About Us

Once  a resident of Bartimaeus House has been discharged for disciplinary  reasons then staff and volunteers are prohibited from fraternization  with the resident.  This policy does not apply to Board Members.

The  Fraternization Policy is defined as a staff member or volunteer having  personal contact or receiving telephone calls from the discharged  resident in making referrals to agencies or giving advice (either  practical or spiritual) for a period of six months after the resident’s  discharge.

In the event that a discharged resident contacts a staff member or volunteer the following procedures are to be followed:

1.  Spiritual or pastoral concerns will be referred to any member of the Board of Directors or the resident’s church.

2.   Mental health, addictions treatment, emergency housing referrals, or  any other practical matters relating to welfare and contact with family  members will be made by the Director of Transitional Housing (this is an  exception to this policy).

3.   In the case of the resident having a grievance against a staff member  then the resident must be referred to the Chairman of the Board of  Directors.  Staff and volunteers are prohibited in giving opinions on  grievance matters.

Any  violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and  including termination of staff or volunteer privileges at Bartimaeus  House.

Each staff member, volunteer and new resident shall sign a copy of this policy.

 1.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
 2.  Any use of drugs, alcohol, or possession of these substances will  result in immediate dismissal.  If the resident refuses to leave the  police will be called.  There is a zero tolerance policy for drug use  and possession.
 3.   All residents will be required to attend church on Sunday morning at  Grace Covenant Church of Virginia Beach and any assigned classes per the  director. 

4. All residents will be required to complete any assigned duties. 

5.   All residents will be required to have gainful employment or are  seeking gainful employment.  If a resident does not have a job, he will  be required to leave the house no later than 9:00 a.m. for a job search  and may return at 3:00 p.m. from Monday through Saturday. 

 6. There is zero tolerance for complaining, arguing, violence, or threats. 

7.   Residents will be assigned a mentor as they are available.  This is to  help with the spiritual growth, guidance, and the teaching of  accountability.

8.  All rent will be paid on time as designated in the Rental Agreement.

9.   Family members are encouraged to visit, but are restricted to the  downstairs area of the home.  Only Board Members, Staff and Residents  are allowed in the upstairs area of the home.

10.   There will be no loud playing of televisions or stereos in the  bedrooms. The use of headphones for any electronic equipment is  encouraged.  The bedrooms are for sleeping, rest, prayer, and study.   Please respect each other.

11.  If you make a mess you are responsible for cleaning it up.

12.  There is an 11:00 p.m. curfew. If you are going to be late you must  call the ADTH before 11:00 p.m.  If you are working nights proof of  hours must be provided to the DTH.

13.   Smoking is not allowed on church property or in our ministry homes. Do  not litter our property or the neighborhood with butts.

14.  Alcohol and Drug testing will be conducted on a random basis.

15.   To ensure privacy residents (does not include Staff) are not allowed in  any bedroom except their own unless specifically given permission by  the current occupant(s).

16.   The DTH is available during daytime working hours for any concerns or  problems that arise.  Please address any issues to them instead of other  residents. We are here to help you.