Welcome to Jeanne d’Arc Residence

Welcome to
Jeanne d’Arc Residence
Jeanne d'Arc Residence, 253 West 24 th Street, New York, New York 10011, is
operated by the Congregation of Divine Providence of Kentucky as a not-forprofit private and temporary residence for women who are working or
attending school in New York City.
We welcome you and hope that your stay at Jeanne d'Arc Residence will be
an enjoyable one and a help in coping with the inevitable demands of life in
New York City.
This booklet is designed to insure a smooth and efficient operation of our
home and to create for you a pleasant atmosphere. If you have any questions
regarding these rules and regulations, please feel free to ask us.
The Handbook needs to be read carefully and its directives carried out
responsibly as long as you are a resident at Jeanne d’Arc.
Disregard for these regulations may result in the termination of your residency
at Jeanne d’Arc.
The Board of Directors
Jeanne d'Arc Residence
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mission Statement
Introduction
Admittance and Duration of Stay
Rent Payment
Undeclared Absence and Non-payment of Rent
Extended Absence Policy
Re-Admittance
Room Change
Withdrawing from Residence
Use of St. Joan Chapel
Use of Providence Library
Use of the Kitchen and Lounge Areas
Use of the Large Dining Room
Use of the Laundry Room
Corridors
Shower Rooms and Restrooms
Elevator
Roof Terraces
Personal Plants
Bicycle Storage
Bulletin Boards
Residents Rooms
Personal Safety
Fire and City Regulations
Admittance of Non-Residents
Use of Guest Room
Noise Control
Corrective Action Including Termination of Residence
Steps Taken In Corrective Action
Harassment
Definitions
Corrective Action Process
Contract Agreement
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Mission Statement of Jeanne d' Arc Residence
“Jeanne d’Arc Residence is dedicated to creating a welcoming and caring
environment for women seeking safe, affordable and temporary housing in
New York City. Through the ministry provided at Jeanne d’Arc Residence, the
Sisters of Divine Providence are committed to ensuring a Christian
environment which serves women of all nationalities, cultures and religions. In
this setting, the good news of Jesus Christ is lived and proclaimed in the spirit
of Providence.”
The Mission Statement is based on the firm belief that each person, created by
God in God’s image, possesses a dignity that is both sacred and inalienable.
Regardless of age, sex, national origin, race or religion, employment or
economic status, intelligence or any other differing characteristics, every
person is worthy of respect as a member of the human family.
Statement Revised 10-8-09
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Introduction
In a community setting such as Jeanne d'Arc Residence, it is of primary
importance that each person manifest this respect for one another whether it
be for other residents, for guests or staff persons. This respect is exhibited in
the way a resident speaks to others, treats others, remembers others’ need for
quiet, and is careful to keep the house neat and orderly, etc.
The following policies and regulations have been developed to foster this
respect, to protect the dignity and rights of each person, and to promote the
well-being of all in one sacred community.
Admittance and Duration of Stay
 For women in residence prior to January 1, 2011, their maximum
length of stay at Jeanne d’Arc Residence shall not exceed 10
years.
 For residents accepted January 1, 2011 or later, their maximum
length of stay at Jeanne d’Arc Residence shall not exceed 5 years.
 Exemptions
Anyone in continuous residence at Jeanne d'Arc Residence since
July 1, 1971 is exempt from these residency limits according to
applicable New York Statutes. Any resident that is age 65 years of
age or older, as of January 1, 1998 and has resided at Jeanne d'Arc
Residence continuously for 20 years or more is exempt from these
residency limits.
Rent Payment
Rent is to be paid in advance on a monthly basis. A lease to use the premises
is limited and signed upon admittance. A deposit equal to one month’s rent is
due and payable at the time the lease is signed. The term of the lease is no
more than one year and is subject to being renewed each year thereafter upon
the mutual agreement of the parties to the lease, for additional one-year
periods or less not to exceed the residency limit. Failure to pay for the use
and occupancy of the premises is a substantial violation of the lease, and
unless rectified, the person’s residency will be terminated.
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The Jeanne d’Arc Residence Inc. is not subject to the City or State Rent
Control, or Rent Stabilization Laws by reason of the fact that the premises
are exempt as a housing accommodation in a building being owned and
used for charitable purposes, and operated on a not-for-profit basis.
Overnight fees for guests are to be paid on their arrival.
Undeclared Absence and Non-Payment of Rent
If a resident leaves the residence for an uninterrupted period of fourteen
(14) days without both notification to the Administrator and advance
payment of rent, her absence and non-payment of rent will be deemed as
an abandonment of her tenancy. At the end of fourteen (14) days of
uninterrupted absence, the tenant’s personal property and/or belongings
will be removed from the room and held in storage at the residence for a
period of thirty (30) days, at the cost of $1.00 per day. If her storage is not
removed after thirty (30) days, it will be deemed abandoned and will be
disposed of pursuant to law.
Extended Absence Policy
The mission of Jeanne d’Arc Residence is to provide safe, affordable and
temporary housing for women who seek to further themselves through
education and employment. It is the policy of Jeanne d’Arc Residence that
in order to remain eligible for such housing, tenants must be in occupancy
at least eight months or 240 days of any twelve month period. Permission
may be granted a tenant for an extended stay outside the residence for
work, training or other special assignments if such an application for
extended absence is made in advance, in writing, and such permission is
granted in writing by the Administrator. Such tenant shall consider any
extended absence in excess of the approved time as an abandonment of
any tenancy, or leasehold, and the accommodations will be made available
for other women in fulfillment of the mission of Jeanne d'Arc Residence.
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Re-Admittance
If a tenant moves out of the residence and wishes to return, her readmittance is at the discretion of the Administrator.
Room Change
Room changes are made only at the discretion of the Administrator.
Withdrawing from Residence
A tenant withdrawing from the residence is required to give the
Administrator a minimum of one month written notice of her intention to
vacate. If a tenant vacates the residence within the first 15 days of a new
month, the rent will be pro-rated. If a tenant vacates after the first 15 days
of the new month or during the current month, the total rent for that month
will be charged. Prior to departure, the room will be inspected for damages
and lack of cleanliness. The room is to be left in the same condition as it
was when the tenancy began. If it is, the deposit shall be returned to the
tenant. The cost of repairing any damage to the room shall be deducted
from the tenant’s deposit. In the event the damage exceeds the amount of
the deposit, the tenant shall be charged for the amount of such excess.
St. Joan Chapel
The chapel is open 24 hours a day. All residents are invited to this quiet
and sacred space for prayer, Mass and/or reflection.
Use of Providence Library
Providence Library is a space of simple beauty, providing a quiet place for
reading, study, reflection and periodically a place for sharing. As in all
libraries, residents are requested to maintain a quiet atmosphere, to
respect the needs of one another, and to follow the rules for signing out
books.
Wireless internet is provided in the library.
No food or drinks are permitted in the library.
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Use of the Kitchen and Lounge Areas
Jeanne d’Arc Residence is equipped with a complete kitchen and two (2)
lounges for residents’ use. Cooking and food preparation are only
permitted in the kitchen. Food that is being prepared or cooked on top
of a stove or in an oven must not be left unattended.
Residents must provide and are responsible for their own dishes,
silverware and cooking utensils.
Lockers in the kitchen are available for storage of utensils and staples.
Residents must clean the area they used for food preparation and cooking.
This includes wiping the stove top, counter top and sink.
Dishes must be washed in the kitchen or in large sinks in the bathroom,
never in the small sinks which are for personal hygienic use only.
The kitchen is a privilege contingent on the proper and voluntary
maintenance of the area by the residents; this privilege can be revoked at
the discretion of the Administrator.
Use of Large Dining Room
The dining room is a place for eating, socializing and watching TV.
Wireless internet is provided in the dining room.
Food in toaster ovens or microwaves must not be left unattended.
Use of the Laundry Room
Residents must supply their own detergent and fabric softener. Finished
laundry is to be removed promptly. Finished laundry left unattended may
be removed by other residents, in order for them to use the equipment.
All regular washing is to be done in the laundry. Hand washing of clothes
is permitted in the sinks in the laundry room only. Small lingerie items may
be washed in large sinks in the bathrooms but not in the small bathroom
sinks or tubs.
Ironing is permitted only in the laundry room. An iron may be borrowed
from the office. A room key must be left as collateral.
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Corridors
The corridors must remain free of all objects. Unauthorized items left in the
corridors will be discarded by the Administrator. Whenever a vacant room
is cleaned, items in hallways may not be taken without authorization from
the Administrator. Corridor lights must remain on at all times.
Shower Rooms and Restrooms
The shower rooms and restrooms are cleaned daily by the cleaning staff.
Residents are to keep them clean and orderly at all times. All sanitary
products are to be wrapped in paper and placed in containers provided.
They are to not be flushed down the toilet, as this will ruin the plumbing.
Fans located in bathrooms are for circulation of air and for safety.
Fans/lights need to be turned on when showers are in use.
Mops are kept in the restrooms, and are to be used to mop up spills. After
using a wet mop, residents are to clean it only in the large sink in the
bathroom and return it to the place it was originally taken from.
Elevator
The elevator is primarily for individual residents. Using it for other purposes
should be done at low traffic times. Hot cooking pans etc. need to be
wrapped with a towel or cloth when they are transported in the elevator to
avoid burns and spills.
As in any public elevator, those wishing to exit have priority.
Roof Terraces
No nude or semi-nude sunbathing is allowed on the roof terraces.
Personal Plants
Personal plants are to be kept in individual rooms. If a resident wishes to
donate a plant to the house, she needs to get authorization to place it in a
public area.
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Bicycle Storage
Bicycles may not be taken to the bedrooms or left in public areas. They are
to be placed in the sub-basement area designated for bicycles. Jeanne
d’ Arc does not claim responsibility for this area and use of the storage area
is at the residents’ own risk.
Bicycles must be registered in the front office.
Bulletin Boards
 The large bulletin board on the main floor and the chalk board are for
administrative information to be posted by authorized personnel only.
 In Providence Library, the bulletin board is for the librarian’s use only.
 On the first through fifth floors, the small bulletin boards are used to
post pertinent messages by authorized personnel.
 On the basement floor across from the elevator there is a large
bulletin board available for residents to post items of interest.
Residents’ Rooms
Each resident is responsible for the cleanliness and order of her room.
Inspections may be made by the Administrator at any time. Each resident
supplies and launders her own linens.
A monthly fee for all residents is assessed to help defray the cost of
electricity. Each resident has the right to have in her room, for her own
personal use, a computer, a television, a fan and a small refrigerator at no
additional charge. The refrigerator is not to exceed 4 cubic feet.
All papers and garbage are to be removed from rooms each day and
placed in the appropriate recycling containers in courtyard. To assist in pest
control, residents are required to use plastic containers for storage of
papers, magazines, etc.
Residents are not permitted to paste, staple, tape, or otherwise attach
anything to the walls. The resident must pay to repair any damages
resulting from these attachments.
Only the maintenance person will adjust radiators. Residents are not to
touch the radiator knobs. Once a year a resident may have the radiator
adjusted and should leave a note in the office for the maintenance person.
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Any damage (even accidental) which occurs in a room must be reported
immediately to the Administrator.
Food taken to the rooms must be in tightly covered containers. Any food
kept in the rooms must be in a refrigerator supplied by tenant or in covered
air-tight containers.
Fire department regulations forbid cooking of any sort in residents’ rooms.
No animals or pets are allowed on the premises.
Personal Safety
For the personal safety of all residents, the following policies are enforced:
 The front door is monitored 24 hours a day by a receptionist.
 Each resident is required to leave her room key in her mailbox in the
receptionist’s office when leaving the building. In the event of an
emergency, this serves as an indication to the receptionist which
residents are in or out of the house.
 When a resident is going away for a week or more, the Administrator
must be notified in writing. When mail accumulates the receptionist
will take it to the resident’s room unless another resident has been
designated in writing to keep it.
 Each resident is solely responsible for her personal belongings.
Jeanne d’Arc Residence has no responsibility for lost or stolen
property.
 Intoxication or the use and/or possession of recreational drugs on
Jeanne d’Arc property will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Violation of this policy may result in immediate eviction.
 Jeanne d’Arc Residence is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is
not permitted on the premises.
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Fire and City Regulations
 Fire doors must remain closed at all times. Fire escapes and window
sills with access to the fire escapes must be kept free of all objects;
this includes but is not limited to plants, flowers, mops, etc. Violations
may result in the confiscation of the items by the Administrator.
 Fire drills will be held periodically and at different times during the
day. Residents who are in the building at the time of the drill are
required to participate.
 Residents are not permitted to use any cooking appliances, heaters,
irons, lighted candles or devices which may cause a fire in the room.
Appliances include but are not limited to: microwave ovens,
hotplates, hotpots, crock pots, rice cookers, or any other selfcontained cooking unit. Halogen lamps are not permitted. First time
offenders will be fined $100. Second time offenders will be asked to
terminate their lease with the residence.
 Residents are required to participate in New York City’s Recycling
Program. Guidelines are posted in the kitchen, exercise/lounge area,
at the soda machine and in the courtyard. Paper items are recycled
from the lounge area; other recyclable items are cleaned and placed
in the blue cans found in the kitchen and courtyard.
Admittance of Non-Residents
If a resident arranges to have a repair person come to her room for repairs
or installation of any approved appliance or service, the appointment must
be made for a time when she will be present. She is also responsible for
notifying the office in writing and in advance, of the appointment.
Use of Guest Room
Authorization by the Administrator or her delegate is needed for overnight
guests. Arrangements are to be made with the person in charge of guests
in the residence
Overnight guests are to register in the receptionist’s office when arriving
and leaving. Guests who return to the residence between the hours of
11:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. must sign the night register. Guest rooms must
be vacated by 11:00 a.m. on the departure date. No guest will be allowed to
stay at the residence more than two weeks.
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Visitors are not permitted in the dining room or a resident’s room without
the Administrator’s permission and then only for a short period of time. All
visitors must depart from the residence by 11:00 p.m.
Noise Control
Residents will not be paged after 10:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. on
weekdays. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, residents will not be paged
before 9:00 a.m. In case of an emergency, a resident will be summoned;
otherwise, messages will be taken and placed in residents’ mailboxes.
All audio equipment must be kept at a low volume in each room. From
11:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m., the volume must be turned off or earphones
used.
Noise of any kind is not permitted on the floors after 11:00 p.m.
Residents are asked to open and close doors quietly and gently.
Corrective Action Including Termination of Residence
In order to provide for a just and fair method of correcting serious and
substantial infractions of Jeanne d'Arc Residence’s policies or practices,
the Residence has established a formal process of progressive discipline.
Supervisory staff or the Administrator may initiate action for several
reasons, including, but not limited to:
 Non-payment of rent.
 Abuse, misuse or deliberate destruction of property, tools, equipment
of the residence or property or any resident or employee.
 Statements of a defamatory nature about any resident or staff person.
 Falsification of any records or registration forms, theft or dishonesty
of any sort.
 Smoking on Jeanne d’Arc property.
 Use and/or possession of recreational drugs on Jeanne d’Arc
property.
 Cooking in bedrooms (see policy concerning first time offenders).
 Possession of weapons on the property.
 Refusal or failure to follow regulations after written warnings.
 Physical altercation with any resident, guest or staff person.
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Steps Taken In Corrective Action
In every case where disciplinary action is taken, the singular goal is to
protect the rights of every person. The action taken depends upon the
nature of the offense. It can range from informal counseling to immediate
dismissal, as outlined in the following section.
The manner and timing of corrective action is subject to the sole discretion
of the Administrator. Each disciplinary action shall be resolved within the
sole discretion of the Administrator, and her decision shall be final and
binding.
Three categories of corrective action may be employed in addressing
infractions listed above. One or all of these actions may be used to assure
that a fair and just solution is achieved. Although corrective action will most
often be incremental, there is no requirement for this to be the case.
A. Verbal warning: The expected response to a first violation is a verbal
warning. A verbal warning by the Administrator or staff member is
intended to be corrective or cautionary.
Such warnings informally define the area of needed improvement,
suggest actions for improvement and inform the resident that failure to
improve may result in more serious actions.
The date and content of such warning will be recorded and kept in the
records of the Administrator.
B. Written warning: In the event of an inadequate response to verbal
warning, or for serious breaches of residence policies, a written warning
will be issued by the Administrator, and a copy will be kept in the
records.
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C. Termination of residence: Being a resident at Jeanne d’Arc Residence is
based on the condition of mutual consent. Termination of residence will
be made by the Administrator in a manner consistent with justice and
charity. This action is the final step when all other practical alternatives
have been exhausted or when the infraction of the rules is serious and
merits immediate termination.
If the Administrator, in her sole discretion, forebears from corrective
action against a resident for infraction of the rules of Jeanne d’Arc
Residence, such forbearance is not a waiver of the Jeanne d’Arc
Residence’s right to take subsequent corrective action against the
resident.
Harassment
Jeanne d’Arc Residence is committed to maintaining a living environment in
which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual
has the right to live in an atmosphere which is free of any discriminatory
practices, including sexual harassment. This policy applies to residents,
employees, or visitors.
Definitions:
 Harassment (on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin,
citizenship status, religion, gender, age, physical handicap, medical
condition, marital status, or sexual orientation) is expressed or implied
pervasive, undesired and/or offensive conduct which unreasonably
interferes with an individual’s living condition or creates an intimidating,
hostile, and/or offensive environment. Harassment of this nature by
residents, staff members and/or third parties is expressly prohibited.
 Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome or unwanted sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal or
physical conduct reasonably perceived as a demand for sexual favors or
sexually offensive in nature when this conduct substantially creates an
intimidating hostile or offensive living environment.
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: unwanted
sexual advances, graphic, verbal commentary about an individual’s body,
touching, and/or suggestive, insulting, obscene comments or gestures.
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Corrective Action Process
Prompt reporting of complaints is strongly encouraged, as it allows for rapid
response and resolution of objectionable behavior or conditions. However,
there is no limited time frame for the reporting of harassment complaints
and delayed reporting of complaints will not in and of itself preclude Jeanne
d’Arc Residence from taking remedial action. All complaints must be
reported in good faith.
Any individual who believes she has been the object of harassment as
a result of such conduct on the part of any resident, employee or visitor may
informally discuss the matter directly with the alleged offender to resolve the
matter.
If for any reason an individual does not wish to approach the offender
directly, or if such discussion does not successfully end the harassment, the
individual should notify the staff personnel or the Administrator.
The Administrator will promptly and thoroughly investigate the matter. Each
case is handled on an individual basis depending on the nature of the
complaint. The following steps may be taken:
1. The Administrator will investigate all complaints of harassment. The
resident will be asked to submit the complaint in writing. After the facts
are obtained, the complaint may be presented to the alleged offender,
who will have the opportunity to present his or her account of the
incident(s). The problem may be resolved during these discussions or a
more thorough investigation may be necessary.
2. Depending on the nature of the violation, disciplinary action could include
verbal warnings, written warnings, or termination of residence.
It is important to note that no reprisal or retaliation will be taken against
residents who have made complaints in good faith. However, if the
accusations are found to be false, disciplinary action may also result for the
accusing resident since false accusations can have a serious detrimental
effect on innocent persons.
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Jeanne d'Arc Residence
253 West 24th Street
New York, New York 10011
In accordance with the Mission Statement, Jeanne d'Arc Residence is
dedicated to care for the spiritual and temporal needs of women. The
Administrator and the staff are committed to providing a Christian environment
and to serving women of all nationalities, cultures, and religions who are
seeking a safe, affordable and temporary residence.
It is a temporary place to stay so that many individuals can have the benefits of
residing here until they get established elsewhere. The maximum length of
stay is 5 years.
The regulations are contractual in intent and are binding on each resident.
After carefully reading the handbook for Jeanne d'Arc Residence, please sign
the following contract agreement:
CONTRACT AGREEMENT
I have read the rules and regulations of Jeanne d'Arc Residence. I
understand that because this is a temporary residence, operated for charitable
purposes on a not-for-profit basis, I am not entitled to be a permanent
resident. I further agree to follow the rules and regulations of the Jeanne d'Arc
Residence. I understand that disregard of any of the rules set forth in the
Resident Handbook or any of those subsequently added, could result in the
termination of my residency.
Date______________________________________________________
Printed
Name_____________________________________________________
Signature__________________________________________________
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