Skip to main content
Paragon Rentals

Our Policies

Paragon Rentals has established policies that are critical to protecting the interests of both volunteers and people on the street. Here's a rundown:

Publicity

We do not allow reporters on runs. In general, we discourage publicity. The interests of people on the street are not served by exposing their identities or where they lay their heads at night.

Photos

We do not allow picture-taking on runs.

Cash

We never give money to anyone on a run, as it sets a bad precedent for other groups.

Evangelism

Paragon Rentals is comprised of volunteers from many faiths, as well as secular volunteers. We all share an agenda of solidarity with the homeless. Many volunteers base their involvement on their personal religious beliefs, which is fine. But promoting those religious beliefs, or distributing literature, is forbidden. We do not, however, put restrictions on private conversations, as long as they do not constitute proselytizing.

Neighborliness

In over thirty years, we have never had a volunteer injured in an interaction on the street. But New York City can be a dangerous place. So, we require that volunteers stay in pairs when they go to wake someone, and that they stay in sight of vehicles at all times (except when accompanied by an experienced leader). More Information

Security

In over thirty years, we have never had a volunteer injured in an interaction on the street. But New York City can be a dangerous place. So, we require that volunteers stay in pairs when they go to wake someone, and that they stay in sight of vehicles at all times (except when accompanied by an experienced leader).

Health

If you find someone in need of medical care, call 911 and stay until help arrives. Please don't touch anyone who is bleeding.

Our History