of Care, EveryOne
Home.
For additional terminology please refer to the EveryOne Home Acronym Glossary
Guiding Principles
Alameda County's Emergency Shelter Standards are built on three principles. They reflect the
County's commitment to a shelter system that supports every participant's dignity, self-
determination, and capacity to move toward a more stable life.
• Provide safe indoor space — a place where basic needs are met, participants feel secure, and
staff and participants alike are protected from harm.
• Offer an opportunity to stabilize — a supportive environment where participants can catch
their breath, access services, and work toward their own goals at their own pace.
• Support exit to better circumstances — active connection to housing and resources that open
a path forward, delivered with respect for each person's barriers and readiness.
Alameda County’s approach to shelter is consistent with the state’s “housing first” approach in that it
aims to connect people experiencing homelessness to permanent and stable housing as quickly as
possible. Under this model, providers offer services as needed and requested, and participation in
services are not a requirement for admittance to shelter.
Shelter is often the last option available to people with nowhere else to turn. These standards aim to
make every shelter funded through Alameda County Health, not just as a place to sleep, but as a
meaningful step toward stability. Alameda County Health Housing and Homelessness Services (H&H)
is committed to working in partnership with shelter providers to make this vision a reality.
Use of Standards
All shelters funded by Alameda County Health Housing and Homelessness Services are required to
adhere to the standards, unless exceptions are indicated in the standards based on type of site (e.g.,
overnight-only shelter). Providers should use these standards as the basis for developing their shelter
Policies and Procedures. Where the standards are silent, providers may develop policies that best
support their participants and programs.
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These standards do not cover all applicable state, federal, local, or certification requirements and are
not a substitute for any such requirements. Providers are responsible for complying with all
governmental and funder requirements that apply to them. Shelter providers
must maintain knowledge of, and ensure compliance with, current State of California and federal
legislation related to shelter service delivery as shelters serve a diverse group of people, including but
not limited to, youth, trafficking crime victims, gender-based violence victims, and survivors.
Waivers to specific standards may be requested when the Alameda County Shelter Standards conflict
with another governmental or funder requirement, when a provider believes a standard conflicts with
participant safety or program quality, or when the site has physical, space, or resource limitations.
Providers may request a waiver through the following process:
• Submit a request on the provider’s agency letterhead, signed by an agency executive, to H&H
at HHinfo@acgov.org
• Cite the number and language of the standard for which a waiver is requested.
• Cite the shelter location(s) for which the waiver(s) is/are requested.
• Explain the policy the provider proposes to implement in its place and the rationale for the
waiver, based on one or more of the following: (a) conflict with other rules or regulations, (b)
participant safety or well-being, (c) program quality, (d) physical or space limitations, (e) lack
of funding.
H&H will respond to waiver requests within 30 days of receipt with approval, denial, or request for
additional information. For providers contracted with H&H, waivers will be approved for the duration
of the provider’s contract and must be renewed upon execution of subsequent contracts.
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Section A: Program Operations
A.1 Shelter Policies and Procedures and Program
Agreements
Standards
A.1.1 Shelters maintain written that are consistent with these Standards
(Alameda County Emergency Shelter Standards).
a. Shelter Policies and Procedures are implemented consistently and fairly to avoid
perceptions of favoritism and to create a culture of trust and transparency.
A.1.2 Shelters create a written that contains information from the Policies and
Procedures relevant to participants.
A.1.3 Program Agreements include the following content at a minimum:
a. Participant rights (Section A.7).
b. Privacy and confidentiality practices, including HIPAA when applicable (Section A.10).
c. Storage Policies (Section A.15).
d. Enforcement process (Section A.19).
e. Grievance Form and process (Section A.20).
f. Reasons for discharge (Section A.21).
g. Medication Policies (Section B.3).
h. Substandard site conditions grievance form (Section E.1).
i. All program rules (e.g., weapons, security, drug and alcohol use, chores, curfew,
visitation, social media, internet use, and others as relevant to shelter policies).
j. Release of Information Form.
A.1.4 The Program Agreement is translated, as needed, into a participant’s primary language.
A.1.5 At intake the Program Agreement is verbally explained to each participant in their primary
language and provided to the participant in writing.
A.1.6 Participants sign an acknowledgement that they received and reviewed the Program
Agreement, and this acknowledgment must be retained in the participant's file.
Guidance/Resources
Shelters are encouraged to translate Program Agreements into Alameda County's threshold
languages (currently Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese), Vietnamese, Mandarin, Farsi, Cambodian, and
Tagalog).
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A.2 Admission
Standards
A.2.1 Shelter Policies and Procedures cover hours of admission for new participants and admission
procedures, and at a minimum, meet the requirements in A.2.2 through A.2.5 below.
A.2.2 Shelters accept new participant admissions Monday through Friday for at least four hours
daily when the shelter is open and beds are available. Shelters may schedule these hours to
best meet participant and staff needs. Accepting admission through a 24/7 crisis line meets
the four-hour threshold.
A.2.3 Shelters adhere to the current admission protocols established through Alameda County's
Coordinated Entry System (CES) or complementary systems for special populations such as
transition aged youth or GBV.
A.2.4 Shelters only deny admission to an applicant for the reasons listed below. Shelters can, at
their discretion, opt to admit applicants who fall into these categories, but they cannot deny
admission for any reasons other than the six listed below.
a. Eligibility. The applicant does not meet the basic eligibility criteria for the shelter type
(e.g., gender, age, homeless status, gender-based violence victim). Shelters with beds
designated by funding sources with additional restrictions (e.g., Veterans Administration
(VA) beds requiring advance VA approval) may deny entry to those not meeting funder
requirements.
i. Shelters may not exclude applicants who meet the requirements for their type of
shelter just because they also qualify for another type of shelter.
ii. Single adult shelters must accept applicants based on present day eligibility and
may not exclude applicants based on pregnancy status.
b. Criminal Record. The applicant 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 participants
as defined in Shelter Policies and Procedures.
i. Shelters are not required to assess criminal history. However, if a shelter does
consider criminal history, it must also assess the length of time since the
offense and any efforts toward rehabilitation.
c. Restraining Order. A restraining order prohibits the applicant’s admission to the facility,
or there is a protected party already present in the facility. The protected party may be a
staff member or a participant.
d. Applicant Behavior.
i. Applicant is currently exhibiting violent or threatening behavior.
ii. Applicant has a history of violent or threatening behavior or conduct from a prior
stay and continues to pose a risk to the health and safety of staff or participants
(e.g., violence, weapons violations, disclosing the confidential location of the
shelter, egregious property damage). Shelters must assess the length of time
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since prior behaviors occurred. If admission is denied on this basis, the
applicant must be informed of:
• the reason for denial.
• the conditions for lifting the restriction.
• their right to appeal, including whom to contact and how to initiate the
appeal process.
e. Infectious Disease. The applicant has an infectious disease that significantly increases
the risk of harm to other participants. See Section B: Health and Safety for all
requirements on responding to participants presenting with symptoms of infectious
disease.
f. Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The applicant requires care and supervision to manage
activities of daily living (feeding, toileting, selecting proper attire, grooming, maintaining
continence, bathing, walking, and transferring) without appropriate supports available
on-site.
A.2.5 Notification of denial of admission and reason for denial must be provided in writing to the
applicant within 3 days and accompanied with a grievance form unless there is no way to
contact the applicant.
Guidance/Resources
• Where feasible, shelters should accept after hours, crisis response, health and safety
relocations, and other emergency admissions, as well as expand hours to include weekends
to put the fewest restrictions possible on admissions.
• If shelters choose to admit applicants who fall into one of the categories listed in A.2.4, they
should consult with their legal counsel when developing their Policies and Procedures.
A.3 Intake
Standards
A.3.1 Intake is conducted as soon as possible upon a participant’s arrival, based on shelter Policies
and Procedure with a recommended timeframe of 24 hours.
A.3.2 Intake is welcoming and trauma-informed, recognizing that many participants are arriving in
crisis.
A.3.3 Staff review the Program Agreement (see A.1) with the participant in their primary language
and provide them with a written copy (or offer an electronic copy if the participant prefers).
A.3.4 Staff obtain a signed acknowledgement from all participants that they received and reviewed
the Program Agreement; this acknowledgement is kept in the participant’s file.
A.3.5 Participants are provided with clean linens, a pillow, and basic hygiene supplies.
A.3.6 Information collected at intake is standardized based on Shelter Policies and Procedures as
appropriate for either 24/7 or overnight-only shelters but must meet the requirements listed
below:
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a. The Bay Area Shelter to Emergency Department Transfer Face Sheet must be completed
at time of intake. This should be printed and kept in a secure location, accessible to on-
duty staff at all times, and restricted to a need-to-know basis to protect participant
confidentiality.
b. The following information must be documented for the purpose of facilitating access to
service linkage and ensuring that participants are safe and served appropriately:
i. Health insurance (Medi-Cal, Medicare, or other insurance).
ii. Primary care provider/medical home or source of medical care (24/7 shelters only).
iii. Regular pharmacy (24/7 shelters only).
iv. Pet allergies.
v. Food allergies and dietary restrictions.
This information is shared on an as-needed basis with appropriate staff to inform service
linkage (e.g., health care information), participant safety (e.g., food allergies) and
appropriate shelter services (e.g., pet allergies and dietary restrictions). See Section D:
Service Coordination and Linkage for requirements on linkage to health services.
c. For the protection of participant privacy, no additional medical questions may be asked at
intake beyond those required in HMIS unless a shelter is contracted to provide medically
enhanced services, or unless the participant has symptoms suggestive of a
communicable disease as outlined in Section B.4.
d. Additional questions related to health and behavioral health care beyond those listed
above may be asked at the time of HMIS program enrollment and subsequent
assessments.
Guidance/Resources
• Shelters providing medically enhanced services are not limited to the data listed in A.3.8 or
required in HMIS. These shelters should collect information from participants on their medical
needs, as required by their contracts and as needed to provide medically enhanced services.
• Program enrollment in HMIS or equivalent GBV data system is required but does not need to be
completed at the initial intake. See Section A.22. for data collection requirements.
• Bay Area Shelter to Emergency Department Transfer Face Sheet is provided by H&H and can be
requested by sending an email to HHinfo@acgov.org
A.4 Length of Stay
Standards
A.4.1 Shelters do not establish a maximum length of stay for any beds/units funded by H&H.
A.4.2 Participants are only discharged for the reasons specified in Section A.21.
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Guidance/Resources
The intent of this standard is for each participant or household's shelter stay to be focused on exiting
to stable housing, and to prevent returns to homelessness due to arbitrary time limits. This flexibility
acknowledges that obtaining permanent housing within a set timeframe is not always the reality in the
current housing market.
A.5 Accessibility and Non-Discrimination
Standards
Disability Access
A.5.1 Shelters comply with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
A.5.2 Reasonable modifications are made to programs, activities, and services to ensure equal
access for individuals with medically documented disabilities, unless such modifications
would fundamentally alter the nature of the program. In addition, every effort should be made
to accommodate individuals with self-identified disabilities regardless of formal
documentation.
A.5.3 The Program Agreement and other important information is available in formats accessible to
hearing-impaired and sight-impaired individuals upon request.
A.5.4 If the shelter provides transportation, it is accessible to participants who use wheelchairs.
A.5.5 Shelters prioritize ADA-accessible beds for participants with disabilities. Accessible beds
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.
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.
Transgender Access
A.5.6 Shelters comply with California state law which provides protections against discrimination
on the basis of gender identity.
A.5.7 Participants are placed in shelter rooms/beds consistent with their gender identity and with
consideration of participants’ own views regarding placements that protect their health and
safety.
A.5.8 Shelters may not ask questions or seek information or documentation concerning a
participant’s anatomy, medical history, or gender assigned at birth when making placement
decisions.
A.5.9 Shelters may not deny placement or make placement decisions based on complaints of other
participants when the sole basis of the complaint is a participant’s non-conformance with
gender stereotypes.
Language Access
A.5.10 Shelters strive to make all information and services available to all participants regardless of
their primary language or English proficiency through the following measures:
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a. Posted policies, announcements, and materials are translated into languages understood
by the current participants at the shelter.
b. Translation and interpretation for non-English speaking participants is available ideally
through bi-lingual staff or, if not, through a telephonic translation service.
Guidance/Resources
The ACLU of Southern California summarizes California law as it related to transgender access to
shelters.
A.6 Pets and Service Animals
Standards
A.6.1 Shelters comply with the ADA and must allow access to any person with a disability who uses
a service animal.
a. To determine if an animal is a service animal, staff may ask only the following two
questions:
i. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
ii. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
b. Shelters may not:
i. Ask about the nature of the person's disability.
ii. Require documentation, certification, identification cards, or proof of training as a
condition of allowing a service animal.
iii. Require the animal to demonstrate its task.
iv. Exclude a service animal unless certain conditions are met related to the behavior and
control of the animal. Please see the ADA website for exact exclusion criteria.
A.6.2 In addition to complying with ADA, Shelter Policies and Procedures address whether pets and
emotional support animals (ESAs) are permitted in the facility. Shelters may choose to
accommodate either, or both, types of animals but are not required to do so.
a. ESAs are not service animals under the ADA because they do not perform a specific task
related to a disability. Shelters may require a letter from a provider documenting the
participants’ need for an ESA.
b. Shelter policies may limit the number and type of pets/ESAs any participant can bring into
the shelter.
A.6.3 Shelter Policies and Procedures establish behavior-based criteria for admission and
continued stay — for example, that an animal must not have demonstrated aggression toward
people or other animals — and apply those criteria consistently based on observed behavior
rather than breed or appearance.
A.6.4 Shelters ask all participants about animal allergies at intake and use this information to inform
room/bed assignments to separate participants with allergies from animals when possible.
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Guidance/Resources
• See the ADA website for comprehensive guidance on ADA service animal requirements, including
permitted inquiries and exclusion criteria.
• For guidance on distinguishing service animals from emotional support animals, see the
Department of Justice FAQ.
• Because pets are an important part of many people’s well-being, when possible, shelters should
try to accommodate pets and offer resources that enable people to remain connected to their
animals.
• It is a best practice for shelters to ask all incoming participants about animal allergies and note
any animals already present in the shelter. When a participant with allergies and a person with an
animal must share a facility, shelters should attempt to accommodate both by assigning them to
different areas or rooms where possible.
• It is a best practice to ask participants what their plan is for care for their pets in an emergency
and to inform them that the shelter will be unable to care for their animals in the event of their
absence.
• If providers cannot determine whether an animal poses a safety risk to participants, they should
seek consultation from partner organizations such as the East Bay SPCA which offers behavior
and training programs and humane advocacy services that may support shelters and participants
navigating animal-related challenges.
• When an animal's behavior creates safety concerns, the first step should be to engage the owner
directly. If the situation cannot be resolved, shelters should have a process for facilitating
temporary fostering so that the person can remain in the shelter while the animal is cared for
elsewhere. The East Bay SPCA's program provides temporary boarding for pets of
people experiencing a crisis in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and accepts referrals from
social service providers. Contact: HumaneAdvocate@EastBaySPCA.org.
• The National Alliance to End Homelessness offers a resource on implementing a pet-friendly
shelter model.
A.7 Participant Rights
Standards
A.7.1 Shelters develop a statement of participant rights that must be included in the Program
Agreement, provided to all participants in writing, and posted in the facility in the languages
spoken by participants to ensure accessibility and understanding for all.
A.7.2 At a minimum, participant rights include:
a. Be treated with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity and be provided services in a non-
judgmental manner.
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b. Be protected against all forms of discrimination and receive shelter services regardless of
religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, ancestry, political or religious beliefs,
language, disability, family composition, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
c. Have a safe shelter environment, including personal safety, a healthy setting, and access
to health care services.
d. Use self-determination in identifying and setting goals.
e. Have privacy respected and confidential information protected.
f. Receive services consistently and fairly in accordance with the shelter’s Policies and
Procedures and with Alameda County’s Shelter Standards.
A.8 Participant Input
Standards
A.8.1 Shelters lead participant meetings at least once per month at times when a maximum number
of participants can attend, providing at least 24 hours advance notice of the meeting time and
location.
A.8.2 Shelters make a secure comment box available to all participants where they can submit
anonymous written comments.
A.8.3 Shelters facilitate ongoing opportunities to obtain participant feedback, including collecting
participant surveys at least twice a year.
A.8.4 Shelters provide a summary of participant input and quality improvement efforts informed by
participant feedback in an annual report submitted to the County and made available to
shelter participants.
Guidance/Resources
• Shelters are encouraged to promote transparency and communication by using monthly
community meetings with participants to review shelter policies and discuss the type of concerns
participants have expressed and how the shelter is responding. These conversations should never
result in disclosure of the names or identities of any participants or staff who may be the subject
of those concerns.
• In addition to the requirements above, shelters are encouraged to provide participants with
ongoing opportunities to provide input. Methods for gathering input may include exit interviews,
discharge surveys, one-on-one interviews, participant surveys, focus groups, inclusion of
homeless or formerly homeless members on the shelter's board of directors, hiring of homeless or
formerly homeless people as staff, and/or the creation of a participants’ advisory council.
• Shelters are encouraged to provide opportunities for former participants and/or people with lived
experience (not previously connected to program) to be part of advisory boards and committees
related to the direct service and leadership of the shelter or provider agency.
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A.9 Hours, Facility Access, and Curfew
Standards
A.9.1 Shelter Policies and Procedures cover hours of operation, facility access, and curfew. At a
minimum, these policies must meet the requirements below and must be included in the
Program Agreement.
A.9.2 Shelters remain open 24/7 unless funded as an overnight-only shelter.
A.9.3 Shelters provide sleeping facilities for a minimum of eight (8) consecutive hours.
A.9.4 Shelters post hours of operation in a visible location.
A.9.5 To the extent possible, overnight-only shelters:
a. extend or modify hours of operation for illness, weather, disabilities, participants working
second and third shifts, and other reasonable requests.
b. make alternate spaces on the premises accessible to participants during the day to
shelter from rain or extreme temperatures.
A.9.6 24/7 shelters allow participants access to their possessions, sleeping quarters, and common
spaces.
A.9.8 Shelters may choose to establish a curfew policy centered around participants’ needs.
Curfew covers when participants must be present on the shelter premises. If any curfew
policy is established, it must meet the following requirements:
a. Is clearly written and explained to participants at intake.
b. Is consistently enforced.
c. Clearly states if/when a missing person’s report will be filed.
d. Makes exceptions for work, education, and health care.
e. Stipulates that missing a curfew is not a reason for denial of entry or discharge unless:
i. The curfew violation compromises the health or safety of the participant or
other participants or staff.
ii. The participant's curfew violation repeatedly interferes with the rights of other
participants to peaceful enjoyment of the facility.
A.9.9 If quiet or light-out hours are established, participants have access to common areas where
they can engage in quiet personal activities that do not disrupt other participants, as defined
in the Program Agreement.
Guidance/Resources
• In mixed gender congregate facilities, shelters should create privacy for participants based on
gender to the extent possible given physical space limitations.
• Whenever possible, shelters should allow participants access to sleeping areas 24/7.
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A.10 Privacy, Confidentiality, and Abuse
Reporting
Standards
A.10.1 Shelters have privacy, confidentiality, and abuse reporting policies that are consistent with
the provider agency and state regulations, and, where applicable, HMIS privacy and security
requirements.
A.10.2 Participant files are confidential and stored in a secure, locked location. Electronic files are
password-protected and accessed in a manner that prevents others from viewing the
screen.
A.10.3 Participants sign a Release of Information (ROI) before their personal information is
disclosed to outside parties. The ROI is included in the Program Agreement packet reviewed
by participants at intake.
A.10.4 Participants are informed of when and to whom their personal information may be
disclosed.
A.10.5 Verbal communication of confidential information is conducted in a way that avoids
unintended disclosure.
A.10.6 Shelters establish procedures for handling visitor, call, or message requests. Unless a
participant requests an exception, staff never confirm or deny a participant's presence at
the shelter, but they always inform the participant of any attempts made to contact them.
A.10.7 Participants are allowed to use pseudonyms within the shelter to protect their identity when
they feel their safety is at risk.
A.10.8 While shelters may develop policies related to participant phone, internet, and social media
usage to protect identity and confidentiality, these policies may not impose barriers to
participants’ ability to engage in necessary communications for approved school, work, or
other purposes.
A.10.9 Shelter Policies and Procedures include guidance regarding who is a mandated reporter and
on how to report and address any type of abuse, including child, spousal, or elder abuse.
A.10.10 Shelters have a written plan and trauma-informed process for handling any abuse reports
that are made to appropriate reporting agencies.
A.11 Drug and Alcohol Use and Possession
Standards
A.11.1 Shelter Policies and Procedures cover drug and alcohol use and possession that, at a
minimum, meet the requirements in A.11.2 through A.11.12 below and are included in the
Program Agreement.
A.11.2 Possession, use, and distribution of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs is prohibited on the
shelter premises.
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a. Participants with a current valid medical marijuana card may possess marijuana but may
not consume it in smokable form on shelter premises.
A.11.3 Substance use is recognized as a personal choice and/or clinical disorder and approached
with a harm reduction orientation.
A.11.4 Visible drug paraphernalia, or substance use materials is kept out of sight as it may
negatively affect other participants, particularly those in recovery, families with children, or
individuals with mental health conditions.
A.11.5 Shelters provide referrals to substance use services including, but not limited to, outpatient
treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment, 12-step/peer support programs, and harm
reduction services.
a. Shelter policies state that engaging in substance use treatment is a participant’s choice
and is not a requirement to remain in the shelter.
A.11.6 Shelters cannot discharge individuals for use of substances while off-site.
A.11.7 Being under the influence, or suspected of being under the influence, of a substance on-site
may not be the basis for discharge unless the participant’s behavior interferes with other
participants’ health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of the facility.
A.11.8 Shelter policies clearly define behavior that meets the threshold for “interference with other
participants’ health, safety or peaceful enjoyment of the facility.” This definition must be:
a. based on objective, observable criteria.
b. justified based on the needs of the population served by the shelter.
c. applied fairly and uniformly to all participants.
A.11.9 Shelter policies require that staff engage with participants to offer services and resolve
disruptive behaviors related to off-site substance use prior to penalizing or discharging the
participant.
A.11.10 Shelter policies give participants the opportunity to dispose of any prohibited substance
found in their possession or to leave the shelter for that night if they do not wish to dispose of
prohibited substances in their possession.
A.11.11 Shelter policies cannot require drug testing of participants.
A.11.12 Shelter policies on drug and alcohol use and possession are posted in a visible location.
Guidance/Resources
• Staff may direct participants who wish to dispose of controlled substances to a MED-Project take-
back kiosk (locations at StopWaste.org/medicine).
• For substances found unattended on premises with no identified owner, shelters should consult
with legal counsel to develop policies for disposing of illicit substances.
A.12 Smoking
Standards
A.12.1 Shelters prohibit smoking and vaping indoors.
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A.12.2 Shelters prohibit smoking within 25 feet of shelter facilities unless the layout of the grounds
makes this infeasible and must make reasonable efforts to prevent smoke from entering
buildings.
A.12.3 Shelters follow all local ordinances regarding smoking in public areas.
Guidance/Resources
Information about tobacco cessation resources should be posted in common areas when possible.
A.13 Security and Search of Participant
Possessions
Standards
A.13.1 Shelter’s develop Policies and Procedures for security practices that best meet the needs of
its participants and staff while protecting privacy and autonomy to the greatest degree
possible.
A. 13.2 Shelter policies state that threats of violence, intimidation, or credible threats made toward
other participants or staff must be taken seriously and cannot be ignored. When credible
safety concerns exist, shelters should take immediate action to protect impacted participants
and staff, which may include increased supervision, separation of participants, or searches of
personal property when there is reasonable belief that weapons or dangerous items may be
present.
A.13.3 Shelters Policies and Procedures explicitly state how and when searches of participants'
private possessions may be conducted and include the following:
a. The policy states that the provider respects the right of participants to privacy and
personal autonomy.
b. Search procedures reflect a trauma-informed approach and respect participant privacy to
the greatest degree possible.
c. If a participant does not consent to a search, the shelter must provide the participant with
options other than discharge, using discharge only as the last resort.
d. Shelters may choose to implement universal search procedures (e.g., upon entry to the
facility) but must apply these procedures consistently, uniformly, and fairly to all
participants.
e. Any searches that are not universal but rather conducted of specific individuals must be
based on credible evidence that the participant possesses items not allowed in the
shelter or that pose a risk to the health and safety of participants or staff.
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Guidance/Resources
• Due to the invasive nature of search, shelters should be proactive and intentional in
communicating search policies and reasons for search so that participants do not feel targeted or
traumatized.
• Shelters are encouraged to develop practical plans to respond to enforcement actions and
requests for information directed at shelter participants and members of the public generally.
A.14 Weapons
Standards
A.14.1 Shelter Policies and Procedures include a weapons policy that, at a minimum, meets the
County requirements listed below:
a. Shelter policies prohibit weapons on the premises, including but not limited to, firearms,
explosives, pepper spray, mace, and knives, or any item that may be construed as such.
i. This policy is applied to all participants and visitors regardless of whether a federal
or state license to possess a weapon has been issued.
b. Items that constitute weapons are clearly defined, including which types of knives are
prohibited.
c. For non-firearm weapons (including knives, pepper spray, mace, and similar items),
shelters:
i. Maintain a mechanism for securely storing these items when participants enter
the shelter.
ii. Make stored items accessible to the participant upon exit on a daily basis within
specified hours, unless advance arrangements have been made for retrieval
outside those hours.
iii. Maintain a log of all items held in weapons storage, including a description of each
item, the name of the participant, the date received, and the date returned.
A.14.2 For firearms, shelters must consult legal counsel before establishing any firearm storage
procedure.
A.14.3 Participants arriving with firearms are informed of local law enforcement options for surrender
or safekeeping.
Guidance/Resources
• When developing their weapons policies, particularly regarding firearms, shelters should consult
legal counsel and any city or county ordinances that may impose additional requirements.
• California law imposes specific criminal and civil liability on any person or organization that keeps
firearms on premises under their custody or control without adequate security, particularly where
prohibited persons may be present. Because shelter populations may include individuals who are
legally prohibited from possessing firearms, and because shelters may not be equipped to meet
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the legal standard for secure firearm storage, shelters should consult legal counsel before taking
custody of firearms.
• The California Department of Justice's summary of firearm storage laws provides more
information.
A.15 Storage of Participant Belongings
Standards
A.15.1 Shelter Policies and Procedures cover:
a. What provision is made for securing belongings.
b. How participants access their belongings.
c. What possessions can be held by the program at the participant's request (e.g., money,
medications, vital documents).
d. Practices and procedures related to post-discharge storage in their policies (e.g., number
of days of storage, procedures for contacting the former participant, disposition of
unclaimed property).
A.15.2 Shelter policies related to storage of belongings are included in the Program Agreement and
reviewed with participants at intake.
A.15.3 24/7 shelter policies related to storage of participants’ belongings meet the following County
requirements:
a. The shelter provides lockable lockers, storage trunks, or other accommodations that
allow participants to securely store their belongings.
b. Minimum storage capacity per participant is 20 cubic feet (equivalent to three 55-gallon
trash bags).
c. Participants are provided with reasonable and regular access to their belongings including
a process to address lost keys, broken locks or other barriers to accessing storage.
d. If holding funds or possessions on behalf of participants, the shelter must:
i. Make it clear to participants that this service is voluntary.
ii. Maintain a log of participant’s items in the shelter's possession (this does not
include all possessions brought into the shelter) including a description of
each item, the name of the participant, the date received, and the date
returned.
iii. Ensure confidentiality and privacy of all participants in storing and accessing
their funds or possessions.
iv. Ensure participant access to funds or possessions when needed by the
participant.
v. Return funds or possessions promptly upon the participant's request.
e. Participant belongings are stored for a minimum of two weeks after the participant exits.
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Guidance/Resources
• For guidance on storage of participant medication, see Section B: Health and Safety.
• Shelter policies should address situations where the accumulation of belongings exceeds
designated storage capacity or creates health, sanitation, fire safety, mobility, or comfort
concerns for other participants. Shelters should have clear procedures for addressing excessive
accumulation while respecting participant dignity and property rights.
A.16 Guests and Visitors
Standards
A.16.1 Shelter Policies and Procedures include a guest policy that balances participant safety and
confidentiality with the need for access to service providers and non-participants (guests).
With the exception of safe houses or GBV shelters, guest policies meet the following
requirements:
a. Guest policies are in writing, posted in a visible location, provided to each participant at
intake, and enforced uniformly.
b. Service providers from other programs or agencies are allowed to meet with participants.
c. Participants’ minor children are allowed to visit with shelter approval and under approved
supervision.
A.16.2 Safe houses or GBV shelters should develop guest policies that protect participants’ safety
while making arrangement for participants to meet with services providers and their minor
children at another location if necessary.
Guidance/Resources
When possible, shelters should adopt policies that allow visits from family members, friends, and
other supports to enable participants to maintain a circle of support and avoid losing important social
connections.
A.17 Chores
Standards
A.17.1 Shelters may offer participants the opportunity to engage in activities/tasks related to the
maintenance of the facility in accordance with labor law and HUD requirements, if applicable.
A.17.2 If chore policies are implemented, they must allow for accommodation for those who cannot
participate in chores due to disability, pregnancy, illness, or school/work schedules.
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A.17.3 Noncompliance with a chore policy cannot be a reason for discharge unless there is a
repeated pattern of violation that impacts other participants and a corrective action plan was
implemented for a period of time as specified in the shelter’s Policies and Procedures.
Guidance/Resources
Shelters that assign participants chores are encouraged to make chore assignments with
consideration of participants’ schedules, capabilities, and interests while ensuring fairness
and avoiding stereotyping. Chore policies should also allow sufficient flexibility to allow chores
to be completed during times that do not conflict with a participant’s school or work schedule.
A.18 Participant Mail
Standards
A.18.1 Shelters implement a mechanism for participants to receive mail, if possible.
A.18.2 If receiving mail for participants, shelters do not open participants’ mail or interfere with any
mail sent or received.
A.18.3 If receiving mail for participants, it is provided to participants on the day it was received or as
soon as possible.
Guidance/Resources
• To the extent feasible, shelters should ensure the privacy and security of participants’ mail, with
particular consideration given to medication and medical documents.
• If receiving mail for participants, shelters should institute a process to forward mail after
participants have left the shelter when possible.
A.19 Enforcement of Compliance with Program
Agreement
Standards
A.19.1 Shelter Program Agreements clearly identify non-compliance issues that are grounds for
discharge.
A.19.2 Shelter Policies and Procedures include a progressive response system that is consistently
applied before a participant is discharged for noncompliance unless the participant poses an
immediate danger to themselves, other participants or staff. The progressive response must
include:
a. Warnings, reminders, and direct support from staff or peers, documented in
writing and signed by the participant. If the participant refuses, the refusal should
be documented.
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b. Opportunities for the participant to correct behavior and receive feedback from
staff.
c. A requirement to meet with the participant within three (3) days of identifying
noncompliance to discuss the concern and identify ways to correct it.
d. A requirement for participants with repeated noncompliance to develop a
corrective action plan with shelter staff that identifies: the responsibilities being
violated and their impact on the shelter, strategies and a timeline for correction,
supports provided to assist the participant, and consequences of noncompliance
by an agreed-upon target date.
i. The corrective action plan must be signed by a staff member and the
participant. If the participant refuses, the refusal should be documented.
e. Documentation in HMIS and case notes of all observations of and
communications with participants regarding noncompliance, including meetings,
conversations, and corrective action plans.
f. A requirement for staff to keep site supervisors informed of all noncompliance
observations, communications, and interventions.
A.19.3 Staff receive training on the enforcement of compliance as detailed in the Policies and
Procedures.
A.20 Grievance and Appeals
Standards
Policies and Forms
A.20.1 Shelter Policies and Procedures include a fair and comprehensive policy for receiving and
handling grievances that complies with requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) as adopted by Alameda County’s Continuum of Care (CoC),
EveryOne Home.
A.20.2 Shelters have a written grievance form using simple language that explains the grievance
protocol at the provider agency level and the steps to escalate a grievance to the County
level.
a. Participants are provided with a verbal explanation of the grievance process and
the grievance form at intake in their primary language. (See Section A.1. for
translation resources.)
b. Copies of the grievance form are also available in visible locations in common
areas.
c. The grievance form is provided to all participants at exit or upon request to
individuals denied admission.
Process
A.20.3 Participants have the option to file a grievance in person by handing it to a staff person, by
mail to the shelter’s administrative office, by email to a general mailbox for the provider
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agency, or to an administrative staff member who does not provide services at the shelter
site.
a. The name and contact information for an off-site shelter supervisor is publicly
posted.
b. Grievances can be filed verbally with a staff person who should assist the
participant in documenting the grievance in writing.
c. Participants are not expected to submit grievances to staff members who may be
the subject of the grievance.
d. Participants receive a dated receipt, copy, or written acknowledgment confirming
the grievance was received.
A.20.4 If a meeting is held to address the grievance it will:
a. Allow participants to present their case before a supervisor or manager who was
not directly involved in the incident or situation giving rise to the grievance.
b. Accommodate third-party advocates in the grievance process, with reasonable
efforts made to coordinate scheduling with the participant’s advocate.
A.20.5 All grievances are treated confidentially and handled in a manner that does not expose
participants to any form of retaliation or punishment for having filed a grievance. Retaliation
includes reduction in services, differential treatment, threats, intimidation, changes in
placement, increased rule enforcement directed at the participant, or any adverse action
connected to filing a grievance.
A.20.6 Grievance forms specify a timeframe in which a participant will receive a written
acknowledgement that their grievance was received, and shelters must adhere to this
timeframe.
a. If a participant is asked to exit due to a violent event, the written acknowledgement
may be provided at the next feasible contact with the participant.
A.20.7 Participants are provided with a written response to their grievance within two weeks of the
time the grievance was filed.
a. Any action affecting a participant’s ability to stay in the shelter must be suspended
until the grievance process is completed, unless continued residence poses a risk
to the health and safety of other participants and/or staff.
b. Grievances involving health, safety, threats of violence, discrimination, or staff
misconduct should require expedited review within 24–72 hours.
Appeals
A.20.8 The grievance protocol includes a clear statement of the right to appeal and contact
information for the relevant County agency or other relevant funding or oversight agencies.
a. Appeals are allowed, at minimum, for the following: admissions denials for cause,
discharges, and disciplinary actions.
Record Keeping and Reporting
A.20.9 All written grievances, shelter responses, and associated case notes are kept in participant
case files and made available to funding agencies.
A.20.10 Shelters keep a record of number, content, and resolution of grievances.
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Guidance/Resources
• Additional requirements related to grievance procedures at the point of discharge are included in
Section A.21.
• Homebase, the nonprofit that supports Alameda’s CoC, has created a detailed FAQ for grievance
policy requirements for HUD CoC-funded programs, Coordinated Entry, and HMIS.
A.21 Discharge
Standards
A.21.1 Unless a participant’s behavior poses an immediate danger or credible threat to participants
or staff, shelters implement corrective actions plans as described in A.19 prior to discharging
a participant for the reasons listed in A.21.3.
A.21.2 Shelters conduct involuntary discharges fairly and with appropriate oversight, as follows:
a. Involuntary discharges are approved by a supervisor. During hours when no
supervisor is on site, a supervisor must be available on call to approve discharge
decisions. Approval may be given verbally but must be documented in case notes.
b. Participants are not discharged after business hours unless the participant poses
an immediate threat to the health and safety of other participants and/or staff.
c. Shelters provide participants with a written copy of the grievance procedure at the
time of involuntary discharge. If this is infeasible at the time of discharge (e.g., the
participant is being removed by law enforcement), the grievance procedure must
be provided if the participant subsequently returns to the facility.
d. If a participant may be denied future readmission because of the circumstances
of discharge, they are informed of:
i. The reason for denial.
ii. The conditions for lifting the restriction.
iii. Their right to appeal, including whom to contact and how to initiate the appeal
process.
A.21.3 Shelters only discharge a participant for the following reasons:
a. Possession of a weapon at the facility.
b. Possession of illegal drugs on the premises.
c. Assault or other violent behavior.
d. Poses an immediate danger or credible threat to participant or staff safety.
e. Theft.
f. Destruction of property.
g. Restraining order precludes continued residence.
h. Participant behavior endangers the health or safety of participants or staff.
i. Disclosure of the confidential location of the shelter.
j. Repeated interference with the rights of other participants to peaceful enjoyment of the
facility.
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k. Presence of an infectious disease that has been confirmed by a health care provider and
that significantly increases the risk of harm to other participants. See Infectious Disease
and Public Health Emergencies for further details.
l. The participant requires care and supervision to manage activities of daily living that the
site is not appropriately staffed to support. In such situations, staff should contact AC
Health Housing and Homelessness for guidance and support on appropriate discharge
locations. Participants discharged for this reason may not be discharged to the streets.
m. Repeated refusal to engage in housing services, provided there is documented evidence
of refusal to meet with housing navigation provider over a 90-day period.
n. Absence from the shelter for 72 hours or longer without notification to shelter staff.
o. Exhibiting symptoms of TB and refusing to comply with testing and treatment
recommendations, where continued presence poses a risk to the health and safety of
other participants and staff, as determined by a health care provider. (Note: While
participants may be encouraged to get a TB test, lack of a test cannot be used as a reason
for discharge unless the above condition is met.)
A.21.4. Shelters keep a written record of all involuntary discharges that documents the reason
for discharge.
Guidance/Resources
Additional information regarding control of infectious disease and how to evaluate whether a
participant exhibits signs of TB is included in Appendix A of “Preventing Tuberculosis (TB) in Homeless
Shelters” published by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
A.22 Data Collection
Standards
A.22.1 Shelters participate in HMIS or a comparable system for gender-based violence programs.
A.22.2 Shelters utilize HMIS (or comparable GBV system) data quality reports to ensure the accuracy
of submitted information.
A.22.3 Shelters track all reasons for denial based on cause (excluding denials due to capacity) in
HMIS (or comparable GBV system) per CES policies and procedures and be able to report this
information.
A.22.4 Shelters track all discharges and reasons for discharge in HMIS (or comparable GBV system)
and be able to report this information for all participants.
Guidance
• For more information on policies, trainings, and other resources for HMIS visit the Alameda
County Bitfocus website
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Section B: Health and Safety
B.1 Participant Information
Standards
B.1.1 Shelters collect emergency contact and accommodation needs related to emergency
response from each participant at intake and keep this information in a secure location,
accessible to on-duty staff at all times, and restricted to a need-to-know basis to protect
participant privacy.
B.1.2 24/7 shelters collect information at intake to facilitate access to service linkage and to ensure
that participants are safe and served appropriately. This information must include and be
limited to:
a. Health insurance (Medi-Cal, Medicare, or other insurance).
b. Primary care provider/medical home or source of medical care.
c. Regular pharmacy.
d. Pet allergies.
e. Food allergies and dietary restrictions.
B.1.3 Overnight-only shelter intakes include collection of information to ensure that participants are
safe and served appropriately. This information must include and be limited to:
a. Health insurance (Medi-Cal, Medicare, or other insurance).
b. Pet allergies.
c. Food allergies and dietary restrictions.
B.1.4 Information collected at intake is shared with appropriate staff to inform service linkage (e.g.,
health care information), participant safety (e.g., food allergies), and appropriate shelter
services (e.g., pet allergies and dietary restrictions).
Guidance/Resources
• Shelters should encourage participants to obtain and maintain health insurance, a regular
doctor/primary care provider, and immunization services.
• Alameda County Health offers assistance with linkage to health insurance and benefits as well as
to primary care.
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B.2 On-Site Health and Emergency Preparedness
Standards
B.2.1 Shelters maintain basic first aid supplies including Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
for cardiac arrest, and naloxone on-site and accessible to staff whenever participants are
present. (See Section G for staff training requirements.)
B.2.2 Shelter Policies and Procedures cover universal precautions protocols (to prevent spread of
infectious and communicable diseases) and proper sharps disposal procedures that must be
followed at all times.
B.2.3 The following hygiene supplies are accessible to participants and staff at multiple locations
throughout the shelter at all times:
a. Soap, water, and hand-drying resources.
b. Hand sanitizer.
c. Tissues.
d. Face masks.
e. Wastebaskets emptied at least daily.
B.2.4 Shelters have a written emergency response plan describing procedures for responding to
emergencies that may affect shelter operations or the safety of participants and staff.
B.2.5 Shelters own and maintain an AED and document its maintenance. Its operation is the
responsibility of the on-duty staff trained in CPR.
B.2.6 Shelter emergency response plans include provisions for identifying and assisting participants
with limited mobility.
B.2.7 After-hours shelter contact information is provided to Social Work/Discharge Planning
departments at hospitals serving shelter participants as the availability of a shelter bed will
affect hospital discharge planning.
Guidance/Resources
• Multi-story shelters are encouraged to have emergency evacuation chairs in their stairwells,
scaling the number to the size of the shelter.
• If there is a need to call 911, having the participant’s Bay Area Shelter to Emergency Department
Transfer Face Sheet in hand will be helpful for answering questions from the 911 dispatchers.
B.3 Participant Medication
Standards
Medication Storage
B.3.1 Shelters make individual, freely accessible, lockable storage (e.g., lockable storage boxes)
available for each participant’s own medications upon entry.
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B.3.2 Participants may be encouraged to lock medications in secure storage but may not be
required to do so.
B.3.3 In a facility where minors are present all medications is stored in locked containers.
B.3.4 Shelters provide access to refrigeration for medications. (A locked box within a shared
refrigerator is acceptable.)
B.3.5 Shelters do not require participants to turn over their medication (prescription or over the
counter) but may choose to securely store medications for participants upon request in a
manner that protects participant privacy.
B.3.6 Shelters Policies and Procedures specify:
a. The length of the grace period, which must be no less than two weeks, during which a
participant’s medications will be held after their exit.
b. The disposal method of unclaimed medications after the grace period.
Medication Access
B.3.7 Participants have primary possession and free access to their prescription medication.
B.3.8 Shelters do not administer or dispense medication to participants.
a. Administration of medication means directly giving a medication to a participant — such
as handing them a pill to swallow, applying a topical treatment, or providing an injection or
inhaler dose.
b. Dispensing of medication means determining when and in what quantity a person
receives medication (e.g., counting out pills, limiting access).
B.3.9 Shelters do not deny participants access to their medications or interfere with participants'
self-administration in any way, including by restricting timing or dosage.
B.3.10 Participants holding a valid California medical marijuana card may possess and use medical
cannabis on-site, provided it is in non-smokable form.
Guidance/Resources
• Waivers to the prohibition on administration can be requested by facilities subject to other
requirements or by facilities with licensed personnel such as a registered nurse (RN) or medical
provider (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant).
• When creating policies on medication disposal, shelter providers may reference this resource
from the Food and Drug Administration for guidance on proper disposal of medications.
• Information about the California Medical Marijuana Program is available on the California
Department of Public Health website. The validity of a medical marijuana ID card can be checked
at the California Department of Public Health verification website without providing any personal
information.
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B.4 Infectious Disease Policies and Prevention
Standards
B.4.1 Shelter Policies and Procedures cover prevention of, and response to, infectious and
communicable disease, including but not limited to tuberculosis (TB), lice, and scabies.
B.4.2 Protocols must be included for:
a. Responding to participants who are coughing (“cough alert”).
b. Making referrals to health care providers when a participant shows symptoms of
infectious and/or communicable diseases including but not limited to TB
(including, but not limited to, cough, weight loss and night sweats), lice, or
scabies.
c. Notifying participants when there is a possibility, they were exposed to a
communicable disease spread through casual contact.
d. Protecting participant confidentiality related to communicable diseases.
e. Responding to any identified communicable disease, including consultation with
a medical professional when determining if a participant is infected with a
contagious disease that might seriously endanger the health of other participants.
i. Shelters must notify Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH)
if a shelter determines the presence of a communicable disease that seriously
endangers the health of participants or staff.
f. Responding to public health emergencies under the guidance of Alameda County
Public Health Department, including identifying spaces that can be used for
isolation and quarantine in the event of an outbreak.
B.4.3 TB testing cannot be required as a condition of entry.
a. Shelters should strongly encourage, and facilitate, participants to receive TB
testing at a nearby clinic, or participant’s medical home, within 90 days of intake.
B.4.4 Participants with symptoms of active TB are allowed to stay, required to mask, and referred to
a health care provider for treatment as soon as possible or within one week.
B.4.5 Participants with symptoms of lice or scabies (including, but not limited to, an itchy rash) are
allowed to stay, and isolated from other shelter participants as much as feasible and referred
to a health care provider for treatment as soon as possible or within one week.
B.4.6 Shelters only deny admission or discharge a participant with an infectious disease under the
following conditions, following technical assistance from ACHCH:
a. The disease or infestation cannot be appropriately contained (e.g., due to close
quarters of the facility or lack of ability to isolate patients).
b. The participant is not compliant with treatment or containment measures and
endangers other participants health and safety.
c. The infectious disease significantly increases the risk of harm to other
participants.
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B.4.7 If shelter staff become aware of a participant who has tested positive for TB with a skin or lab
test, and the participant does not have an active cough, the participant must obtain a medical
evaluation and chest x-ray, which should occur as soon as possible and within a week. If this
participant has an active cough, they must be immediately required to mask and be sent to
the hospital for an evaluation. Staff should immediately contact ACHCH for further guidance.
B.4.8 Shelters encourage the use of vaccines when available, including annual flu vaccines for staff.
B.4.9 Shelters maintain adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies and train staff,
volunteers, and participants (as needed), in proper PPE use.
B.4.10 Sleeping and common areas are adequately ventilated.
B.4.11 Shelters comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5199 regarding Aerosol
Transmissible Diseases (ATD) control and the safety of workers and participants. Shelters also
maintain facility standards that are well above the conditions of a "substandard building," as
defined in California Health and Safety Code §17920.3 and amended by AB 130.
B.4.12 Health information is communicated to participants using methods that overcome language,
cultural, and disability barriers, including the use of multilingual staff or language
interpretation services as described in Section A.5.
Guidance/Resources
● County requirements for infectious disease policies balance the risk of spread with individual
autonomy and realistic barriers to medical care – ensuring the greatest possible number of
participants is screened without needlessly turning anyone away from shelter. TB can remain in
the body for years without causing illness, but in some people becomes active and highly
contagious, spreading through airborne droplets. Other ATDs, including influenza and whooping
cough, spread similarly through coughing, sneezing, or talking. Because congregate settings
create favorable conditions for transmission, it is essential that shelters take precautions to
protect participants and staff.
● ACHCH will provide best practices and templates to assist shelters in developing policies and
procedures related to infectious disease control and response.
● The ACHCH cough alert protocol can be used as a resource for shelters to develop their cough
alert policies.
● Shelters can consult with ACHCH to determine whether ventilation is adequate and how it could
be improved.
● Additional guidance on ATD compliance and best practices for control of infectious disease can
be found in Preventing Tuberculosis (TB) in Homeless Shelters published by the Los Angeles
County Department of Public Health.
● Additional guidance on compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5199 can
be found in California Workplace Guidance on Aerosol Transmissible Diseases published by
CalOSHA.
● Shelters are encouraged to establish partnerships with local health providers for vaccination and
medical care.
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B.5 Outbreak Response
Standards
B.5.1 During a public health emergency, as declared by the Alameda County Health Officer,
shelters stay current and in compliance with all local and state health officer orders.
a. Shelters ensure that all participants and staff follow current orders from the
Alameda County Health Officer for safe physical distancing.
b. Shelters designate a staff person as a single point of contact with the ACHCH
program and consult with ACHCH for additional guidance as needed. The single
point of contact maintains relationships with local health authorities and other
shelters for knowledge sharing and mutual support.
c. Shelters regularly review and update their public health emergency response plan
based on new information and best practices from ACHCH and maintain a list of
key resources and contacts for reliable health-related information.
B.5.2 Beds and rooms are filled at reduced capacity at levels confirmed with ACHCH and their
Alameda County funding agency.
B.5.3 Newly admitted participants are notified about the status of the outbreak at intake.
B.5.4 Adequate ventilation is maintained 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.
B.5.5 Designated isolation spaces are provided for symptomatic persons.
B.5.6 The shelter is regularly cleaned and disinfected. Participants must have access to adequate
cleaning and disinfecting supplies to clean and disinfect their assigned rooms, spaces, and
personal possessions.
B.5.7 A communication plan is implemented for regular updates to participants and staff regarding
the shelter's public health response, including a system for addressing concerns and
questions.
B.5.8 A plan is made for staff absences and turnover to ensure adequate supervision of shelter
activities during public health emergencies, to the extent possible.
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Section C: Food Service
C.1 Food Procurement and Safety
Standards
C.1.1 Shelters develop their own procedures for procuring, preparing, handling, and distributing
food to best meet the needs of their participants based on their facilities and resources.
C.1.2 Shelters ensure all areas used for food storage, preparation, and distribution meet the highest
standards for safety and sanitation.
C.1.3 Shelters comply with state and county food safety codes that apply to the facilities and
procedures the shelter has in place for food handling and preparation
a. If shelters are obtaining food from an outside third party, they must ensure that the donor
or vendor also complies with all applicable health and safety codes.
C.1.4 Shelters may not accept participants' CalFresh benefits as payment for food provided by the
shelter.
Guidance/Resources
• Shelters should consult the California Retail Food Code for requirements that apply to their
facilities.
• To ensure food safety, programs are discouraged from accepting food prepared off-site by
intermittent donors.
C.2 Dietary Accommodations
Standards
C.2.1 Shelters that provide meals adhere to USDA Dietary Guidelines for all meals and food
provided.
C.2.2 Shelters make dietary modifications and/or provide appropriate alternative food options
based on participants' food allergies, health, religious, and/or cultural practices.
C.3 Meals and Dining
Standards
C.3.1 24/7 shelters provide a minimum of two meals per day. Overnight-only shelters provide a
minimum of one meal and one morning snack.
C.3.2 Provisions are made for participants to obtain meals when they are unable to be on-site during
mealtimes due to work, school, appointments, or other conflicts.
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C.3.3 The meal schedule is posted in a visible location.
C.3.4 Tables and chairs are provided for food service.
Guidance/Resources
• Recognizing the importance of meals in participant health and quality of life, shelters are
encouraged to engage participants in providing feedback or making decisions related to meal
planning.
• Whenever possible, shelters should provide participants with a place to store and cook their own
food to promote autonomy, better meet participants’ dietary needs, and to create community.
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Section D: Service Coordination
and Linkage (24/7 Shelters Only)
D.1 Service Plan
Standards
D.1.1 Shelters conduct or update a basic service plan for all participants/households within 30 days
that includes an evaluation of service needs, information about past or current services
received, and other information necessary to connect participants to services.
D.1.2 The service plan takes a holistic, strengths-based approach that focuses not only on solving
specific problems participants are confronting but also on helping them engage in meaningful
and fulfilling activities.
D.1.3 As specified in Section A.3, information collected to facilitate linkage to health care must
include:
a. Health insurance (Medi-Cal, Medicare, or other insurance)
b. Primary care provider or source of medical care
c. Regular pharmacy
d. No additional questions related to physical or behavioral health may be asked of
participants beyond those required in HMIS.
D.1.4 Shelters develop exit plans with all participants/households served, including linkage to
aftercare resources.
D.2 Housing Service Linkage
Standards
D.2.1 Shelters ensure that all participants receive housing navigation services.
a. If a household already has an existing housing navigation provider, they should
maintain that provider.
D.2.2 Shelters collaborate with housing navigation providers by, at a minimum, providing space for
providers to meet with participants, meeting twice a month for case conferencing, and
assisting participants in completing steps in the housing plan.
D.2.3 Shelters can, at their discretion, discharge participants who repeatedly refuse to engage in
housing navigation services, provided there is documented evidence of refusal to meet with
the housing navigation provider over a 90-day period.
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D.3 Referral and Linkage
Standards
D.3.1 Shelter linkage staff conduct a landscape scan of resources, programs, services, and
activities available in the region or accessible to participants online that support their
transition to stable housing as well as their health, well-being, personal fulfillment, and quality
of life.
D.3.2 The shelter compiles an updated list of these resources that is continually expanded to meet
new participant needs and is available to participants without staff assistance.
D.3.3 Shelter linkage staff contact providers, become familiar with their services, and build
relationships with their staff when possible.
D.3.4 Shelter linkage staff facilitate participants’ access to services by making appointments,
troubleshooting barriers, and providing personal introductions and warm handoffs when
possible.
D.3.5 Shelters actively assist individuals with obtaining health insurance, a primary care provider,
and other public benefits and income sources
D.3.6 Shelters publicly post or otherwise make available information about health-related services.
D.3.7 Shelters serving minor-age youth comply with Family Code Section 6924 which addresses
minor consent and responsibilities related to mental health treatment or counseling, and to
residential shelter services.
D.3.8 Shelters inform participants that all services except housing navigation are voluntary. Note:
GBV shelters funded by the Domestic Violence Shelter-based Programs Act (Welfare and
Institutions Code § 18294) should adhere to the requirements of that program.
Guidance/Resources
Developing deep knowledge of resources for participants takes time. Shelters are not expected to
develop this capacity overnight but should work toward maintaining a resource network including, but
not limited to, the following types of services:
• Physical, mental health, and dental services.
• Benefits enrollment.
• Substance use services including detox, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and peer
support such as AA or NA.
• Public libraries.
• Local events such as resource fairs or cultural events.
• Food pantries and free clothing.
• Low-income Clipper cards.
• Arts, parks, and recreation programs.
• Community college, GED, and other education and job training opportunities.
• Employment resources.
• Homeless and Caring Court.
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• Legal services such as expungement clinics, family court, and immigration services.
• Childcare and early childhood programs.
• Pet and animal services.
• Volunteer opportunities.
• Financial services such as tax filing or debt reduction.
• Family reunification services
• Relocation Services
• 211
• Faith-based services.
D.4 Follow-up and Tracking
Standards
D.4.1 Shelters offer participants a monthly check-in to follow up on progress and assess new needs.
D.4.2 For every participant engaged in service linkage, shelters update HMIS with the service plan
and participant service notes.
D.4.3 Shelters respect participants’ decisions not to pursue a referral.
D.4.4 When participants are attempting to engage in services but are experiencing barriers, shelter
service linkage staff offer support and problem-solving.
D.5 Transportation
Standards
D.5.1 Shelter Policies and Procedures include a transportation policy that covers required
transportation services taking into consideration the site location, facility transportation
resources, and public transportation.
D.5.2 24/7 shelters provide transportation to assist participants in getting to medical appointments
(not covered by health plan), job interviews, jobs (until receipt of first paycheck), school for
adults (one week), and housing appointments.
a. Transportation may be provided via the provider agency’s vehicle, rideshare, and/or public
transportation.
Guidance/Resources
• Shelters are permitted, but not required, to have policies for prioritizing limited transportation
resources such as bus passes or taxi vouchers.
• Medi-Cal covers transportation arrangements free-of-cost for people who have Medi-Cal and are
enrolled in a health plan (e.g., Alameda Alliance for Health) and who need transportation to
health-related appointments. The health plan can provide details.
• Clipper’s low-income START program provides a 50% discount on all single ride fares for adults
with incomes under 200% of federal poverty level.
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• The McKinney-Vento program requires that the school district provide transportation for homeless
children. Shelters should ensure that families are connected to this program.
D.6 Staffing
Standards
D.6.1 24/7 shelters have one FTE service linkage staff for every 30 households.
D.6.2 Shelters provide ongoing professional development and supervision, which may include case
conferences, case supervision, workshops, and training courses.
D.6.3 Shelters clearly post and provide participants with the name and contact information of the
supervisor responsible for overseeing service linkage and case management staff to give
participants the ability to directly contact supervisory staff when they believe services are not
being provided appropriately or when concerns regarding staff performance arise.
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Section E: Physical Plant
E.1 Building and Safety Standards
Standards
E.1.1 Shelters provide evidence of compliance with applicable local building and fire codes, as well
as state and local health, environmental, and safety standards.
E.1.2 Shelters 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 participants or staff
about possible substandard conditions. Shelters coordinate with the County to
accommodate County site inspections in response to such complaints.
E.1.3 Shelters have a disaster plan that covers policies and procedures for a wide array of incidents
such as fires, earthquakes, and extended utility failures.
E.1.4 Training is provided to staff on the disaster plans.
E.1.5 Exits are clearly marked and kept clear of blockage and tripping hazards. Exit signage must be
consistent with all applicable codes.
E.1.6 All steps have handrails as required by applicable codes. Steps have treads or similar
accommodation to prevent slipping.
E.1.7 Shelters comply with annual inspections conducted by the local jurisdiction pursuant
to California Health and Safety Code §17974.1, as amended by AB 130 (2025). These
inspections may be announced or unannounced. Shelters cooperate with inspectors and
correct any cited violations within the timeframe specified in any notice of violation.
E.1.8 Shelters prominently display the substandard site condition grievance form that complies
with the requirements of California Health and Safety Code §17974.1.5.
E.2 Sanitation Facilities
Standards
E.2.1 Shelters provide sufficient toilets and wash basins with warm and cold running water. The
participant to toilet ratio is 1 toilet for every 15 participants (excluding infants) or 1 toilet for
every 30 participants, if over 100 participants.
E.2.2 Shelters make a reasonable supply of showers available or provide referrals to community
shower access. The participant to shower ratio must be at least 1 shower for every 20
participants (excluding infants).
E.2.3 Every shelter ensures access to sanitation facilities for participants of all gender identities.
E.2.4 Shower access is not restricted for any reason other than for cleaning or quiet hours.
E.2.5 Shelters provide toilet tissue, soap, towels, and feminine hygiene products, if applicable.
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E.3 Sleeping Facilities and Basic Amenities
Standards
E.3.1 Shelters provide a bed, crib or cot, clean mattress and pillow, and newly laundered linens and
towels.
E.3.2 Linens is laundered minimum twice a month. If there is cause such as bedbugs or lice, linens
must be laundered more frequently.
E.3.3 Overnight-only shelters provide each participant their own linens or provide laundered linens
each night.
E.3.4 Soiled linens are replaced immediately.
E.3.5 Linens are laundered by shelter staff, or a shelter may require participants to launder their
own linens if facilities are available.
E.3.6 Shelters always provide access to drinking water.
E.3.7 Shelters provide access to electrical outlets for charging cell phones and medical equipment.
Guidance/Resources
Mats may be used for overflow capacity and by seasonal shelters.
E.4 Maintenance and Cleanliness
Standards
E.4.1 Bath/toilet areas, hallways, and other common use areas are cleaned daily. Shelters have
proper trash receptacles that are emptied daily.
E.4.2 Both the interior and exterior of the facility are free of debris, clutter, and unsanitary items, and
there are no obvious safety risks.
E.4.3 Shelters provide adequate fresh air ventilation and filtration. Shelters assess and provide the
safest possible sleeping and eating arrangements that reduce staff and participant risk of
airborne transmitted diseases, as well as improve air quality during smoke and air quality
emergencies.
E.4.4 Shelters ensure adequate provision of pest control services and must have a protocol in place
for the prevention and control of bed bugs. 24-hour notice is provided to participants of pest
control activities unless the type and degree of infestation requires an immediate response
(e.g., bed bugs).
E.4.5 Facilities are maintained in good repair, including all aspects of infrastructure ensuring good
overall appearance of the building and property, including roofs, floors, walls, plumbing,
electrical, waste disposal, appliances, elevators, landscaping, etc. There is a written
housekeeping and maintenance plan.
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E.4.6 Shelters post the process for reporting maintenance concerns, acknowledge issues reported
within two days, and identify the timeframe for addressing the concern. Emergency
maintenance items are immediately addressed.
E.4.7 Shelters label all chemicals and cleaning supplies and keep all such materials out of reach of
children. Any hazardous materials are stored separate from food.
E.5 Telephones
Standards
E.5.1 A telephone is available to staff for emergencies. Emergency numbers are posted by the
telephone or otherwise made available to on-duty staff.
E.5.2 Shelters take emergency phone messages and messages from service providers for
participants without confirming or denying participant presence at the shelter.
E.5.3 If the shelter has periods during which no staff are on duty, participants have access to a
telephone for emergencies, and emergency contact numbers are posted nearby.
E.5.4 There is a phone number available for participants to leave messages to contact staff 24/7.
E.6 Agency Vehicle
Standards
E.6.1 If a shelter maintains a vehicle used for participant transport, the vehicle is
properly maintained, licensed, and insured.
E.6.2 All drivers are properly licensed and insured.
E.6.3 Car seats are used by children in compliance with California law based on the child’s height,
weight, and age.
E.6.4 Provisions are made to provide equal access to transportation services for disabled
participants.
Guidance/Resources
California Highway Patrol provides guidance on California law regarding children’s car seats.
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Section F: Additional Family
Shelter Standards
F.1 Eligibility for Admission to Family Shelters
Standards
F.1.1 A family is defined as a household that includes at least one adult with one or more minor
children (age 17 or under). The default assumption should be that a household presenting as
a family is a family, and the goal should be to keep them together and maintain contact.
F.1.2 Family shelters may not deny admission on the basis of family configuration. Families with
one or two parent households, same-sex partners, teenage children, intergenerational, adult
dependents, or extended family members, unmarried couples, adults who are not biological
parents, and other family configurations are eligible for admission.
F.1.3 Households where at least one adult has legal custody are eligible for admission; additional
adults in the household are not required to independently demonstrate custody.
a. Shelter Policies and Procedures define the minimum percentage of
custody/timeshare required for eligibility for family shelter.
b. Shelter Policies and Procedures are flexible in accepting multiple forms of documentation
to establish custody of minor children.
c. Households are given reasonable time to obtain this documentation before an eligibility
determination is made.
F.1.4 Any documentation the shelter requires to verify eligibility is applied uniformly to all adults
regardless of gender.
Guidance/Resources
• Shelters should exercise maximum flexibility in room assignments and sleeping configurations
due to varying family sizes, ages of children, sibling compositions, and infant needs. Family
shelters should adapt sleeping arrangements while maintaining safety, privacy, and
compliance with occupancy requirements.
• Shelters should, whenever possible, include households with adult-dependent children as
eligible for family shelter beds.
• Shelters should, whenever possible, include households or persons expecting a child to as
eligible for family shelter beds.
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F.2 Staffing of Family Shelters
Standards
F.2.1 At least one staff member has training in child development, early childhood, or education.
F.2.2 All staff working in GBV family shelters complete the California Office of Emergency Services
40-hour training on domestic violence prior to beginning work.
F.3 Child Supervision
Standards
F.3.1 Children are always supervised by parents, staff, or volunteers following staff to child
ratios established by the shelter.
F.3.2 Shelters implement a written permission procedure for parents to voluntarily allow other
shelter participants to supervise their children.
Guidance/Resources
• Service linkage staff in family shelters are encouraged to prioritize connections with
organizations that can expand the availability of childcare for participants, such as transitional
kindergarten and Head Start. Shelters should also explore partnering with local educational and
training institutions to host interns in fields such as education, social work, or child
development.
• Shelters are encouraged to access resources from First 5, Family Resource Centers, the Help
Me Grow program, and to make referrals to County Starting Out Strong Home Visiting program.
• Shelters should make the Alameda Kids Resource Directory available to families.
F.4 Facilities and Supplies
Standards
F.4.1 Shelters provide an appropriate sanitary place for diaper changing.
F.4.2 The facility is child-proofed, including:
a. Childproof electrical outlets are installed.
b. Floors above ground have precautions in place to prevent children from falling out of
windows.
c. Doors open from inside without a key.
d. Precautions are in place to protect children from burns (from stoves or other heating units).
e. Precautions are in place to protect children from injury from fans.
F.4.3 Annual safety inspections are conducted by the provider agency staff to ensure child safety.
F.4.4 There is adequate space for bathing and changing young children and for feeding children.
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F.4.5 Age-appropriate cribs/beds are provided.
F.4.6 24/7 shelters permit 24-hour access to an area where children can nap.
F.4.7 Space is provided for home visits to occur either on-site or at another location.
F.4.8 There are developmentally appropriate toys and books that are clean and in good repair.
F.4.9 Refrigeration and cooking equipment to prepare and store formula, baby food, and milk are
provided.
Guidance/Resources
• Play space for children should be provided as feasible within the confines of the physical space
available in the shelter.
• If the shelter layout allows, private space should be offered for breastfeeding.
• Shelters should seek partnerships with other providers or educational institutions to provide a
wider array of activities and services for children and families.
F.5 Services
Standards
F.5.1 Family shelters comply with all the requirements in Section D. Service Coordination and
Linkage.
F.5.2 Family shelters have procedures in place for collaborating with local K-12 education support
programs and schools, including:
a. Advise heads of household of their rights as they relate to the public education system.
b. Ensure shelter policies and practices are consistent with laws related to providing
education services to individuals and families.
c. Designate a staff person responsible for ensuring that children are enrolled in school and
receive educational services, as appropriate.
d. Develop working relationships with school district McKinney-Vento liaisons.
F.5.3 Family shelters post information about, and collaborate with, local early care and education
programs (e.g., Head Start, Early Head Start, childcare subsidy programs) and parenting
support.
F.5.4 GBV Family shelters also post information about, and collaborate with, services specifically
tailored to their participants including, but not limited to, victim services, counseling
resources, and legal resources.
Guidance/Resources
• School House Connection offers resources on federal education protections for children and
youth experiencing homelessness and on the McKinney-Vento Act.
• The National Center for Homeless Education offers resources on McKinney-Vento and other
education related resources.
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• Families can obtain assistance if they believe their children’s educational rights have been
violated from Bay Area Legal Aid, which is part of the American Bar Association’s Homeless Youth
Legal Network.
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Section G: Staffing
G.1 Culture and Supervision
Standards
G.1.1 Shelter staff treat participants with dignity and respect from a trauma-informed perspective
that is professional and avoids favoritism.
G.1.2 Shelter staff communicate accurately and transparently with participants regarding the
housing landscape and placement system.
G.1.3 Shelters implement supervision practices that evaluate and promote respectful treatment of
participants and work to prevent staff burnout and compassion fatigue.
G.2 Hiring and Compensation
Standards
G.2.1 Shelters conduct minimum required criminal background checks on all staff members
appropriate to the population of shelter participants (e.g., youth, families, etc.) and in
accordance with local laws.
G.2.2 Shelter Policies and Procedures specify when criminal history would disqualify an applicant
from hiring. This policy must consider the responsibilities of the position, 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.
G.2.3 If the facility is in a city with a living wage ordinance, the shelter complies with that ordinance.
G 2.4 Shelter providers prioritize hiring individuals with lived experience of homelessness,
substance use recovery, behavioral health recovery, or system involvement whenever
qualifications are substantially comparable. Providers make good faith efforts to incorporate
lived experience perspectives throughout staffing whenever possible.
G.3 Staff on Duty
Standards
G.3.1 Shelters always have sufficient staff on duty to effectively manage shelter operations
and maintain compliance with shelter standards.
G.3.2 24/7 shelters have one FTE service linkage staff for every 30 adult participants.
G.3.3 Shelters have at least one staff person on duty and awake during all hours of operation.
G.3.4 Shelters have one staff person on duty who is trained in CPR and first aid with a current
CPR/AED card.
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G.3.5 When only one staff person is scheduled, shelters make provisions to have on-call staff
available.
G.3.6 Shelters always have a supervisor/manager available on call for consultation on challenging
participant situations and other urgent matters.
G.3.7 Shelters have a consultation policy outlining situations requiring consultation up the chain of
command.
Guidance/Resources
Shelters where size and population do not always warrant on-site staff may request a waiver of the on-
site staffing requirement. Shelters granted a waiver must have staff on-call and available by phone
during all times that participants are on-site.
G.4 First Aid and Overdose Response
Standards
G.4.1 At least one staff person on duty is trained in emergency first aid and CPR at all times (unless
granted a waiver to the on-site staffing requirement).
G.4.2 All staff receive naloxone and opioid overdose response training within 60 days of hire and
annually.
G.4.3 All staff know where naloxone is available, possibly mounted, or stored on the premises.
Guidance/Resources
• Free virtual Naloxone Overdose Rescue training is available from the National Coalition Against
Prescription Drug Abuse.
• Shelters can obtain free naloxone from the state’s Naloxone Distribution Program.
• When feasible all shelter staff should undergo CPR training.
• The County is working to support first aid and CPR training for shelter staff.
G.5 Infectious Disease Control
Standards
G.5.1 All shelter staff, regardless of role, are tested for tuberculosis every 12 months and referred to
necessary follow-up and/or treatment if indicated.
G.5.2 Staff comply with any recommended follow-up testing and treatment as indicated by a health
care provider.
a. Staff who test positive and undergo treatment of active or latent tuberculosis undergo
annual symptom screening instead of testing, per guidelines from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Tuberculosis Coalition of America.
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G.5.3 Shelters make available annual TB testing to employees, keep records of staff TB testing, and
stay current with all local and state health officer orders.
Guidance/Resources
• Shelter staff should obtain up-to-date information and guidance from Alameda County Health
Care for the Homeless on appropriate protocols. See Section B: Health and Safety for further
details.
• Staff should be encouraged to obtain annual flu and COVID vaccines.
• Cal OSHA provides Frequently Asked Questions on TB testing and Workplace Guidance on ATDs.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides Clinical Guidelines on TB Infection and
guidance on Treatment of Latent TB Infection.
• National TB Coalition provides guidance on Testing and Treatment of Latent TB Infection.
G.6 Staff Training
Standards
G.6.1 Shelters recognize that working with people experiencing homelessness is critically important
and challenging work and that staff training is essential to providing excellent services and
retaining staff.
G.6.2 Shelters develop orientation training plans on a timeframe that ensures all staff members are
fully competent to perform the tasks assigned to them.
G.6.3 Shelters plan for sufficient ongoing training to ensure that staff knowledge remains current
and best practices are followed.
G.6.4 The following trainings are mandatory for all staff regardless of their role or position.
a. Confidentiality protocols.
b. Mandatory reporting requirements related to child/elder abuse.
c. Ethics/boundaries.
d. Crisis prevention and/or verbal de-escalation.
d. Universal precautions/infectious disease prevention.
f. Managing communicable diseases in congregate settings (provided by ACHCH), including
cough-alert protocols and symptom-recognition.
g. Shelter Policies and Procedures, including procedures for enforcing compliance with
shelter rules.
h. Shelter Disaster Plan.
i. Overdose detection and response, including naloxone administration and safe use
(refreshed annually) from the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse.
j. Anti-discrimination/reasonable accommodation training, including accommodation of
transgender participants.
k. Diversity awareness, humility, and cultural competence.
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G.6.5 The following trainings are provided to all staff who work in participant-facing roles except as
noted:
a. HMIS privacy and security.
b. Mental health issues in the homeless population.
c. Conflict mediation.
d. Gender-based and interpersonal violence recognition and referral.
e. Harm reduction approach to substance use disorders.
f. Basics in health insurance, primary care navigation, and other public benefits.
g. Housing Problem Solving.
h. Alameda County Shelter Standards.
i. HMIS training and certificates for Coordinated Entry, Shelter Resource Matching, and
Looker Access. (Must be completed by at least two full-time shelter staff.)
j. Proper food handling and storage. (Must be completed by staff responsible for food
handling and preparation. See Guidance below.)
k. CPR/AED/First Aid; certification must be renewed as indicated by the training provider.
l. California Office of Emergency Services 40-hour domestic violence training. (Must be
completed be all staff working in GBV family shelters prior to beginning work.)
Guidance/Resources
• Alameda County Housing and Homeless Services has many resources and training available to
assist shelters in meeting these requirements. Please visit the ACHCH training webpage.
• State law requires all food handlers have a California Food Handler Card; new employees have 30
days from date of hire to obtain a card. Online training is available through ServSafe and other
vendors. As of January 1, 2024 (SB 476), employers are responsible for all costs associated with
mandatory food handler training and examination, including the course and exam price,
compensation for time spent as "hours worked," and any other necessary expenditures.
G.7 Training Planning and Recordkeeping
Standards
G.7.1 Shelters create an annual training plan that details how each of the required trainings listed in
Section G.6 will be provided or made available to staff.
G.7.2 Shelter providers document trainings each staff member has completed in their personnel file.
G.7.3 Shelters keep a consolidated record of the number and type of trainings completed by staff
members.