Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question, someone else might have the same question too. Here are a couple common ones and their answers. For more information feel free to contact us so we may help.

  • We are happy to have you staying with us! Your Powell House host will share a welcome and orientation to everyone shortly after the groups’ arrival. Here’s some key information you might want to know before you arrive:

    • We provide bed linens and towels.

    • Many of our attenders are sensitive to strong scents, so please refrain from wearing perfume while you are here.

    • Alcohol, illegal drugs, fireworks and firearms are not permitted on the Powell House grounds.

    • Smoking or any open flames are not permitted inside any buildings.

    • Pets are not allowed at Powell House. Certified service animals are welcome. Please advise in advance so that appropriate room assignments may be made.

    • We expect that you will participate in Powell House policies of recycling, composting, and controlling trash. Your host will provide you with more information when you arrive.

    • Given our rural location in Columbia County, we would be remiss if we didn’t remind you about ticks. There is usually some bug repellent near the room charts in the parlor. It’s wise to do a “tick-check” every evening to be sure you don’t have one!

  • Use your best judgement on your local conditions.

    In the event of inclement weather in our area, Powell House will decide if the weekend conference will proceed. Powell House will make the decision by 12 0'clock noon on the Friday that the conference is scheduled to begin. Registrants are advised to telephone Powell House anytime after 12:30; information concerning cancellation will be available on our answering service. If, after 12:30pm, the answering service contains no information concerning the cancellation or re-scheduling, then the conference will proceed as originally planned.

    If inclement weather necessitates the cancellation or re-scheduling of a conference, Powell House will make efforts to contact registrants. If a conference needs to be re-scheduled because of inclement weather, all deposits and payments will be transferred to the rescheduled conference. If a conference is cancelled and cannot be re-scheduled within 6 months, deposits and payments will be fully refunded.

  • When driving, we advise people to use GPS as it will bring you to our front door! We do have written our directions as well for the most common routes here. You can find that information on this page.

    Coming by train or bus, it is best to arrive at the Albany/Rensselaer and get a ride from there, you should be able to get a taxi or Uber/Lyft. If you let us know ahead of time, we can do our best to arrange for someone to pick you up or carpool with someone else.

  • There is financial support available for those who need it, please do not let the price keep you from attending. We generally ask people to give what they can, in whatever capacity they are able. There are a number of ways to contribute, please reach out to make arrangements.

    Your faith community may be able to support you too. There is more information on that process on this page.

  • If you have any symptoms of illness (fever, coughing, sore throat, etc.)
    PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE EVENT

    This will be a judgment free zone about choices made regarding mask wearing. Please also be considerate of individual needs and desires regarding close physical contact or connection WITH BOTH MASKED AND UNMASKED folks. Awareness and kindness are encouraged and expected.

    PLEASE LET STAFF KNOW IF YOU FEEL UNWELL OR BECOME SYMPTOMATIC WHILE AT PoHo!

    There are masks and rapid tests available at Powell House for your use while onsite.