Honoring a full-service Community School Framework, the Stay Over Program (SOP) utilizes a shared space on a school campus where each student and family is welcomed. At its center, SOP staff and school partners build relationships and foster trust with families experiencing homelessness to address their basic needs as well as support the academic and social-emotional growth of each student.

Dual services can exist and succeed with a shared space through the SOP. The physical building may provide educational learning during the day, and with strong leadership at the school and SOP level, operations for the emergency shelter represents a continuous dynamic cycle, where children learn, and families thrive. Behind the scenes, the SOP employs 7 people with management, on-site leadership, food preparation and custodial services. School nights follow the same schedule, with special visitors, enrichment opportunities and volunteers from community groups attending the SOP on Saturday afternoons.

The SOP is a 12-hr emergency shelter, with a maximum occupancy of 69-bed occupancy representing K-12 students enrolled in the participating school district as well as parents, caregivers, and direct relatives. Unlike many emergency shelters, where prospective guests line up and wait outdoors with uncertainty of gaining access to a safe space for the night, the SOP utilizes school enrollment verification to eliminate those barriers. Each family has a guaranteed bed unless they miss three consecutive nights, resulting in an exit from the program.

Within the SOP walls, structure is paramount to ensure all basic needs are met for children and their families. Meals, homework time, showers, and semi-private spaces are afforded to the SOP families before the official bedtime.

Just like in school, where a Bell Schedule keeps things moving orderly, the SOP follows a similar schedule:

6:30 pm – Four SOP staff arrive at campus (Shelter Lead, 2 Shelter Monitors and Custodian) Staff report for two shifts: 6:30 pm to 1:30 am and 1 am to 8 am.

5-6 pm - Prepared dinner is delivered from an off-site location, including family-style meals to feed a household of four, including protein with culturally appropriate and flexible diet options. All staff are fluent in English and Spanish to create a language affirming and culturally safe environment.

7 pm - Registered students and families arrive and are seated for dinner. SOP staff serve families and seconds are encouraged as food cannot be stored or given in takeout containers per public health ordinance. Households can also choose to bring in their own food or order takeout.

Shower reservations are assigned from 7 pm until 9 pm to ensure all families have a dedicated time. This service takes place at a separate location within the campus.

8 pm – Dinnertime ends. Each family clears tables and assist with overall cleanup of dining area.

8 pm – 9 pm – Children and caregivers prepare for bed, assemble sleeping mats and create their family’s semi- private space for the night. Homework time can continue in the dining area.

9 pm – LIGHTS OUT! Shelter monitors circle the premises hourly to ensure safety and supervisor all program activities during their shift.

6 am – LIGHTS ON! Families wake up, clean their sleeping areas, put mats and linens away and get ready for their day. A grab-and-go breakfast is provided.

7 am – Children and families exit SOP.