The purpose of an initial referral is to answer one question: is there enough possible alignment to continue a careful placement conversation?
1. Bring the basic housing facts
- Prospective resident’s name and preferred contact method.
- Consent to speak with the referral source or support person.
- Current city or county and desired move date.
- General reason for seeking housing, stated without unnecessary diagnosis detail.
- Expected payment source and a realistic monthly budget.
- Whether a same-day emergency or homelessness crisis exists.
2. Describe needs functionally
Use practical language. Instead of sending a complete medical history, explain whether the person can manage personal care, walk stairs, take medications independently, prepare food, follow shared-home rules, and respond safely in an ordinary residential setting.
If someone needs nursing, medication administration, detoxification, 24-hour clinical observation, or emergency psychiatric support, identify that directly. A housing-only provider should say whether those needs exceed its role.
3. Map outside obligations before the move
List work, treatment, mutual-aid meetings, VA appointments, probation or parole reporting, court dates, family responsibilities, and benefits appointments. Then confirm whether relocation to Lawrenceville makes transportation realistic.
| Obligation | Referral question |
|---|---|
| VA or medical care | Can appointments continue after the move, and who provides transportation? |
| Court supervision | Must an address be approved before placement? |
| Employment | Is the commute compatible with house schedules? |
| Recovery support | Which outside services or meetings must remain accessible? |
| Benefits | Who is handling applications, recertification, and documentation? |
4. Do not send these through a general form
Do not include Social Security numbers, full medical records, benefit login credentials, insurance member IDs, driver’s-license images, military discharge papers, court records, or detailed trauma histories in an unsecured first inquiry. Ask which documents are necessary, why, who will receive them, and how they should be transmitted.
5. Make a warm, consent-based handoff
Whenever possible, include the prospective resident in the call. Explain what has and has not been confirmed. Avoid statements such as “the bed is yours” until the residence has completed its fit review, shared written terms, and confirmed availability.
A referral is complete when the person understands the option—not when a packet has been sent.
The website is still a preview. The form does not transmit information until a verified contact channel is connected. It intentionally asks only for basic information.