Open door policy? You're insane!

I've been asked a lot lately, how we handle living like this. How it isn't annoying to have any number of people in and out of our house at any given moment. The answer is simple, we couldn't have it any other way. There are times when it's hectic, we have little extra money, or we are physically tired...but feel those things are superficial when faced with a person in need.

To start, these are the rules of our home:
We never turn anyone away unless there is a safety issue. Then we will contact the proper authorities.
All of our family members in the house understand that we are 'on call' 24 hours a day.
We will always offer food, shelter, and a place to sleep.
Everyone maintains a safe environment and body.
No drugs or alcohol. (except for the rare occasion that an adult chooses to have a drink. We do not condone drinking to excess in the home. Minors are not allowed to drink at any time in our home. My husband and I choose not to drink at home because we are role models and never know when we will be needed)
Everyone helps keep the house in order and helps one another.
Anyone requesting anonymity will have that request granted if it means their safety.
Honesty
Kindness
Tolerance
No judging
Unconditional acceptance except when danger or safety is an issue.
Respect
A plan. Everyone who lives/stays here must have a plan on how to better their lives..once they are stable and able to do so.

I understand that the thought of this is completely exhausting for others. We have had people tell us we are crazy. We've had people tell us that it simply is unhealthy. We've heard concerns from people about how my husband and I maintain our relationship, how we budget, how we handle the stress, how we make everyone feel needed, how we have enough love and concern that no one gets left behind. People also ask how we keep people from taking advantage of us. If we offer ourselves..that means unconditionally. It's hard to take advantage of someone who is willingly giving their time, energy, and resources. We also don't believe in coddling someone to the point of being unable to care for themselves. It is a requirement in life unless you are sick either mentally or physically.

We feel blessed. We don't ever see it as a burden. Helping others is a blessing..something we feel we were born to do. Not everyone in life understands or knows their calling. We feel we do.

Lastly, we don't do it for praise or reciprocation. We do it because we can. The benefits from living like this happen naturally.