Woonsocket Dignity Bus Training Manual

TRAINING MANUAL DIGNITY BUS

Whenyou read the “Dignity Bus® Training Guide,” you’ll discover why we embarked on the journey to create a Mobile Overnight Emergency Shelter using a bus concept. Through basic thinking, research, partnerships, and a love for humanity, we achieved what we have today.

In 2020, The Source, a Christian Ministry for the poor and homeless in Indian River County, Florida, sought ways to provide comfortable and secure overnight shelter for vulnerable individuals.

The name Dignity Bus® reflects our belief in helping the poor and homeless regain dignity in their lives, one program at a time, leading them towards independence.

We hope our new partnership and shared lessons will guide your journey, just as it did for us!

Anthony Zorbaugh Executive Director at The Source

THE BACK STORY

In the years leading up to the launch of the Dignity Bus® in 2021, a generous donor offered to donate a used motorcoach (passenger bus) to The Source. We saw this as an opportunity to transform the bus into a mobile shelter. Inspired by customized tour buses used by rock bands, we envisioned creating “beds on wheels.” However, we couldn’t find any existing sleep buses for the homeless in the United States. After researching, we discovered a similar concept in Europe called the “easy sleeper night bus,” which was both comfortable and maneuverable.

Our maintenance team stripped down the motorcoach to ensure its stability before making any major renovations. Unfortunately, we found significant water damage, but salvageable parts that we could remove and use in a better vehicle.Through further research, we located a suitable passenger bus in another state and purchased it, driving it to our location in Florida. We also found a nearby fabrication company specializing in custom bus conversions that could help us achieve our vision. After five months of hard work, our first Dignity Bus® was successfully launched.

DIGNITY BUS RECAP

• A couple of years have passed since the launch of our first two Dignity Buses®.

• We’ve undergone personnel changes and successfully recruited drivers through social media and website advertising.

• The exterior of the buses has incurred scratches and dents, leading us to temporarily take them off the street for beautification and mechanical repairs.

• We’re grateful for ongoing donations that support materials, maintenance, and other expenses.

• Our members now have a safe and secure place to sleep, and we consistently operate at full capacity.

• Members have enjoyed a comfortable night’s sleep, along with hot showers and complimentary breakfast.

• As word spread through networking and media outlets, we started receiving invitations to bring the Dignity Bus® to conventions and other cities to share our concept.

THE DIGNITY BUS HAS 20 COMFORTABLE AND PRIVATE SLEEPING PODS.

GUEST MANAGEMENT

Procedures for the intake process, setting and enforcing rules for guests, and handling difficult situations.

• The Dignity Bus is available on a first-come, first-served basis�

• Members who reserve a sleeping pod on the Dignity Bus pay a $2 fee�

• After arriving at the bus for check-in, members will not be able leave and return�

• Boarding begins at 9:00pm and ends at 10:00pm�

• Members can store their tagged and marked belongings under the bus�

• Storage is also available for companion animals�

• Alcohol, drugs, paraphernalia, and food are not permitted on the bus or around The Source facility�

• Arriving intoxicated is strongly discouraged�

• If a member is under the influence, but not disorderly, they may board the bus�

• Disorderly members will be asked to exit the bus�

• Members are required to follow these guidelines, or they will be banned from using the Dignity Bus�

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

Gas up the vehicle: This involves refueling the vehicle with gasoline to ensure it has an adequate fuel supply�

Cleaning the rooftop AC: The rooftop air conditioning unit is cleaned on a daily basis to remove any dirt, debris, or potential blockages that could affect its efficiency�

Dumping toilet: This refers to emptying the waste water tank of a toilet system in a vehicle� The process involves connecting a hose from the waste water tank in the rear of the vehicle to a lift station, allowing the waste to be properly disposed of�

Cleaning solution: After emptying the waste water tank, a cleaning solution is poured through the system to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned�

Flushing: Once the cleaning solution has been used, the system is flushed again with water to remove any remaining residue�

Water and odor solution: After the cleaning process, water and an odor solution are added to the water tank to provide a fresh and pleasant experience during future toilet usage�

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Continued

Filling the water tank: Two five-gallon buckets’ worth of water are added to the tank to replenish the water supply for the next night or future use�

Generator maintenance: The generator is serviced and its oil is changed every 90 days� This regular maintenance ensures the generator remains in good working condition and ready for use in emergency situations�

Emergency generator usage: The generator is intended to be used solely in emergency situations, rather than for regular or continuous operation�

Deoderize: We utilize professional deordorizing services quarterly to ensure a clean and habital space

STOCKING SUPPLIES

List of required supplies, recommended vendors, and a schedule for checking and replenishing stock.

• Compact Toiletpaper - One ply.

• This is important: Orange solution for toilet — TST MAX

• Anti-Bacterial wipes

• Trashcan liners

• Jumper Cables

• Linens

• Pillows

• Mattress Covers

• Pillow Protectors

• Fitted Flattened blanket

• Broom/Swiffer Sweeper Mop/ Handheld vacuum with tightened nozzles.

• Papertowel for cleaning hand sanitizer for bathroom

• Bleach / Laundry Detergent to wash linens

• Pet Cages

LOGISTICS

Scheduling: Guidance on setting up hours of operation and staff shifts, including considerations for holidays and special events.

Scheduling: Guidance on setting up hours of operation and staff shifts, including considerations for holidays and special events�

Operations: BUS from 9PM - 7AM�

We are open 365 days a year�

Building opens and Registration begins at 7:30AM Day staff work from 7:30 - 5PM

Evening staff only for paid bus participants from 5pm - 9pm�

Waitlist individuals do not stay at that time�

PARTNERSHIPS

Tips for collaborating with local organizations for additional support and resources.

Deodorizing - Does it for free�

Dyer Mazda - Gives out Blankets

Adopt a pod - Donors

Banks - Pillow Drive

TRAINING FOR STAFF

Roles and Responsibilities: Detailed descriptions of staff roles and their responsibilities�

Conflict Resolution: Strategies for resolving conflicts and de-escalating tense situations�

Confidentiality: Guidelines on maintaining confidentiality and respecting the privacy of guests�

Emergency Response: Procedures for responding to emergencies, including medical emergencies, conflicts, or natural disasters�

Shutdown for hurricane: Transport individuals to shelters�

Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated�

BUS STAFF OPENING PROCEDURES

When Bus Staff Arrives:

a Bus staff arrives at 8:45PM and receives the key from the Administrator’s Office�

a Select a flat level parking site�

a Place shift lever in neutral position�

a Pull the air brake button to engage the brakes

a The bus driver monitors as members remove their shoes and directs them to their assigned bunk�

a The process continues until everyone is loaded, usually by 9:30PM�

a Assessment of no-shows is done, and the waitlist is filled on a first-come, first-served basis�

a Payment and records are collected�

a After 10PM, only members already excused for working reasons are to be admitted�

a Bus doors are closed, and staff ensures that curtains are completely shut by walking through the aisle�

a Periodic walkthroughs are conducted during the night to ensure safety�

a Check tires for pressure and thread�

a Check that the Generator has Fuel - (The generator take Ethanol Free Gasoline)

BUS STAFF OPENING PROCEDURES Continued

a Plug in the 220 volt electrical line to the bus

a In case of an emergency where using the 220 is not possible, turn on the generator�

a When the bus is stationary and the generator is running both cargo doors must remain open�

a Enter the bus and find the battery button on the dashboard�

a The battery switch is turned on first, followed by the ignition switch to allow pressure to build in the bus for flushing the toilet�

a Turn on all of the switches one by one in the electrical panel�

a Leave the door closed and wait for the air pressure on the dashboard to be between 125-140 psi�

a Turn on the electric fireplace at this time, if need be�

a Begin onboarding passengers�

a Once at the appropriate air pressure you may turn off the bus however the bus must be turned on every hour to maintain air pressure�

BUS STAFF CLOSING PROCEDURES

a At 6AM, a wakeup call is made to each individual bunk�

a As clients leave, they strip their beds and take the bedding with them for laundry drop-off�

a Staff monitors the safe removal of luggage and ensures nothing is left behind�

a Begin offboarding passengers�

a Turn off the electric fireplace at this time�

a Turn off all of the switches one by one in the electrical panel�

a Turn off the bus using the ignition switch and turn off the battery switch (this is critical)�

a If the bus is using the generator turn it off and close the cargo doors�

a Remove the 220 electrical line and store it under the bus�

BUS STAFF CLOSING PROCEDURES Continued

a Check that all switches in the electrical panel are off�

a Secure the bus�

a Securely close and lock the windows�

a Securely close and lock the passenger door�

a Securely close and lock the basement doors�

a Check all tank level indications

a Connect the dump hose to the bus via the connection in the back of the bus� (See photo below)

a Connect the dump hose to the sewage receptacle using the coaches hose stored underneath the bus�

a Open the Grey Tank Hose to dump the waste�

a Flush the lines by dumping clean water down the toilet�

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

Review: Summary of key points from the booklet�

Further Resources: List of available manuals, websites, or contacts that can provide further support�

Bus Manual - Manual for switches

Feedback and Contact: Contact information for The Source team for any queries or feedback�

Tony Zorbaugh, Executive Director

772-564-0202

Jonathan Orozco, Dir� of Development

772-564-0202