Employment Restrictions for Former Residents

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to maintain professional boundaries, preserve the integrity of service delivery, and prevent actual or perceived conflicts of interest within our interim housing programs. While we strongly support the employment of individuals with lived experience, it is equally important to ensure that employees are able to perform their duties objectively and maintain appropriate professional relationships with program participants.

Policy

Effective immediately, individuals who were formerly residents or guests of an interim housing site are not eligible for employment at the same site where they previously received services.

Former residents remain eligible for employment opportunities at other organizational locations, provided they meet all applicable hiring qualifications and employment requirements.

Rationale

This policy is intended to:

• Promote healthy professional boundaries between employees and current guests.
• Reduce the potential for favoritism or the appearance of preferential treatment.
• Prevent conflicts of interest arising from prior personal relationships, shared experiences, or confidential knowledge obtained while residing at the site.
• Protect the safety, privacy, and dignity of current guests and staff.
• Preserve employee credibility and supervisory effectiveness.
• Support a therapeutic and recovery-oriented environment where staff and guests have clearly defined roles.

Exceptions

Any exception to this policy must be approved in writing by the Director of Operations or their designee after consultation with Human Resources. Exceptions should be rare and based on documented operational necessity and a determination that no conflict of interest or risk to program integrity exists.

Commitment to Second Chances

Urban Alchemy values lived experience and remains committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who have successfully transitioned from homelessness or other life challenges. This policy is not intended to limit those opportunities, but rather to ensure that employees are placed in environments where they can be successful while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and supporting the best interests of the guests we serve.