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

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Providers seeking reimbursement must submit an application on
				  a form developed and approved by the Bureau demonstrating to the Bureau that
				  the Provider currently meets the below requirements. If a Provider does not
				  operate a Facility, the Provider will ensure the following requirements are met
				  with any arrangements made.
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.