The Lazarus Project of Knoxville
INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM GUIDELINES
1. I understand The Lazarus Project is a faith-based, Christian, facility and agree to participate in all independent living program related activities/classes that may be required for my treatment track. I also understand this agreement is not a rental agreement and agree to waive all tenant rights as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 66, Chapter 28. Initials Text field
2. I understand that court orders and instructions from supervising entities (probation/parole officers, community corrections etc) take precedence over any rule listed below regarding supervision status. The Lazarus Project reserves the right to discharge any resident of the program at any time. The Lazarus Project staff will follow all instructions issued by the justice system which may or may not align with the house rules. Your house rules may vary from your roommates. Do not assume you have the same access or privileges, you need to verify your parameters with the Executive Housing Director. You are expected to follow all instructions even if they vary from the documented information in this document. Initials Text field
3. This is a clean and sober facility – drug and alcohol use are strictly prohibited as we operate on a zero-tolerance policy. Any violation of this rule can be cause for immediate discharge. All residents are required to submit to random drug and alcohol screenings upon admission and upon request thereafter. Residents are required to produce a urine sample within 30 minutes, otherwise the screen is considered positive. Refusal to provide UA, PBT (breathalyzer), or oral swabs can result in immediate discharge at the Program Director’s discretion. The fee for drug screens is $25 per screen and must be paid at the same time rent is collected. The use of CBD Oil and Kratom are not permitted.Initials Text field
4. The Lazarus Project of Knoxville reserves the right to conduct random, unannounced apartment inspections at any time. Discovery of illicit substances or contraband may result in immediate discharge and the filing of police reports and/or charges being filed. If illicit substances or other drug paraphernalia are located inside your dormitory, you understand and agree to vacate the premises immediately upon being asked to do so. Initials Text field
5. Prohibited contraband items include, but are not limited to: drugs (including kratom and CBD oil), drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons of any kind (guns, knives, bows, tools etc.), pornographic material (pictures, magazines, videos) on paper, video or electronic devices/phones, sexually explicit or drug-related material (clothing, pictures, etc.), any material that is rude or offensive and food items that contain poppy seeds. All e-cigarettes and products utilized to “vape” are permitted on a case by case basis only. I understand and agree to submit to a drug screen at any time within one hour of request. I understand that my failure to do so can result in my immediate discharge at which time I agree to exit the property immediately and never return without a staff invitation. Initials Text field
6. Cleanliness starts with self; shower daily, brush your teeth and keep personal dorm areas and the apartment clean and orderly. Beds are to be made daily and clothes put away, not on the floor areas or shoved underneath a bed. Clothing must be stored/hung in designated areas approved by staff. Be considerate of roommates and others. Residents must remain fully clothed (shirt, pants/shorts) always. Public display of underclothing is not permitted, i.e. sagging. Sagging is defined as a manner of wearing pants or shorts that “sag” so that the top of the waistband falls below the top of the hipbone, regardless of whether a shirt or jacket covers the gap. Shirts referenced or understood to be called “wifebeaters” must be worn underneath clothing only. Wifebeaters are not permitted to be utilized as a primary covering. Underclothing such as boxers or briefs must also be worn.Initials Text field
7. Disruptive behavior is not tolerated. Any behavior which is deemed by staff to be detrimental to the serenity and recovery of any resident is strictly forbidden. These acts include, but are not limited to: verbal threats, sexual harassment, physical violence, destruction of property and/or intimidation of any manner. Any such acts can be grounds for discharge. Initials Text field
8. Relationships with others in the house should reflect a family type relationship. Association with other residents or staff members in a romantic, intimate or sexual manner will be cause for discharge. Initials Text field
9. Program fees are billed weekly at $180 and include room and board only. Other fees may be charged to include but not limited to transportation fees, drug screens, dormitory compliance fees and damage fees to any item or structure. Fees must be paid in advance on the Thursday prior to the upcoming week, no exceptions, unless alternate arrangements have been preapproed by the Program Director . A $500 security deposit may be required (non-refundable) for admission and is determined at the Program Director’s discretion. If a resident does not have the financial ability to pay such deposits, the amount will be added to the resident’s ledger to pay toward on a weekly basis which must be preapproved by the Program Director. Residents agree and understand that if arrearages are owed to the program, any and all forms of income including government benefits are subject to a partial hold until the outstanding balance is resolved. During the temporary hold, the program will allow the resident partial funds to apply toward daily necessities. All residents must report in to staff every Thursday at the time designated by staff to discuss program fee balances etc, no exceptions. If you experience a scheduling conflict related to work only, you may make arrangements by contacting Deniese James at 865-335-9424 no later than Wednesday of every week.Initials Text field
10. Residents are required to follow the proper program protocols instructed by leadership to maintain a pest free facility as well as disease free environments. Such instructions may include drying clothes/belongings in the dryer, proper hand washing protocols, and additional CDC guidelines to include wearing masks, and social distancing. Failure to adhere to proper program protocols may result in discharge.Initials Text field
11. The Lazarus Project of Knoxville is not responsible for lost or stolen property. If a resident has anything of significant value, it is highly recommended to store the items off site (electronics, jewelry, excess cash, etc.). Initials Text field
12. Any household items that are broken or damaged by a resident must be replaced. Damage to building structures, equipment or appliances must be done by a professional that has been authorized by staff and paid for by the resident. Theft is not tolerated. This offense can result in immediate discharge. Initials Text field
13. Residents are required to maintain full time employment (unless disabled with alternate arrangements made) that accommodates program requirements. Unemployed residents are required to seek temporary employment/labor until full-time employment is achieved. Proof of employment must be submitted with weekly rent.Initials Text field
14. Dormitories are to be cleaned daily. Please refer to the Housing Supervisor for specific requirements. Failure to maintain a clean apartment may result in program discharge. Initials Text field
15. Reasonable noise levels are always to be maintained. No yelling, screaming or excessively loud music/TV. When playing music in common areas, the type of music should be generally acceptable by others and not excessively loud. When playing music in the dorms, the music must be acceptable by everyone in the dorm and played at a minimal sound level. Initials Text field
16. Residents are required to report cell phone numbers upon admission and every time such numbers change.Initials Text field
17. It is not appropriate to share names or information about other residents without their permission. Residents must respect another resident’s privacy.Initials Text field
18. Personal items left by discharged residents will be held for a maximum of (7) days then assumed property of the program. If a resident leaves the program against staff advice, resident property must be taken at the time the resident leaves; otherwise, all belongings become property of the program immediately. Residents are responsible for planning with staff in advance for the pick-up of their personal belongings if they are discharged/evicted.Initials Text field
19. Good relations are to be maintained with our neighbors. Please conduct yourself accordingly and familiarize yourself with property boundaries. Any potential disputes should be immediately reported to staff. Do not enter the neighbor’s property, unless approved. Initials Text field
20. Fire and Emergency Safety plans will be reviewed upon admission. Please become familiar with plans posted in each house. All residents will be required to participate in fire and emergency drills. Always practice safe habits. Be aware of fire exit locations and how to use them for all emergencies. Call 911 in an emergency. Initials Text field
21. Please be conservative with water and electricity. Shut off lights and air conditioners when leaving rooms, turn off fans when not in use and check faucets for leaks. It increases our expenses and could lead to program fee increases. If there is a water emergency or if a water line breaks on the property find or call the House Director immediately.Initials Text field
22. Do not call staff outside of office hours (8 am – 5 pm EST) unless it is an emergency, or you are instructed to do so. Examples of NON-emergencies include but are not limited to: Needing transportation that was not scheduled in advance with staff, last minute appointments, and disagreement with leadership instruction, just to name a few. Non-emergency issues will be handled the next business day. Initials Text field
23. Residents who are discharged or evicted without satisfying all financial obligations must pay a re-entry fee equal to the deposit and all financial arrears or make appropriate arrangements with the Program Director before reentry of the program will be considered.Initials Text field
24. Descension (complaining, murmuring) will not be tolerated. Conversations that are not edifying are also not tolerated. This policy does not apply to formal concerns expressed to management. Initials Text field
25. Residents who receive three or more written disciplinary sanctions within a 90-day period are subject to program discharge at the discretion of the Program Director. Residents who receive disciplinary write ups are charged $25 for the first offense and $50 for the second offense. Residents who receive disciplinary sanctions may be denied overnight passes for the week at the House Director’s discretion.Initials Text field
26. The “jailhouse” mentality will not be tolerated under no circumstances. No clicks etc. We are a family. Initials Text field
27. I understand visitors are not permitted at any time. Any resident identified to be violating the no visitor policy is subject to eviction. Initials Text field
28. Independent living residents are not permitted to provide other residents in different program tracks access to cell phones, tablets, IPADS, computers etc. Should a independent living resident provide such access to another resident in a different program track, both residents are subject to immediate discharge at the discretion of the Program Director.Initials Text field
29. Independent living residents agree and understand the facility is required to communicate with any supervising body or entity to include but not limited to TDOC, county probation, criminal courts, federal courts and any other law enforcement body.Initials Text field
30. Residents are not permitted to reassign, alter, or change any instruction issued by staff or House Supervision. Initials Text field
31. Residents are required to communicate with project staff, House Directors, and senior residents as requested. Failure to respond within one hour constitutes immediate discharge. Initials Text field
32. If an issue arises that is not addressed here, or in emergency presents itself, do not assume you know the answer. ASK staff first before acting. Initials Text field
33. Residents in violation of any House Rule may be subject to immediate discharge all of which is at the discretion of the Program Director.Initials Text field
34. Attempts to manipulate instruction or dishonesty/information withholding with staff are grounds for immediate termination should the staff choose to eviction as a proper response. Lying, omitting, and attempts to manipulate directives with staff are uncalled for and strictly prohibited. Initials Text field
35. Resident vehicles must be registered with The Lazarus Project of Knoxville staff immediately. A copy of the resident's valid driver's license, proof of registration, and proof of insurance is required immediately upon utilizing personal vehicles as a mode of transportation. Any vehicle not registered with The Lazarus Project and is identified to be parked on property will be towed immediately. Resident's understand and agree to consent to vehicle search immediately upon request. Failure to consent to search vehicles may result in immediate eviction. No exception. Initials Text field
36. Any of the house rules may be amended for any resident at any time at the discretion of the Program Director should an issue arise that warrants an appropriate exception.Initials Text field
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have read and voluntarily agree to abide by all the rules of The Lazarus Project of Knoxville, LLC.
I do hereby agree to comply with all the rules listed above as well as the stipulations included in any court orders and understand all that is expected of me during my residency at The Lazarus Project of Knoxville, LLC.
Resident Name: Client first nameClient last name
Signature Text field
Resident Signature Date
Signature Text field
Staff Signature Date