What Is ABLE Certification?
ABLE's Certification and Endorsement Program is a voluntary process through which organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies can demonstrate their commitment to treating people experiencing homelessness with dignity, respect, and genuine support.
When your organization earns ABLE Certification, you receive an official endorsement from Reno & Washoe County's leading lived-experience advocacy board — a meaningful signal to the community that your practices align with the values and needs of the people you serve.
Certification is reviewed annually and can be revoked if standards are not maintained. ABLE takes this seriously — and so should you.
Official ABLE Seal
Display the ABLE Certified seal on your website, materials, and facility
Community Recognition
Featured on ABLE's website and promoted through our community networks
ABLE Partnership
Access to ABLE members for feedback, consultation, and collaboration
Annual Letter of Support
Written endorsement letter for grants, funding applications, and reports
⭐ Certification Criteria — What ABLE Looks For
- ✓ Dignity-First Practices: Your organization treats all people — including those experiencing homelessness — with respect, dignity, and without judgment in all interactions.
- ✓ Non-Discriminatory Policies: Written policies that prohibit discrimination based on housing status, appearance, background, or lived experience.
- ✓ Lived-Experience Engagement: Your organization actively involves or meaningfully consults with people who have lived experience in program design or decision-making.
- ✓ Transparency: Your organization is willing to share how it serves people experiencing homelessness and accepts feedback from ABLE.
- ✓ Community Commitment: Demonstrated history or stated commitment to supporting the Reno & Washoe County community, especially its most vulnerable members.
- ✓ No Active Harm: No documented pattern of harm, exploitation, or disrespect toward people experiencing homelessness.
The Certification Process
Six steps from application to certification — typically 4 to 8 weeks from submission.
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1
Submit Your Application
Complete the application form at the bottom of this page. Tell us about your organization, what you do, how you serve or interact with people experiencing homelessness, and why you're seeking ABLE Certification.
~15 minutes to complete -
2
Initial Review by ABLE
ABLE members review your application to ensure it meets the basic criteria. We may reach out with follow-up questions or request additional documentation such as your non-discrimination policy or program descriptions.
1–2 weeks -
3
Community Input Check
ABLE may consult with community members who have experience with your organization. This is an important part of the process — we listen to the people who have been through your doors. Feedback is kept confidential.
1–2 weeks Lived-experience centered -
4
Meeting with ABLE
We'll schedule a brief meeting (in-person or virtual) with a representative from your organization and ABLE members. This is a conversation — not an interrogation. We want to understand your mission and answer any questions you have about the certification.
30–60 minutes -
5
ABLE Board Vote
The full ABLE board reviews the application, community input, and meeting notes, then votes on whether to grant certification. A majority vote is required for approval. You will be notified of the decision in writing.
Decision within 2 weeks of meeting -
6
Certification Agreement & Seal
Approved organizations sign a Certification Agreement outlining the standards they commit to maintaining. You'll receive the official ABLE Certified seal, a letter of endorsement, and be featured on ABLE's website. Certification is valid for one year and subject to annual renewal.
✓ Officially ABLE Certified
The ABLE Certified Seal
Organizations that complete certification receive a digital seal for use on their website, social media, and printed materials — telling the community they've earned ABLE's trust.
Start Your Certification Application
Fill out the form below. ABLE will review and follow up within 2 business days.
Application Received!
Thank you for applying for ABLE Certification. We will review your application and follow up within 2 business days to begin the process.
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