alc1.htm

Referral Procedures for Faith Based Organizations
The Crisis Assistance Bureau and the Homeless Services office would like to assist faith based
organizations who are seeing increasing requests for emergency assistance from non-
parishioners. This is a completely voluntary process. As needed, the organization would fill
out the Request for Assistance Form and fax it to the Crisis Assistance Bureau. The individual
would then come to DHS and see a social worker, who would assess the situation and develop a
service plan to meet identified needs. If there are financial needs, the social worker would call
back the contact person and request emergency funds. In addition, the social worker will be
able to assist and link the person with the full range of other resources (one time and on-going)
and that may be available. In some circumstances the social worker may advise against
financial assistance, particularly if there is a recommendation for substance abuse or other
treatment. In order for the social worker to share information with the referring organization,
the individual who is referred will need to fill out a release of information form, but this is not
required as a condition of assistance from the Crisis Assistance Bureau.

The Crisis Assistance Bureau
In summary, the process works this way:
•         The faith based organization fills out the Request for Assistance and faxes it to the
Crisis Assistance Bureau. If the individual is willing, also fax over the Authorization
for Release of Protected Health Information form (not required)
•       Direct the individual or family to come to the Crisis Assistance Bureau at 3033 Wilson
Blvd. between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm. Monday through Friday.
•       The individual will be seen by a social worker, who will perform an assessment and
develop a service plan to meet the individual family needs.
•       If there are emergency financial needs, the social worker may call the referringorganization for funds. The social worker will also access other available funds, and
refer the individual/family to the full array of County assistance and services.