Code of Maine Rules
15 - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
215 - BUREAU OF MAINE VETERANS SERVICES
Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATION OF THE VETERAN'S HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION COORDINATION PROGRAM
Section 215-3-3 - Provider Requirements

1. Maintains compliance with the eligibility criteria for providers outlined in Section 3 of this rule;

2. Provides access 365 days per year to assist Persons Experiencing Homelessness in meeting basic emergency shelter needs;

3. Provides or arranges for adequate sleeping space or beds, and clean and properly functioning shower and toilet facilities;

4. Provides or arranges for safe and nutritious food, including breakfast or access to breakfast and, if open 24 hours, also provides lunch and dinner or access to lunch and dinner;

5. Treats all guests with dignity and respect, regardless of religious or political beliefs and operates its programs free from discrimination with respect to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin or familial status in accordance with the Maine Human Rights Act, 5 M.R.S. §§4551 - 4634. If the Provider departs from this requirement as part of an established charter or bylaws with the intent of serving a particularly underserved population, the Provider will be required to explain this deviation to the Bureau's satisfaction.

6. Has admittance and stay policies that are appropriate for the population served and do not create unnecessary barriers, as determined by the Bureau, to guests staying;

7. Provides linkages and access to community resources through case management if available such as health care, job readiness and employment services, mainstream resources, and educational services to assist guests in achieving housing stability;

8. Assesses guests for housing prioritization and services to enable their transition to permanent housing with adequate supports;

9. Informs guests of their rights and responsibilities, including specific shelter policies and house rules;

10. Has no lease requirements for guests;

11. If serving families with children, provides space other than open dormitory style and does not require involuntary family separation for admission;

12. Provides separate accommodations for male and female guests consistent with their gender identity;

13. Protects the privacy and confidentiality of guests and their personal information;

14. Posts fire, disaster, and other emergency procedures in a conspicuous place and reviews the procedures with each guest;

15. Maintains a daily and confidential census of shelter guests including precise sleeping locations;

16. Operates in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations.

17. If religious activities are offered at a Facility, they must be offered at a separate time or location from the activities and services covered by this rule and participation in those religious activities must be voluntary for persons receiving assistance.

18. The Provider must facilitate enrollment of the Veteran in the Bureau's case management system and identify the Veteran whose care is being reimbursed.