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As an agency member, for more in depth coverage of your questions, you can also visit our Agency Site by using the AGENCY LOGIN button located in the upper right corner.
How does my agency become a referring agency?
A:
Thanks to a grant we received, we are currently accepting new agents in the DuPage county area - APPLY HERE TODAY.
All further inquiries should be directed to Ryan Varju at rvarju@sharingconnections.org or 630-971-0565, x227.
How do I refer a client?
A:

In order for a client (family or individual) to access Sharing Connections’ services, they must be referred by an approved referral agency. Clients must be at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level to access Sharing Connections’ services, or they must have recently gone through a crisis, such as an apartment fire or domestic violence situation (please refer to current federal documentation to determine poverty level status - see above link).

Once approved, you can place the wish list on behalf of the client on our agency access program site. In an effort to serve our clients we ask that only major furniture items be requested due to need. In addition, due to our limited supply of beds, it is a requirement that referring agents only place mattress requests for clients that are currently sleeping on the floor. Our mattresses are not intended to replace existing mattresses currently owned by clients.

To refer a client to Sharing Connections:

As an approved agent, complete the online wish list on the client’s behalf.
There is a $50 access fee due on behalf of the client to use our services. The access fee was instituted to encourage clients’ self-sufficiency and for the client to feel pride in their belongings.

When Sharing Connections receives the client’s wish list, the client will be placed on the waiting list.

PICKUPS: Sharing Connections will call the client directly (unless told otherwise by the agency) to schedule their specific pickup appointment once the items are available.

Remember to tell the client that:

• Sharing Connections’ furniture pick-up hours for clients are Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 2:00pm (appointment will be scheduled).
• Clients are responsible for bringing, borrowing, or renting a large vehicle or truck if their order contains large items. Clients must also bring a person to help them load their vehicle.
• Sharing Connections cannot “save” any items for a client.
• Sharing Connections works on a first come, first serve basis. By the time a client picks up their items, we may not have everything on their wish list.
• Our furniture inventory varies day-to-day.
• Only one (1) wish list submission per client is permitted.
• When clients come to pick up their furniture, they can also receive clothes, personal care items, and cleaning supplies. Clients will also receive a “Information and Referral” consultation session at which time the $50 access fee is required.
• Additional household items (lamps, endtables, etc.) are available to clients in need of such items at no cost during their visit and do not need to be listed on the wish list.

Where can I get more information on the referral program?
A:
Call our Director of Operations, Ryan Varju, at 630-971-0565 x227.