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conduct an HMIS entry form for all guests, however entry to HMIS is voluntary for <br />guests to participate in. <br />lf a guest refuses to sign in or out, or sign the guest guidelines form, they may not be <br />accepted into the shelter. <br />Write the time they left, whether they took their personal items, and the circumstances in <br />the Security Log. <br />E. Operating the Shelter <br />When a volunteer arrives for the first shift, they should familiarize themselves with the <br />site. Note where allfire extinguishers and exits are located. Once familiarized, begin <br />setting up the shelter. Post supplied signs outside to direct guests to the main entrance if <br />not already posted. <br />Once the shelter is set up, volunteers should help guests check-in and get settled. Most <br />guest are very self-sufficient. Volunteers may have time to talk to some of them. For many <br />guests, companionship and a friendly ear to listen goes a long way towards making their <br />day better. <br />1. Sign lnlOut and lntake <br />When setting up the sign in area, remember to designate a space for personal item <br />intake. Allow enough room so guests can form a line without waiting outside. This <br />makes it easier to monitor those coming into the shelter and prevents guests from <br />standing in the bad weather for longer than necessary. <br />After guests sign in, the volunteer will have the guest place their personal belongings <br />in a large plastic tote. The tote should then be closed shut and the guests' name <br />written in black pen on a piece of tape. <br />Once the tote is closed and put away it may not be opened until the guest takes <br />possession of his/her property at check-out, the next morning. Guests may forget an <br />item or two, or they may require another item to be placed into the tote. This is <br />permissible but only by supervision of staff/volunteer. This situation would arise if a <br />guest is not following the rules and an item needs to be placed in a tote. This is done <br />for the safety of the shelter guests and volunteers as well as to assist in ensuring <br />shelter rules are being followed.