OUR VALUES AS AN AGENCY

Our values help to remind us about what is truly important in our interactions with each other, our clients, and the wider community. We reflect on these values when making decisions and building out programs to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness in our area.

Respect for each other, our participants, volunteers, and our community.

• We believe respect is given through active listening, courtesy, remaining open-minded, being inclusive, and encouraging self-expression.
• We work to have the participants feel respected in how we interact with them in every situation.
• We succeed when all participants feel valued and are seen as individuals who have worth and meaning in the shelter and in our community.

Relationships are the foundation for change. 

• We believe that everyone deserves to be listened to and receive clearly stated expectations with meaningful opportunities for feedback and self-expression.
• We work to maintain and model healthy boundaries.
• We succeed when our participants trust us with their needs and aspirations.

Compassion is concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of participants.

• We believe every person is worthy and deserving of care and empathy, regardless of their present challenges.
• We work to meet participants where they are now and walk alongside them. 
• We succeed when participants feel valued and cared for.

Empowerment is believing in the competence and self-knowledge of our participants.

• We believe that the people we serve are capable of self-sufficiency and independence.
• We work to avoid inflating our own egos and creating dependency in participants.
• We work to give participants the opportunity to experience empowerment through taking responsibility for the shelter’s safety, cleanliness, and atmosphere and giving choices when possible.
• We succeed when participants make positive choices in regards to their relationships, health, and independence.

Consistency is crucial to maintaining a solid foundation and provides safe boundaries for everyone.

• We believe in the fairness of consistency. 
• We work to uphold policy and procedures in order to maintain consistency. We discuss and advocate for change as needed.
• We succeed when all staff, participants, and volunteers know what to expect from each other.