Hennepin County: how to create a referral

Author: Ran | Date Created: 10/01/2025 | Date Updated: 10/01/2025

What this is

This article explains how Hennepin Shelter Hotline (HSH) users can create a service referral for singles or families who are doubled up (staying temporarily with others) to prevention services in HMIS.

A service referral is a way to connect clients to another provider for support. It is different from a PATH referral or a Coordinated Entry referral.

What you need to know

Follow these steps

1. Sending a service referral.

• From the Client Workspace, begin an enrollment using the Hennepin Shelter Hotline workflow.
• Complete intake forms for all clients.

2. Indicate you want to make a referral

• When asked “Would you like to make a referral?” select "Yes".

3. Select the referral type

• On the Referral Eligibility screen, choose the referral service for the client.

• Click Continue.

  

4. Select the service provider for the referral

• On the Referral screen, click the magnifying glass icon next to “Refer to Provider.”
• Search for the provider and select them from the results list.

5. Complete referral details

• In the Referral Source section:
  • Refer from Provider: auto-fills from your user settings
  • Status: choose Referral Made
  • Enrollment: make sure the referral links to the client’s HSH enrollment
• Click Next.

6. Authorization and sending

• On the Voucher and Information Release screen:
  • Check Email Authorized to send the referral by email
• Click Next, then click Finish on the Referral Outcome screen.

7. Send referral Email to Service Provider

• An email pop-up appears with the provider’s address and a standard message.
• Click Send.

When you are done

• You have successfully created and sent a referral in HMIS.
• The referral is logged in HMIS.
• The provider receives an email notification with referral details.
• You can track referral status in the client’s record.