·         Examines the nature, extent, and legitimacy of the client’s need.

·         Determines what help the client has already received from agencies or churches.

·         Ensures the need is manageable and specific.

·         Clients requiring urgent or highly specialized help are referred to appropriate agencies.  These types of referrals could include medical, psychiatric, substance abuse, legal, or other services.

·         Clients who are chronically in need are given help when specific, need-related conditions are met.  For example, requiring the client to complete an application for employment, attend a 12-step program, seek counseling, enroll in vocational skills classes, receive budget counseling, or participate in Love INC Relational Ministry, etc.

·         Clients requiring help available through an area agency or church ministry are referred to the agency or church.

·         All other needs are referred to a partner church in the area where the client lives (if possible).  The Clearinghouse calls the church-designated contact person, called the Church Ministry Coordinator (CMC).

·         The CMC utilizes an inventory of their church’s human and material resources to identify the appropriate person(s) or ministry to meet the referred need.