The High Standard of Low-Barrier: Why Safety and Support Go Hand-in-Hand
“‘Unconditional positive regard’ is the idea of accepting and supporting someone without judgment or evaluation, regardless of what they say or do.”
In the early days of our work in Southern Oregon, we often encountered the story of a participant affectionately known as "Country." When she first arrived at the Warming Center in Grants Pass, she was found smoking marijuana right outside the front door, openly defying the rules. In many traditional programs, that would have been a permanent "one-and-done" exit.
However, successful models—built on Low-Barrier and Housing First principles—recognize that housing is a tool for recovery, not a reward for it. Country was exited and re-educated ten different times because she struggled to follow the community rules. But because the staff maintained unconditional positive regard while holding firm behavioral boundaries, the eleventh time finally "took."
Today, she is a college graduate with her own apartment. Her journey from the street to a career is the ultimate proof that meeting people where they are—even in their messiest moments—is the only way to lead them somewhere better.
The Pain Point: The Myth of the "Free-for-All"
The greatest challenge for new providers is the persistent community fear that "Low-Barrier" is synonymous with "No-Barrier". Neighbors and stakeholders often worry that removing requirements for sobriety or criminal background checks creates a lawless "warehouse" for the homeless. This misconception can lead to intense NIMBYism and a lack of trust in the program's ability to maintain site safety.
The Key Lesson Learned: Boundaries are the Foundation of Safety
The vital lesson learned throughout experience is that low-barrier does not mean no rules. In fact, maintaining a safe, congregate environment requires stricter behavioral standards than a high-barrier program. Safety is ensured not by who you exclude, but by the protocols you enforce: zero tolerance for physical violence, mandatory weapons check-ins, and clear participation agreements.
By documenting best practices and implementing hourly perimeter checks and bathroom monitoring lanyards, staff can protect the "whole" of the shelter and even the neighborhood while still offering grace to the individual. Authentic safety comes from being the only person in a participant's life who cares enough to finally tell them "no".
Master the Balance of Grace and Governance
Finding the "sweet spot" between a welcoming low-barrier entry and a safe, disciplined operation is the hallmark of professionalized homeless services. Our Technical Assistance team—Chad McComas, Matt Vorderstrasse, Phil Johncock, and our exceptional team, many with “lived experience”—brings over 70 years of combined experience to help you navigate these complex operational waters. We provide the blueprints for everything from customized Policies & Procedures to the specialized "Mini-HR" training your supervisors need to lead with both heart and authority. Don't build your program on trial and error; build it on a foundation of proven success.
Book a Free Consultation today and let us help you build a community of hope that stands the test of time.
By,
Phil Johncock, MA, MMs, GPC
PhilJohncock.com | PhilJohncock@gmail.com | (702) 518-8756