This policy establishes roles and responsibilities for SCA agency partners and SCA interns related to securing and paying for intern housing. It attempts to address common logistical, financial and procedural concerns.
The safety and well-being of its members is of utmost importance to SCA. When housing is not available on site, it is the sole responsibility of the hosting agency to secure nearby housing off-site, prior to the member arrival. It is advised that the site coordinator inspect housing for cleanliness and safety before approving its rental. SCA will bill the hosting agency for actual housing costs (including utilities, parking, etc.) plus any applicable fees articulated in the cooperative agreement.
All housing should be minimally furnished with a bed, table and chair(s); the member should be told in advance about any other items they are required to bring, such as cooking and eating utensils, etc. Tents and bunk houses are acceptable. Members must have access to showers, toilets and a telephone or two-way radio for emergencies. Housing must be clean, in good repair, heated in cold weather, and members must be able to prepare their own food. Hosting agencies are advised to tell members what type of housing is available during initial discussions.
Housing should be located as close to the work site as feasible. SCA expects that members using a personal vehicle or public transportation to commute more than 10 miles (one way) from their housing to the work site will be reimbursed for that expense. See Commuting Allowance below.
Members should not be expected to share sleeping quarters with other members or staff of the opposite gender.
In instances where a lease is required, SCA will be named the lease holder. SCA will issue rental payments directly to the landlord. SCA Housing Coordinator will set up and terminate any/all utilities associated with any lease agreement. In the absence of a lease, rental payments will be made directly to the member in the form of a housing allowance. Directing payments to the member does not diminish the responsibility of the hosting agency to locate and secure housing. If payments are made directly to the member, they must include utilities and other costs associated with the housing. The member will be responsible for shutting off utilities at the end of their term of service.
In circumstances where a claim of damage is made by a landlord, the site coordinator may be asked to inspect any damage and confirm the claim. If damage is confirmed to be caused by the member, it will be the responsibility of the member to make full reparation.
Exceptions to this policy will only be made where mitigating circumstances exist as determined by the program's Assistant Director and/or National Director.