Dignity Bus Woonsocket Training Manual

DIGNITY BUS Training Manual

Whenyou begin reading through the “Dignity Bus® Training Guide,” you will find out why we began our journey to develop a Mobile Overnight Emergency Shelter, utilizing the concept of a mobile bus. You will learn how it came to be and how, through some basic thinking, strong research, building partnerships, and the love of humanity, we were allowed to achieve what we have accomplished.

In 2020, just prior to the Pandemic, the team at The Source, A Christian Ministry for the poor and homeless in Indian River County, Florida, was actively seeking ways to help create an effective solution for comfortable and secure overnight shelter for our society’s most vulnerable people.

The origin of the name Dignity Bus® was borne out of our belief that helping the poor and homeless in our community to become dignified in their life, one program at a time, would eventually lead them on the path to get back on their own two feet.

I hope our new partnership, in which we will share our hard earned lessons and experiences, will help to guide your path, your journey, your goal, just as it did for us!

Anthony

Executive Director at The Source

Sheriff Eric Flower (left) shaking hands with Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source after completion of the first Dignity Bus

Zorbaugh

INTRODUCTION

Sleep Can Change Everything!

You are among a large group of people who have told us they also wish to start their own Mobile Overnight Emergency Shelter, as we did in 2021. We are excited to learn that the news of our concept of a Mobile Overnight Shelter, designed for the homeless, is spreading throughout the country!

FACT: “On a single night in 2021, roughly 553,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States. Nearly 60% were staying in sheltered locations—emergency shelters or transitional housing programs—and more than 40% were in unsheltered locations such as on the street, in abandoned buildings, or in other places not suitable for human habitation.”*

FACT: Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being. Getting enough quality sleep can help protect a person’s mental and physical health, and ultimately their safety. For those sleeping rough, getting a good night’s sleep is virtually impossible and can contribute to long-term homelessness and more, including low self-esteem, social isolation, and the exacerbation or development of specific mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. On-going sleep deficiency can raise the risk for some chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart health, breathing problems and breast cancer. Many sleeping on the street are subjected to terrible weather, harassment, bullying, being robbed and worse. Those sleeping on the street also run a high risk of drug and alcohol abuse, further affecting their safety and well-being.

*SOURCE: 2021 Housing Urban Development report

THE SOLUTION How Our Magic Happened

Several years before we launched the Dignity Bus® in 2021, a loyal donor knocked on our door with the offer of donating a used mo torcoach (passenger bus) to The Source. Our team began brainstorming what we could do with the vehicle… even visualizing how rock bands travel in customized buses from city to city. That’s when our thoughts turned to taking the bus and remodeling it into “beds on wheels.” We began researching sleep buses and could not find any in the United States used for the purpose of sheltering the homeless. However, it did exist in parts of Europe as an “easy sleeper night bus,” which was comfortable enough and very convenient to maneuver.

Our maintenance staff went full-steam ahead stripping the motor coach to ensure the stabilization of the vehicle before any large renovation plans were made. Sadly we found the vehicle had too much water damage, but still had viable component parts that we could remove and reassemble into a better vehicle. Research aided in discovering a better vehicle out of state…a perfect former passenger bus which upon purchase was driven to our Florida location.Then we found a nearby fabrication company that specialized in custom bus conversions exactly like we wanted. Five months later, our first Dignity Bus® was up and running!

Sleeping pods with bedding and the owner of Heat Customs

GOOD LUCK!

In Conclusion

Many months have passed since we launched our first of two Dignity Buses® and overall, the bus program has been smooth riding. We’ve experienced some changes in personnel along the way and we needed to outreach for drivers which we accomplished through social media and website advertising.

We’ve had some scratches and dents to the exterior of the bus, and at times, for beautification or mechanical repairs, we took the bus off the street for brief periods.

We continue to receive donations towards materials, maintenance, and on-going ex-

penses and, most importantly, our clients have a place to sleep safely and securely. At this writing, we have experienced full capacity passengers nightly for their individual safe and secure sleeps. All our passengers have enjoyed their night’s sleep, hot shower and free hot breakfast in the morning.

Once our Dignity Bus® was on the road and the networking and media outlets began to spread the word near and far, our phones started ringing. As the Pandemic continued to lift, we received invitations to bring our bus to conventions and other cities to explain the concept of Dignity Bus®.

Two Dignity Buses are the first two Emergency Shelter on Wheels of their kind in the country!

PROCEDURES

Opening and Closing Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions on how to securely open and close the bus each day.

Bus staff arrives at 8:45PM. They receive the key from Administrator Office. They do a 360 of bus to check for damages. Bus gets started immediately for cooling reasons before loading begins at 9pm. Run the electrical plug from the building to the bus and turn the bus breaker on 1 switch at a time. Turn battery switch on first on dashboard and then turn ignition on. This allows pressure in the bus to rise so the toilet can be flushed. They walkthrough the bus and check for lights, ac, smells, hand sanitizer, etc. Bus client list is received from evening staff. Bus list is reviewed to identify any students of our programs, and anyone who is excused for individuals working late. Opens the cargo area for any luggage. Provides members with tags for their luggage. Begins the loading process. Clients show receipt which must be provided at this time. One person at a time. Bus driver is standing on the bus so that he can watch members remove their shoes and identify which bunk # the client gets on. Once

the individual is securely in their bunk with the curtain closed he moves onto the next client. Repeating these steps until everyone is loaded. Bus is typically loaded by 9:30. Assessment of anyone who did no shows happens at this time and waitlist is then filled, first come first serve, payment of waitlist individuals is paid at this time and records are collected. 10PM is close off time for anyone excused for working reasons. Bus doors are closed and staff walks through the aisle to assess and ensure that curtains are shut completely. Periodic walkthroughs are done throughout the night to assess for safety. At 6AM staff performs a wakeup call to each individual bunk. As clients leave they are stripping their beds and taking the bedding with them for laundry drop off at our facility. They are removing their luggage and staff is monitoring to ensure this is happening safely and nothing is left behind. Intake process

Members line up each evening waiting to board the Dignity Bus®

LAYOUT OF THE BUS

And Special Features

SAFETY MEASURES

Comprehensive guide on safety measures in place, how to use safety equipment, and emergency protocols.

Evening staff is assessing clients who are waiting for the bus to ensure this will be a safe experience for all members. If an individual does show up intoxicated then they are assessed to see if they will pose a problem. We do not immediately disqualify for intoxication, however if it becomes a disturbance the individual will be asked to leave and given a warning.

In case of emergency all of the windows open and there is a safety hatch on the ceiling.

Daily Operations Checklist:

A checklist of daily tasks to ensure smooth operations.

After the bus driver leaves, staff begins laundry and cleaning/sanitization of the bus. Staff reviews client list from night before to assess for any comments or for no shows to apply 7 day ban. Email is sent to staff, to inform them of anything that is identified.The process begins to accept payment for beds. This happens first come first serve AFTER allowing program participants to enter the list for free. Anyone who is going to arrive

late for work provides paperwork from the employer. Once full, they begin collecting names for waitlist. The waitlist is maxed at 8 individuals. Receipts are provided to anyone who paid. They must provide this receipt upon loading onto the bus at night. By 10AM leadership staff double checks the state of the bus to ensure the bus is ready for the next night.

LeeAnne and Amanda oversee the dailing changing and laundering of bedding for the bus.

MAINTENANCE

Daily Cleaning Procedures:

Detailed guide on daily cleaning procedures, including what products to use and where.

Deep Cleaning Schedule and Procedures:

Schedule and procedures for deep cleaning, including any equipment required.

Deodorize – copy verbiage from website. Brevard place. Indoor Air & Odor

Maintenance and Repair

Clear instructions on basic maintenance tasks, identifying potential problems, and when to call in professionals for repairs.

Gas up the vehicle, Rooftop AC is cleaned daily. Dumping toilet - hose gets connected from waste water tank in the rear to the lift station. Then a cleaning solution is poured through after waste is out and then it is flushed again. Then water and an odor

solution is put in the water tank. Then 2 five gallon buckets worth of water is filled in the tank for the next night. Every 90 days the generator is services and oil changed. Generator is only to be ran in an emergency.

Two of our Dining with Dignity students preparing to spend the night on the Dignty Bus®

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

Our community has been supportive. Seen here, blankets donted by a local car dealership, Dyer Subaru.

LOGISTICS

Scheduling

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

8:00 AM

The Source opens, and registration begins for The Dignity Bus®. Registration is required daily and is available on a first come first served basis.

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Monday - Friday

The Source’s dining room is open and available; members can wait inside until check-in begins for the Dignity Bus®.

9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Members can check-in for the Dignity Bus® beginning at 9:00pm. Entry to the Dignity Bus® closes at 10:00pm and the bus will be closed for the night. Special provisions will be made to accommodate work schedules.

6:00 AM

Members wake up and their linens are bagged, removed from the bus, and placed in the laundry room.

8:00 AM

The Dignity Bus® and each sleeping pod is disinfected, and fresh linens are provided.

Tony Zorbaugh, Executive Director and bus mechanic JR Gonzalez with Maureen Archer

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

Guests to present their receipt Present your receipt at the time of boarding the bus.

Time to board the bus Boarding starts at 9pm and ends at 10pm

Bags must be tagged Personal property is tagged and placed in the storage area located under the bus.

Shoes Shoes are stored on the shelves in the back of the bus.

Sleepwear Members are to remain fully clothed while on the bus and while in sleeping pods.

Sleep time Members can choose a sleeping pod; once settled the privacy curtain needs to be fully closed.

Exit Rules Prior to exiting the bus, members remove their linens, place them in a laundry bag and drop them off the laundry room.

Registration

1. Our guests must first become a member of our organization

Through the intake process, members register and receive an ID card for The Source. The ID card is required to access services including the Dignity Bus®.

2. To sleep on the bus our members must register Members sign-up, in person, for the Dignity Bus® beginning at 8:00am (first come first served). Registration is required.

3. Payment is required

The nightly fee for sleeping on the Dignity Bus® is $2. A receipt is provided and needed to board the bus. Beds are available on a first come first served basis.

4. We provide a safe space for our members to stay while they wait to board the bus

The Source is open Monday to Friday from 5:00pm – 9:00pm for members who are registered for the Dignity Bus®.

What is Allowed

Cellphones and chargers are permitted on the bus. Pets are also allowed (in a carrier.) Children under 18 allowed, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What is NOT Allowed

Drugs, paraphenalia and alcohol, food, drinks, snacks and/or candy are not permitted on the bus.

Overnight Shelter Guidelines

• 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®.

Sleeping pods are comfortable, safe, secure and sanitary.

PARTNERSHIPS

Add Community Partners To Your Team

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

There is a stigma to homelessness that we deal with on a regular basis. The daily work we do is not easy. The challenges of running our daily programs compete with the daily hardships our members face on the streets. Depending on your particular community, and how accepting people, officials and philanthropists are to your organization,

will determine your rate of positivity going forward on this project or any other related projects. Building relationships has always been a strong suit for us, and even with that said, we have had our challenges! Our passion, tenacity and resilience help to recharge us every day.

Truist donated pillows & bedding

SUPPORTERS:

Our ability to nurture relationships in many different areas of the community where we serve has allowed us positive results. We have found that fundraising for this project has been very favorable, and in the end we have learned who in the community are our supporters.

We receive donations of equipment from vendors who we have resourced with over time that we can use for replacement parts when necessary.

Local companies donate pillows, sheets and blankets under their business foundation arm or will donate promotional products with their logo on the items.

In addition to the philanthropic community, we have found non-denominational and non-profit organizations are supportive and continually show interest in our pursuits.

Our on-going high visibility in the media has allowed us numerous opportunities to speak about Dignity Bus® through radio interviews, print or website feature stories and TV coverage. Also, we are frequently asked to speak at national conventions or local organizations and invited to write columns for a variety of magazines.

DETRACTORS:

Who are your Detractors? No one has specifically stood in the way of our getting Dignity Bus® operational, but that’s not to say that we haven’t had some challenges along the way. Some community members and local politicians have fears about our program and the people we serve. We have learned that we cannot win them all over, however we continue to rally support from the most crucial supporters of our operation…our partners, neighbors, key city/county officials and donors.

The Source was honored to be included in the December 2021 edition of “Bus Conversion Magazine”

NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) has become an oppositional force we all have to contend with at some point.