Housing Rules
What must you do if you want to smoke or vape while staying in Tandem’s temporary shelter?
Go outside the dwelling.
How many hours per day must you attend Partial Hospitalization (PHP) groups?
Five hours.
What’s the only drink allowed in the group classroom?
Water in a clear cup.
Who’s responsible for your personal belongings at the shelter?
You are (not Tandem).
What’s banned from Tandem premises to ensure safety?
Weapons.
What happens if you’re caught with drugs or alcohol in your room?
Immediate eviction from the shelter without warnings.
What’s the minimum attendance for Intensive Outpatient (IOP) groups per day?
Three hours.
Where must you turn in your phone during group sessions?
In the basket at the start of group.
What must you schedule outside of group hours?
Non-emergency appointments.
Who should you call if you feel uneasy about something at the shelter?
Law enforcement (and use the after-hours clinician number).
How many bags of personal belongings (not including food) can you bring to the shelter?
Two bags.
How many PHP absences might lead to removal from housing but not the program?
Two absences.
What should a counselor do if a client is sleeping in group and won’t wake up after several attempts?
Get a supervisor to intervene.
What happens if you’re discharged and don’t leave the shelter?
Trespassing charges may be filed after one warning.
What can Tandem staff do randomly to check the shelter for safety?
Conduct unannounced support visits for substances or guests.
What happens to your belongings if you leave the program and don’t contact Tandem within 24 hours?
They’re disposed of or donated.
What happens on your third PHP absence?
Possible discharge from the program and referral elsewhere.
Where’s the designated smoking area during group breaks?
The designated outdoor area (not the alleyway).
What’s required if you have a MAT appointment (e.g., Roanoke Treatment Center) with 48-hour notice?
Attend another group that day.
What happens if you threaten staff or peers?
Immediate discharge from the program.
What must you do weekly to show progress toward permanent housing while in the shelter?
Provide updates to your counselor.
What’s the only acceptable excuse for missing a group, per the policy?
A life-threatening medical emergency with physician documentation.
What should counselors do if a client brings up housing issues during group time?
Redirect the discussion (not discuss it in group).
What must you do if employed while in the program?
Work outside group hours (no group time changes allowed).
What’s your responsibility in the shelter to support others’ recovery?
Not engage in behaviors that jeopardize their recovery.