Table of Contents
Code Blue Saratoga Non-discrimination Policy for Inclusiveness
VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
and Diversity ................................................................................. 1
Mission, Donation and Contact Information, ................................. 2
2015-2016
Volunteer Information/Staff……..……………………………………3
What is Code Blue?/Shelter Plan/Hours/Meals……………………4
Supplies/First Aid/Fire Plan………………………………………….5
Volunteer Job Descriptions ........................................................... 6
Shelter Guidelines…………………………………………………..7/8
Guests Guidelines………………………………………...……… 9/10
Photo/Media Release Form ....................................................... 11
Volunteer Agreement Standard of Conduct ................................ 12
Volunteer Waiver ........................................................................ 13
Volunteer Acknowledgment ........................................................ 14
2015-2016 Shelter Site
The Salvation Army building
27 Woodlawn Avenue
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
As of August 2015, Shelters!! of Saratoga has been
appointed the lead agency for
! Code Blue Saratoga.
Code Blue Saratoga is a stand-alone program of
!
S.O.S. with its own operating budget. S.O.S. is a
501(c) (3) not for profit that serves the homeless in
!the Saratoga area. For more information on S.O.S.
visit their website at www.sheltersofsaratoga.org
!!
Phone: 518-812-6886
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.codebluesaratoga.org
Facebook Page- Code Blue Saratoga
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Code!Blue!Saratoga!Non0discrimination!Policy!for!
Inclusiveness!and!Diversity!
Code Blue Saratoga Shelter
Code!Blue!Saratoga!Emergency!Shelter!is!open!to!anyone!
regardless!of!race,!creed!(religion),!ethnicity,!national!origin,!
gender!and/or!gender!expression,!sexual=orientation,!physical!
and/or!mental!(dis)abilities,!socio=economic!status,!drug!or!
alcohol!use.!
Mission Statement
Code!Blue!Saratoga!(a!program!of!Shelters!of!Saratoga)!does!not!
and!shall!not!discriminate!on!the!basis!of!race,!color,!religion!
(creed),!gender,!gender!expression,!age,!national!origin!
(ancestry),!disability,!marital!status,!sexual!orientation,!or!
military!status,!in!any!of!its!activities!or!operations.!These!
activities!include,!but!are!not!limited!to,!hiring!and!firing!of!staff,!
selection!of!volunteers!and!vendors,!and!provision!of!services.!
We!are!committed!to!providing!an!inclusive!and!welcoming!
environment!for!all!members!of!our!staff,!guests,!volunteers,!
donors!and!sister!agencies.!
Code!Blue!Saratoga!(a!program!of!Shelters!of!Saratoga)!is!an!
equal!opportunity!employer.!We!will!not!discriminate!and!will!
take!affirmative!action!measures!to!ensure!against!
discrimination!in!employment,!recruitment,!advertisements!for!
employment,!compensation,!termination,!upgrading,!
promotions,!and!other!conditions!of!employment!against!any!
employee!or!job!applicant!on!the!bases!of!race,!color,!gender,!
national!origin,!age,!religion,!creed,!disability,!veteran's!status,!
sexual!orientation,!gender!identity!or!gender!expression.!
Code Blue Saratoga is an emergency shelter serving
people who are homeless who might otherwise remain
unsheltered during periods of extreme winter weather.
To Donate Money to Code Blue Saratoga:
Mail a check to:
Code Blue Saratoga
C/O Shelters of Saratoga
14 Walworth Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Donate on-line at: www.codebluesaratoga.org
Code Blue Saratoga Administration Office:
Nolan House
Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church
24 Circular Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Code Blue Saratoga Shelter Location:
The Salvation Army building
27 Woodlawn Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Volunteer sign-ups are on our website:
www.codebluesaratoga.org
If you would like to volunteer, but need help with our online
information or registration, please call 518-812-6886
Code Blue Saratoga Volunteer Handbook
2015-2016!
Page!1
Code!Blue!Saratoga!Volunteer!Handbook!!!!!2015-2016!
!Page!2
Important Information for All Volunteers
What is Code Blue?
! All volunteers must attend a volunteer
training. Training dates & times will be posted
on our website. Volunteers must sign the
volunteer agreement.
! All volunteers are required to sign several pages
of this handbook and turn it in with the Volunteer
Agreement prior to signing up to volunteer.
! Volunteers are required to be 18
years or older.
12 m onths before becom ing a Code
Blue volunteer.
Shelter Plan
Shelter Hours
Code Blue Management Staffing
In addition to the volunteer positions for the shelter, the following
positions are a part of the shelter management team:
Shelter opens for guests at 7 p.m. (with no exception)
Shelter closes each morning at 8:30 a.m.
The Salvation Army
Code Blue Director - Cheryl Ann Murphy-Parant
The Code Blue Director will communicate the status of the shelter
(open, closed) throughout the season as well as recruit volunteers
for open positions as needed. While shelter is open the Code
Blue Director will act as the primary contact for all shelter
activities and will work with the Shelter Supervisor. As the person
responsible for overall operations at the shelter, the Shelter
Coordinator will oversee all recordkeeping to include all required
documents, such as: Volunteer & Guest sign-in/out forms,
Volunteer Logs, Shelter Shift Logs, and other documents as
necessary.
Overnight Shelter Shift Supervisor
Ensures that the Code Blue Saratoga Director has all emergency
contact information, documents all janitorial issues, maintains a
needs list for supplies or needs.
2015-2016!
Code Blue Saratoga will open when Accuweather.com
forecasts 20 degrees or below and or a snowfall of 12” or
more or at the discretion of the shelter executive staff.
The shelter will be open (no matter what the weather) @
7PM on:
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
The structure contained in this manual will help develop the
tools you need to operate successfully and safely.
Consistency will lead to a better shelter experience for
everyone.
! Form er Code Blue Guests m ust wait
Code Blue Saratoga Volunteer Handbook
Activation
Page!3
Building Information will be posted in several locations and
will include location of restrooms, sleeping areas,
designated smoking areas, emergency exits, and
evacuation plans. Absolutely no smoking inside the
building.
Meals During Code Blue
Dinner will be served nightly between 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Breakfast M-F will be served from 7 a.m.-8 a.m.
Sat and Sun breakfast will be served from 7 a.m.-8 a.m.
Supplies
Cots and blankets and other supplies are stored downstairs.
If you are running low on supplies, please inform the shift
leader on duty.
Code!Blue!Saratoga!Volunteer!Handbook!!!!!2015-2016!
!Page!4
Volunteer Job Position
First Aid Plans/Emergency Plans
For life threatening emergencies always-call 9-1-1 First
then contact the Shelter Coordinator.
! NO over the counter or prescription medications will
be given to the guests at any time, under any
circumstances. No medications of any kind will be
stored for guests.
! If you have First Aid/CPR training please let the
Code Blue Saratoga Coordinator know.
! Know where the First Aid Kits are located as well as
Fire Extinguishers.
! Emergency Numbers are posted on the wall in the
Volunteer Office.
Set Up Staff
Set up cots, put out blankets, pillows, make sure all rooms
are ready to receive guests when the shelter opens.
Open Hours Staff
First Shift Volunteers: 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Volunteer
positions during this shift will include: Kitchen, Front Desk,
Downstairs/Shower Monitor, Clothing/Supply Room, New
Volunteer, and Companion
Second Shift Volunteers relieve First Shift volunteers. Shift
hours are 10:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. Volunteer positions during
this shift will include: Kitchen, Front Desk, Downstairs
Monitor, New Volunteer and Companion
Third Shift Volunteers relieve Second Shift volunteers. Shift
hours are 1:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. Volunteer positions during
this shift will include: Kitchen, Front Desk, and Downstairs
Monitor, and New Volunteer
Fire Evacuation Plan
In the event of a fire, meet across the street by the
parking garage tower.
Fourth Shift Volunteers relieve Third Shift. Shift Hours are
5:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Volunteer positions during this shift will
include: Kitchen/Breakfast, Front Desk, Downstairs/Shower
Monitor, Clothing/Supply Room, New Volunteer, and CleanUp
All volunteers should know the location of all
emergency exits.
Volunteers must remain awake and aware of the area
they are assigned to cover. Specific job descriptions
and duties will be covered in the Volunteer Training
Course.
Volunteers may bring quiet activities such as reading,
homework, or movies (on their own device) keeping the
volume low to entertain them during their shift.
Code Blue Saratoga Volunteer Handbook
2015-2016!
Page!5
Code!Blue!Saratoga!Volunteer!Handbook!!!!!2015-2016!
!Page!6
Shelter Guidelines
Shelter Schedule
Volunteers Personal Belongings
Opening
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Greet guests Doors Open at 7 p.m.
Review Shelter Guest Guidelines with New Guests
Shelter Guest Meeting/Safety Presentation
Dinner Served from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Verify that guests and all volunteers sign in or out
Complete a tour of the shelter
Lights out at 10:00 p.m.
T.V.-First Floor volume only OFF at 11 p.m.
(closed captioning may be turned on)
Closing
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It is recommended that personal belongings (purses, laptops,
etc.) not be brought into the shelter. If you do bring them, they
can be locked in the Volunteer Office. Code Blue Saratoga is not
responsible for lost or stolen items.
Supply Distribution to Guests
Guests receive one (1) Pillow and two (2) blankets. Toiletry items
may be available upon request.
The following behaviors of volunteer or guests
may result in disciplinary actions:
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7:00 a.m. Overnight volunteers wake up guests.
Guests have breakfast.
Clean up crew does their work.
8:30 a.m. Code Blue is Closed.
Sexual relations of any kind
Inappropriate conversations about sex, drug use or
alcohol use
Exchanging of favors or gift
Examples of behaviors that are strongly
discouraged:
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Volunteer Shift Schedule Times
Set Up - 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
First Shift - 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Second Shift -10:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Third Shift - 1:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Fourth Shift - 5:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Clean Up - 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
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Social meetings in your own home
Kisses, prolonged physical contact
Disclosing your own problems instead of listening to
those of the guests
Showing favoritism
Inappropriate familiarity inside or out of Code Blue
Divulging or exchanging personal information
Proselytizing/Preaching about religion, politics,
drugs or alcohol
Reimbursement Policy
Any purchases of supplies for Code Blue Saratoga will
reimbursed only if approved by coordinator ahead of time and a
receipt is turned in.
If we are out of a certain item, unless it is essential, please just let
the supervisor on duty know.
Code Blue Saratoga Volunteer Handbook
2015-2016!
Page!7
Guest Guidelines
In order to ensure that everyone has a positive experience,
we ask that you follow these guidelines at all times.
The shelter will be open for guests no earlier than 7:00 p.m.
Please do not arrive prior to 7:00 p.m..
The shelter is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Clothing - Appropriate attire must be worn at all times.
Drugs/Alcohol – Absolutely no alcohol or illicit/unacceptable
drugs are to be consumed or stored on shelter grounds by
any guest. If found, items will be confiscated and destroyed.
NO open containers will be allowed in the shelter.
Behavior that threatens the safety of other guests or
volunteers may be grounds for immediate dismissal, and
you will be asked to leave. Police will be called if necessary.
!Page!8
Personal Storage-You are responsible for your personal
items. There will be no storing of personal items at the
shelter during the day.
Pets-No pets (other than service animals) are allowed in the
building.
Public Areas-Shelter guests must remain in designated
areas only. No guests are allowed in the kitchen, pantry,
volunteer room/office or Fort Knox (supply/clothing storage room).
Smoking is not allowed inside the building (including ecigarettes and vapor devices). Designated smoking areas
will be provided near the building. Please make sure
cigarette butts are disposed of properly.
Cots-One guest per cot. Sharing of cots is prohibited.
Stealing – Stealing will not be tolerated. Thefts may become
a police matter.
Weapons – No weapons of any kind are allowed on
property. If you have any, turn them in to the shelter
supervisor on duty who will store them in a locked trunk and
return them to you when you leave.
Families – families with children will be referred to Social
Services, for emergency accommodations. If needed the
volunteer office can be used for a temp. sleeping area for
families.
No food allowed in sleeping areas. Bottled beverages
provided by Code Blue may be taken into sleeping areas.
Harassment – No threats or acts of violence will be
tolerated in any way.
I understand and agree to follow all rules of this Code Blue
Shelter listed and those verbally communicated by
volunteers.
Lights Out – Lights out is at 10:00 p.m.
Loitering – There will be no loitering near the building before
Code Blue opens.
Code Blue Saratoga Volunteer Handbook
Code!Blue!Saratoga!Volunteer!Handbook!!!!!2015-2016!
2015-2016!
Page!9
Signature or Mark of Guest
Date _____________
Code!Blue!Saratoga!Volunteer!Handbook!!!!!2015-2016!
!Page!10
Volunteer Agreement Standard of Conduct
Code Blue Saratoga
Release Form for Media Recording
I, ______________________the undersigned, do hereby consent
and agree that, Code Blue Saratoga, a program of Shelters of
Saratoga, its employees, or agents have the right to take
photographs, videotape, or digital recordings of me and to use
these in any and all media, now or hereafter known, and
exclusively for the purpose of Code Blue Saratoga. I further
consent that my first name may be revealed therein or by
descriptive text or commentary. I do hereby release to Code Blue
Saratoga, its agents, and employees all rights to exhibit this work
in print and electronic form publicly or privately and to market and
sell copies. I waive any rights, claims, or interest I may have to
control the use of my identity or likeness in whatever media used.
I understand that there will be no financial or other remuneration
for recording me, either for initial or subsequent transmission or
playback.
I also understand that Code Blue Saratoga is not responsible for
any expense or liability incurred as a result of my participation in
this recording, including medical expenses due to any sickness or
injury incurred as a result.
The mission of Code Blue Saratoga Program is to provide shelter
to the homeless and people in need. Volunteers are the
program’s most valuable resource. To establish the greatest
degree of trust. Volunteers have a responsibility to provide quality
service and to uphold high ethical standards.
As a volunteer for the Code Blue Saratoga program, I agree
to the following standards of conduct.
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I represent that I am at least 18 years of age, have read and
understand the foregoing statement, and am competent to
execute this agreement.
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This form is for your records –
Please sign the separate form.
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Code Blue Saratoga Volunteer Handbook
2015-2016!
Page!11
Volunteer Information
Code!Blue!Saratoga!Volunteer!Handbook!!!!!2015-2016!
!Page!12
Volunteer Agreement Waiver
Code Blue Saratoga
Do you work for a company that provides grants to nonprofit organizations for which you volunteer or matching
grants for donations? ______Yes ______No
If yes, what company?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Print Full Name
Preferred Phone Number___________________________
_______________________________________________
Home Street Address
_______________________________________________
City, State, Zip
_______________________________________________
Email Address
This form is for your records –
Please sign the separate form.
Code Blue Saratoga Volunteer Handbook
I will treat everyone (guests, volunteers, visitors and staff)
with courtesy and respect.
I will safeguard the confidentiality of guest information.
I will work within the guidelines of the Code Blue
Saratoga and not offer additional services to the guests I
meet while on duty without permission from the Code
Blue Director.
I will not release any personal information to the guests.
I will not give the guests money, transportation or gifts.
I will socialize with guests in a trustful and friendly
manner.
I will refer guests to the Code Blue Saratoga Director if
there is a need for additional help beyond the Code Blue
Saratoga program.
I will exercise reasonable care in the use and protection
of equipment and supplies.
I will not accept payment for any of the volunteer services
I provide.
I will contact the Code Blue Saratoga supervisor on duty if
a problem beyond my ability occurs.
I understand that there may be health and safety risks
associated with working at the shelter.
I will not speak to the press or post anything on social
media without permission from the Code Blue Saratoga
Coordinator.
2015-2016!
Volunteer understands and acknowledges that there may
be certain risks to his or her health or safety associated with
the activities involved with the Code Blue Saratoga
program.
Therefore, in consideration of being permitted to participate
with the Code Blue Saratoga Program, Shelters of
Saratoga, the Volunteer accepts and assumes all risks
while participating in the Code Blue Saratoga Program and
hereby releases and waives any and all claims against
Code Blue Saratoga Program, its successors, officers,
directors, employees, other volunteers, and agents for any
type of damage, injury, illness, or death relating in any way
to such participation whether caused by any homeless or
needy individual or Code Blue Saratoga Program, its
successors, officers, directors, employees, other volunteers,
and agents. Volunteer agrees that this waiver and release
are intended to include Volunteer’s heirs, representatives,
executors, and administrators and to be as broad and
inclusive as permitted by applicable law.
This form is for your records –
Please sign the separate form.
Page!13
Code!Blue!Saratoga!Volunteer!Handbook!!!!!2015-2016!
!Page!14