East County Transitional Living Center (ECTLC) — Code of Conduct

1527 East Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92021 • (619) 442-0457 • www.ectlc.org.

Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that all officers, employees, board members, volunteers, and agents of ECTLC uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and transparency in the administration of federally funded programs, including those supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Standards of Ethical Behavior

1) Integrity and Honesty

• All actions must reflect honesty, fairness, and respect.
• Staff and representatives are expected to be role models for participants, demonstrating consistency between words and actions in alignment with ECTLC’s mission and values.

2) Faith and Mission Alignment

• As a faith-based organization, we integrate personal responsibility, respect, and compassion guided by Biblical principles into our programs.
• However, in compliance with HUD requirements, participation in religious activities is strictly voluntary when connected to HUD- or government-funded programs.

3) Conflict of Interest

• No employee, officer, board member, volunteer, or agent shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by federal funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, exists.
• A conflict of interest arises when the individual, any member of their immediate family, their partner, or an organization they are affiliated with has a financial or personal interest in the matter under consideration.
• All potential conflicts must be disclosed promptly to leadership, and individuals must recuse themselves when appropriate.

4) Gifts and Favors

• Officers, employees, board members, volunteers, and agents shall not solicit or accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, vendors, participants, or other parties involved in federally funded activities.
• Nominal items of insignificant value (e.g., refreshments at a meeting) may be acceptable if they do not create an appearance of undue influence.

5) Use of Resources

• ECTLC resources, including vehicles, facilities, funds, and supplies, are to be used only for authorized organizational purposes and never for personal gain.
• Misuse of resources will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

6) Transparency and Accountability

• All financial transactions, contracts, and program activities must be documented in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Accurate records will be maintained to demonstrate responsible stewardship of funds.

7) Non-Discrimination and Voluntary Religious Activities

• ECTLC prohibits discrimination in all programs and services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other class protected by law.
• In compliance with HUD and federal requirements, participation in explicitly religious activities (such as Bible study, worship services, or prayer) is strictly voluntary for all program participants.
• Government-funded housing, meals, case management, and supportive services are provided equally to all eligible persons regardless of participation in religious programming.
• When faith-based activities are offered, they are conducted separately (in time or location) from federally funded services. Participants are clearly informed that their decision to participate or not participate will not affect access to or receipt of HUD-funded services.

8) Confidentiality

• All staff and representatives must protect the confidentiality of participant information and organizational records, consistent with applicable laws and ethical standards.

9) Reporting Misconduct

• Any suspected violation of this Code must be reported to the CEO or designated Compliance Officer.
• Retaliation against individuals who report in good faith is strictly prohibited.

Enforcement

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteer status, removal from the board, and/or referral to appropriate authorities.