Guest Handbook

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• HL thoroughly searches guests' belongings and vehicles before bed assignment for contraband. i.e., drugs, alcohol, weapons, unreported medication.
• All bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, etc., can be searched anytime. HL has the right to explore at their discretion. 
• RANDOM ROOM AND VEHICLE SEARCHES WILL OCCUR randomly.
• Hazardous items include but are not limited to abusive substances, medication that has not been checked in, weapons, candles, stolen items, drug tests, paraphilia, etc. 
• Finding contraband could result in losing privileges or immediate discharge for each guest assigned to that room. 
• All guests with any knowledge of contraband (and) alcohol and drug use of other HH guests (and) visitors are to report it to HL immediately. Failure to do so will result in your own immediate discharge from HH.

GUESTS AND HL UNDERSTAND AND AGREE HH RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEARCH PERSONAL SPACES AND PROPERTY ANYTIME A SAFETY CONCERN ARISES.

Refer to ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

• To fulfill the HH Mission Statement, every guest must be considerate to our neighbors. 
• Any personal conduct that negatively affects our relationships with neighbors and the surrounding community will not be tolerated.
• Guests are only to park on Hewes Ave in parking areas: never on HH property or in front of HH property.
• Guests must never block neighbors' driveways, garbage cans, or mailboxes.
• Quiet time occurs between 10 pm and 9 am.
• There is no loud music allowed, screaming, yelling, or derogatory language allowed, 
• Guests are not to have relationships with neighbors beyond a brief greeting. 
• Neighbors are not allowed on the property.
• Guests will only smoke in designated areas and not throw cigarettes in neighbors' yards or streets. The designated smoking area is located on the back patio only.
• Guests will not loiter on the neighbor's property or in front of HH.
• Guests will be respectful and keep noise at a minimum.

Refer to ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

• HL will complete an orientation with guests immediately upon move-in. ______
• HL will go over guest's intake-packet give the guest a tour, and provide the guest with bed linens, pillows, towels, a laundry hamper, and a shower caddy.______
• All clothing must be washed after intake. ______
• All guest's belongings must be unpacked within their first 24 hours of moving in.______
• Abstain from the use of drugs and alcohol for your entire stay. Controlled or addictive substances are not allowed. This can include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and legal or illegal substances.______
• All guests with any knowledge of contraband (and) alcohol and drug useof other HH guests or visitors, are to report it to HL immediately Failure to do so, will result in your own immediate discharge from HH. ______
• Drug-seeking behavior will not be tolerated.______
• Submit a drug test, UA, and breathalyzer test whenever HL asks. Failure to submit a drug/alcohol/UA test will lead to immediate discharge. When asked to drug test, if the guest cannot provide a urine sample, the guest must sit at the dining room table and drink water until able to do so. If this time limit exceeds 20 minutes, the guest will be discharged.
• .All guests must be fully clothed at all times in common areas and around other guests. Sleeping nude is prohibited. All guests must sleep in appropriate attire. ______
• Guests are responsible for personal grooming and appearance. All guests must bathe daily and maintain personal hygiene. ______
• Remain employed or receive financial assistance due to retirement, disability, or full-time school enrollment. ______
• If receiving financial assistance due to retirement or disability, be actively involved in volunteer work. ______
• Guests are encouraged to pay their rent and maintain their responsibilities.  _____
• All unemployed guests must be out of the house M-F between 10 am and 2 pm seeking employment or a volunteer commitment.  ______
• PAY RENT ON TIME IN FULL. Rent is due by 10 pm on your scheduled day. If rent is late, a fee of $10 will be charged daily, which could lead to immediate discharge.  _____
• Some types of employment are not conducive to recovery and will not be allowed. This includes but is not limited to bars, alcohol sales, strip clubs, casinos, phone rooms, smoke shops, commission-based jobs, and graveyard shift. ______
• Guests are responsible for ensuring their personal and employment schedules, adhering to the curfew policy, house meeting schedule, and their personal treatment plan with outside providers. ______
• NO JOBS BEFORE 5:00 am and after 1:30 am. ______
• Guest ts must provide their updated work schedule to HL.______
• Guests are not to lend vehicles to other guests. Guests are not to drive any vehicle that is not registered and insured. Guests are not to drive any vehicle without a  valid driver's license. ______
• Guests cannot leave or abandon vehicles on the property. Vehicles left on property will be promptly removed/towed at the owner’s expense.  _____
• Attend the MANDATORY WEEKLY house meeting every Tuesday at 7 pm.  _____
• Participate in Weekly Deep Clean Day every Sunday.  ______
• Help maintain the property by performing assigned chores. This responsibility Is mandatory for all guests of HH. Daily chores must be completed by 10:00 pm. ______
• HL inspections and chores delegated daily are to be performed in the allotted time frames. If the chore is not completed, a $10 chore fine will be due the same night. Continued or consistent noncompliance with this policy will lead to immediate discharge from the premises. ______
• Any chore assigned to a guest is the assigned guest's sole responsibility, and it is not permitted to pay another guest to perform duties.  _____
• Keep a clean, safe, and orderly living environment. Assigned living quarters must be kept clean and organized at all times.  _____
• Guests are not to change,iiving quarters, or property without permission. Any alteration of the physical construction of the premises and property damage (Holes in walls, interior decorating, altering entertainment, and communication devices, disabling smoke alarms, etc.) is not allowed. The consequence for such behavior could be repair or replacement costs or dismissal from HH and forfeiting, fees, and deposit.  _____
• Bedrooms: keep bed neatly made, clothes washed, hung up, and put awayandway, dresser tops uncluttered, garbage emptied, and floors swept and vacuumed. Change and wa  h linens EVERY SUNDAY. No food allowed in any bedroom  Food is to be eaten in the kitchen, the dining room, or outside patio areas.  _____
• Bathrooms: clean and straighten up properly after use. Hang towels neatly on towel racks. wipe down sink area after use, with designated cloth. No personal items are to be left on top of bathroom counters.  _____
• Kitchen: counter tops must be kept free of clutter and wiped clean. Absolutely no dishes of any kind (plates, glasses, cups, silverware etc.) are to be left in the sink att anytime. Clean up and put dishes away immediately after cooking meals.  _____
• BURNING CANDLES, INCENSE AND/OR ANYTHING else that could pose a fire risk to property  s strictly prohibited could result in expulsion from HH.  _____
• Smoking  is not permitted inside HH. Smoking is to be done in backyard patio in designated smoking areas onlythe and  and cigarette butts disposed in the ashtrays provided.  _____
• Treat other guests and HL with dignity and guests espect at all times. This includes not taking any food or property belonging to other guest or HL without their permission. No stealing.  _____
• Violence and abuse of any kind will not be tolerated and will lead to immediate discharge. This includes bullying, verbal abuse, physical abuse, and violent threats of any kind. HH will press charges for any physical acts of violence on property. ______
• Guests with cell phones must give the HL their cell number. _____
• All guests must sign up on GroupMe app and participate in our community group chat. All guests are responsible for responding to required community information on the GroupMe platform within the same 24 hours of the messages posted. All guests must check GroupMe on a daily basis. All guests must participate in "GroupMe" group chat to ensure communication and serve as a platform to express cares and concerns. _____
• HL will not hold medications or handle any guests medication distribution. HL are allowed to ask any guest,at any time to count their medication in front of them, if they are suspicious of abuse.  _____
• Take  precautions  when handling your doctor prescribed medication/s. If a guest is taking prescription medication for a medical condition or illness, it is that guests responsibility to be accountable for  those medications. Store them in a concealed manner and do not leave the bottle or pills out in plain view.  _____
• No sexual relations with other guests at HH will be tolerated.  _____
• The opposite sex or romantic partners are not permitted on property.  _____
• Visitors are not permited in/on property, without prior authorization. _____
• HH physical address is never to be given out to others.  _____
• Turn all lights and appliances off when leaving any room. Do not tamper with the air conditioning unit.  _____
• Be responsible and follow through on applying for, making appointments and attending appointments for available and relevant social services, medical services, and or therapeutic services (bus passes, food stamps, self-care, counseling etc.).  _____
• Each guest is required to work a personal program of recovery to help build a strong foundation in recovery and a strong network in the recovery community. This means you must have a sponsor, start working the 12 steps, and have a home group within your first 2 weeks of stay. The sponsor must have a minimum one-year of continuous sober/clean time, have completed all 12 steps, and be of the same sex.  _____
• Attend a minimum of one 12-step meeting (AA, NA, CA, OA, Al-Anon etc.) per day until employment has been secured. After employment is secured, attend a minimum of 3, 12- step meetings per week. Everyone must sign a weekly meeting sheet.  _____
• Provide a detailed report of your meeting attendance and daily activities to HL if requested.  _____
• Obtain literature for the 12-step fellowship(s) you attend. (AA Big Book, NA Basic Text etc.).  _____
• Adhere to HH curfew policy. Every guest is on 8pm curfew for their first week and then is on 9pm curfew until they become employed. After employment is secured curfew is 10pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends. Once a guest has obtained a sponsor, home group, and is paying their rent, their curfew is adjusted to 11pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends. Consequences may include additional chores, loss of privileges or possible dismissal from the house.  _____
• Overnight passes are not issued during the first 30 days in the program. guests in good standing, that have met their requrements and responsibilities, may be eligible for an overnight pass. An overnight request form must be submitted to the HL (a minimum of) 48 hours in advance of the request date. All fees must be paid, and chores must be done prior to leaving on the overnight pass. The guest should expect to be drug tested upon returning from an overnight stay.  _____
• Lending or borrowing money between HL or guests is not permitted. ____
• Quiet time takes place at 10pm every night. This means the television is at volume 20, phone conversations need to be taken out back towards the fire pit, no music, no loud noises, etc. TV must be off by 1am.  ___
• When out back at nighttime, all guests must have the back lights turned on. _____
• No one is to check the mailbox; the HL will distribute mail by the end of the night. ____
• No one is allowed in another guest room. _____
• No one is allowed in the garage. _____
• Guests must respect neighbors, refer to Good Neighbor Policy _____

VIOLATIONS OF THESE RULES AND GUIDELINES MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF PRIVILEGES OR DISCHARGE.the  OUR GUIDELINES AND POLICIES ARE STRUCTURED TO PROMOTE SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. 

GUESTS ARE EXPECTED TO CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN A MANNER THAT IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH HH MISSION STATEMENT. 

FINES MUST BE PAID PROMPTLY (WITHIN 24 HOURS) OR ADDITIONAL CONSEQUENCES MAY BE ADMINISTERED.

ALL GUESTS WILL BE PROVIDED A SIGNED COPY OF HH HANDBOOK UPON REQUEST. THE HANDBOOK IS ALSO POSTED IN KITCHEN AREA. 

Dated ___________________________________

Guest Signature _____________________________________________________

House Lead Signature _________________________________________________

This agreement, dated ______________ by and between Hickory Hill hereinafter referred to as HH, (aka Rita King) and

_______________________________________________  hereinafter referred to as The Guest, is as follows:

1. TERM: The Guest agrees to reside at HH residence for no less than three months.

2. TIMELINESS OF PAYMENT: The Guest hereby agrees to pay contribution fees in advance either monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly from the inception of this agreement by 10 pm on the day due until the guest commitment is completed.

3. CONTRIBUTION FEES: The Guest contribution shall be either: $1050.00/month, $1150/month ($575 bi-monthly), OR $1300/month ($325 weekly). The Guest has agreed to pay _______________________________________ monthly / bi-monthly / weekly. 

(guest initial)_____________(house lead initial)_____________ 

Should the need arise to accommodate The Guest, The Guest may request a change in payment intervals with seven days written notice at any time. An updated payment agreement will then be signed and becomes effective. 

4. MOVE IN DEPOSIT:  The Guest shall pay a $500 deposit (fully refundable after a 3-month stay and a written 30-day move-out notice) upon moving into HH to ensure the faithful performance of the terms and conditions of this agreement. 

5. ADMINISTRATION FEE: The Guest shall pay a $350 administration fee (non-refundable) upon securing a reservation into HH and to ensure the faithful performance of the terms and conditions of this agreement. 

6. LATE PAYMENT: If rent is past due more than one week, The Guest will be evicted.

7. CONDITION OF THE PREMISES: The Guest acknowledges that she has examined the house and is in good order, repaired, and in clean and livable condition.

8. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR:  The Guest shall keep and maintain the house in a reasonably safe, serviceable, clean, and presentable condition. This includes but is not limited to notifying the House Lead (HL) of any necessary damages and repairs. Keeping HER room and house clean and neat, disposing of waste/garbage in a safe and sanitary manner, and not engaging in any conduct or activity that would cause damage to the house.

9. ANIMALS: The Guest shall keep no domestic or other animals in or about the house.

10. RIGHT OF INSPECTION: House Lead (HL) retains the right to inspection and maintain a house key.

11. SUPPORT PROVIDED: We shall provide the following support/property to The Guest: comfortable enjoyment of the property, water, gas, electricity, trash, TV streaming service, internet, free parking, washer and dryer, bed linens, pillows, towels, laundry hamper, shower caddy, cleaning supplies, and random testing (15 Panel/UA/Breathalizer ).

12. HOUSE RULES: The Guest hereby agrees to adhere and abide by the HICKORY HILL - RULES AND GUIDELINES, attached hereto and incorporated herein, as part of this COMMUNITY Financial agreement.

13. TERMINATION: We reserve the right to terminate this agreement with or without cause, and The Guest hereby forfeits the administrative fee and move-in deposit if The Guest uses drugs or alcohol, fails to submit to a urine, drug panel, or breathalyzer test, engages in or threatens violence, is caught stealing or violates the HOUSE RULES AND GUIDELINES.

14. DEFAULT: The Guest shall default on this agreement if The Guest fails to fulfill any COMMUNITY obligation, house rules, or term by which The Guest is bound.

15. DESTRUCTION OF THE PREMISES: The Guest shall be solely responsible for the cost to repair any damage caused by The Guest or due to The Guest's negligence.

16. PERSONAL PROPERTY: All personal property brought or placed into the house shall be the sole responsibility of The Guest. Hickory Hill is not liable to The Guest or anyone else for damage, loss, or abandonment. Hickory Hill shall not be responsible for property left on the premises.

14. DEFAULT: The Guest shall default on this agreement if The Guest fails to fulfill any COMMUNITY obligation, house rules, or term by which The Guest is bound.term agreement. Failure to do so shall result in complete forfeiture of the $500 move-in deposit.

Dated ___________________________________

Guest Signature _____________________________________________________

House Lead Signature _________________________________________________

Successful Discharge:

• THE guest MUST submit in writing a 30 day move-out notice prior to discharging Hickory Hill to HL. It is RECOMMENDED that GUEST HAVE A RELAPSE PREVENTION PLAN INCORPORATED IN THIER DISCHARGE PLAN. Guest will share their plan during community house meeting before discharge. A copy of plan will go in guest file. 
• THE guest MUST CLEAN AND READY HER LIVING SPACE FOR THE NEXT guest. HL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING BEDDING AND CHECKING FOR CLEANLINESS.

Unsuccessful Discharge:

• HL has the right to discharge anyone we see fit if they are a negative contribution to the community. By signing this agreement, you are agreeing to leave the property and never returning if we instruct you to do so. HL is never allowed to discharge anyone without communicating with owners first, unless the guest has relapsed. All guests who are discharged unsuccessfully must be provided with a list of referrals specific to their individual situation. 
• If a guest does not come home. HL will pack their belongs, label belongings with first name and last initial, and store in shed. HL will attempt to contact guest and if no response, HL will contact their emergency contact and the guest is considered an elopement. 
• If a guest relapses HL will notify emergency contact to inform of guest condition. If ROI is in place HL will notify all legal and professional providers of guest discharge. 
• HL will place note in guest file describing guest discharge. Discharge summary will include drug test result, referrals provided, emergency contacts notified, and reported transfer. HH and HL does not provide transportation for transfers or discharges.
• No guest is allowed to stay at Hickory Hill immediately after a relapse. No guest will be accepted back into Hickory Hill more than three times a year.
• All fees and deposits are non-refundable. 

AFTER 72 HOURS FROM DISCHARGE WE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISCARD ANY PROPERTY NOT COLLECTED WITHIN IN THIS TIME. MEDICATIONS THAT ARE LEFT BEHIND WILL BE DROPPED OFF TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL FOR DISPOSAL AFTER 72 HOURS.

HL will contact successful and unsuccessful discharges monthly to provide support if wanted by guest. HL will invite previous guest to holiday and recovery supportive events throughout the year.

Refer to ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY