Health and safety guidelines
The Habitat for Humanity affiliate support organizations in California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington are excited to reconnect in person at the Western Region Conference being held April 15-17, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. The health and safety of all participants (including speakers, hotel staff, attendees, volunteers and staff) is important to us.
To protect our community, participants are encouraged to:
Be fully vaccinated and up-to-date with their COVID-19 shots and boosters, as well as their annual flu shot
Stay at home or quarantine if they test positive for COVID-19, have COVID-like symptoms, or have recently been exposed to any virus
Wear a well-fitting mask if desired
Respect others who may or may not choose to wear a mask during the event
Respect other attendees’ comfort levels with distancing, handshakes, hugging and touching
Additionally, participants are encouraged to take an at-home COVID test 24 hours before attending the conference. This is a recommendation, but not a requirement at this time.
In the event that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and/or the State of Oregon, City of Portland or Multnomah County change their health and safety guidelines, we reserve the right to adjust our policy in accordance. Registering for this event is an agreement to follow these and any future COVID-19 safety protocols as adjusted.
Attendees who plan to mask up should bring their own well-fitting mask. A limited number of disposable masks will be available on-site.
Symptoms and exposure
Attendees should stay at home if they:
Are currently testing positive for COVID-19 or or other contagious illnesses on the event date
Have been in close contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19, or who have had COVID-19 symptoms during the past ten days
Are experiencing any new or different symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing condition such as: fever, cough, severe headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, vomiting/nausea or diarrhea, runny nose, or fatigue or body aches
If you are unable to attend the conference due to possible exposure or illness, you may be eligible for a full or partial refund.
Physical distancing
We ask that all participants respect everyone’s physical boundaries and comfort level by requesting and receiving consent before touching, hand-shaking or hugging another participant.
COVID assumption of risk and waiver of liability
Despite precautions taken, Habitat for Humanity cannot ensure that you will not be exposed to or contract COVID-19 or other illnesses as a result of participating in this event or related activities. By registering for/attending this event, you acknowledge and understand all risks associated with possible exposure to and contraction of illness, and are voluntarily participating in the event for your own benefit, the value of which is sufficient consideration for your voluntary agreement to the terms of this agreement.
You agree to release and hold harmless Habitat organizations and its employees, officers, representatives, and agents for, from and against any and all alleged and/or actual liability, claims, actions, lawsuits, damages, or losses of any kind which arise out of or result from attendance at and participation in the Western Region Conference.
You understand and agree that this release includes any claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of Habitat for Humanity, its employees, officers, representatives, or agents. You agree to release and hold harmless Habitat for Humanity and its employees, officers, representatives, and agents from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or relating to your participation in the event you are registering to participate in and use of any associated facilities or hotels. If any provisions contained in this agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, under any applicable law, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not, in any way, be affected or impaired.