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Please respond to the following questions to describe yourself:
Please respond to the following questions to determine your preferences:
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As a social service agency, we value safety and well-being of our clients, employees, and volunteers. It is therefore the policy of Shared Housing Services (SHS) to carefully screen all applicants for any criminal charges, arrests, convictions, and warrants. Applicants are screened through Sound Screening's multistate background check and the Washington State patrol.
Based on the information received by SHS through a completed background check, it is our policy not to refer any applicant to the Adult Home Share Program who has been charged, arrested, or convicted of the following crimes within the last ten years: felonies, thefts, domestic violence, crimes of child or elder abuse, and any actions involving destruction of property or physical violence toward persons. Additionally, any active warrants will also serve as grounds for denial of participation from the program, regardless of how old the warrant is. Applicants must resolve all active warrants and go through the appeal process in order to be reconsidered for participation. Clients who possess a criminal history that features sexual crimes, murder, or voluntary manslaughter within their lifetime will be automatically disqualified and unable to request an appeal.
Upon receipt of an adverse criminal history report, the applicant will be sent a letter denying their application due to relevant criminal history. It will state which crimes fall under the policy criteria as well as procedures to follow if the client wishes to seek review/reconsideration through the appeal process. The client is allowed a period of two months to schedule a criminal appeal appointment. If the client fails to do so within this given timeframe, they will not be able to reapply for entrance into the program for the next two years.
Policy on nondiscrimination: All services offered by SHS are provided in a manner which is free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation (gender identity/expression), national origin, age, handicap, and familial status.
I hereby authorize The Shared Housing Services (SHS) staff to send information to and discuss my personal circumstances with SHS coordinators and staff of other agencies.
It is understood that any interchange of information made between staff and coordinators of SHS and other agencies will be used only for purposes of attempting to determine appropriate services on my and my family's behalf.
I also authorize SHS staff to provide information supplied by myself and information on any arrest and/or criminal convictions obtained by SHS to potential home sharers in the process of attempting to bring about a home sharing arrangement on my behalf.
I understand that the staff of Shared Housing Services (SHS) will use their facilities to bring together those who have available housing (homeowner's) with those who express a desire for housing (home seeker's).
I, as a homeowner/home seeker, understand that SHS is not the agent of either party, but acts only as a facilitator, to provide the opportunity for the parties involved to come together and work out an acceptable housing agreement.
I, as a homeowner, am not relying entirely on SHS to screen home seekers. All credit checks, references and all other background information will be obtained and/or confirmed by myself.
I, as a home seeker, am not relying entirely on SHS as to the homeowner's background or as to condition of the premises and their suitability for my needs. I agree to obtain and/or confirm information myself.
Any disputes between the homeowner and home seeker which may arise shall not involve the staff of SHS, either individually or as a group, and I will not hold staff responsible for any claims, damages, or other consequences which may arise from any home sharing arrangement.
I have also been advised to seek the services of an attorney should I have any questions about my legal rights and the laws of the State of Washington.
Shared Housing Services (SHS) is a non-discriminatory, equal opportunity non-profit, shared housing agency. We strive to serve Tacoma, larger Pierce County, and South King County, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual preference (gender identity/expression), or socio-economic status. As part of the program, SHS requires everyone to provide copies of photo identification, Social Security card, and proof of income. In addition to this, all applicants for SHS are required to pay a $30 criminal background fee and pass a criminal background check based on the agency's criminal history policy. If a person is having trouble meeting any of these requirements, he or she should talk with staff to discuss alternatives.
Below is a list of reasons a participant may no longer receive services and be exited from the program:
Staff exercises their right to exit anyone from the program if they fall into one of the above listed categories. The list is not comprehensive and someone may be asked to leave for another reason. In addition, staff may use discretion at anytime and allow a participant to stay in the program based on the nature of the offense.
By acknowledging this release, I give Shared Housing Services (SHS) permission to use (1) my picture-including photos, videos, and electronic images, and (2) my voice-including sound and video recordings.
This gives Shared Housing Services' employees and partners permission to publish, reproduce, and distribute my name, image, and voice in all languages, media, formats, and markets now known or created in the future, including, but not limited to: Conferences and fundraising events, inclusion in newsletters, press releases, blogs, social media, donation requests, news coverage, advertising via television and internet, and website content.
I agree to hold harmless SHS and its staff and partners for any alteration of my image or voice, intentional or unintentional, which may arise in the production process.
I waive the right to receive payment for SHS use of any of the material described above, and to inspect or approve finished photos, audio, or video.
* Declining this release has no effect on distribution of services.