Before we start, is there anything I should know before scheduling?
Yes! We kindly ask all Case Workers to please look over our Case Worker's Guide before scheduling any appointments for their clients. This should be available to you through your agency's liaison, and is also available through our Case Worker's Portal.
Please contact your liaison for access to these, or email us at appointments@chicagofurniturebank.org if you're having any trouble with access.
How do I schedule an appointment for a client?
All appointments with the Chicago Furniture Bank are scheduled through Calendly. The link to our Calendly is distributed to all active partner agencies through their official liaison, so please check with your agency's liason to receive the link.
Alternatively, you can use our new Furniture Bank Catalog, which is an online resource to select furniture, coordinate delivery, and make payment without coming to our warehouse or engaging in a video call. Once again, for more information please contact your agency's liason or check the Case Worker's Guide.
Lastly, if you do not know who your agency's liaison is, or if your agency is not currently partnered with the CFB, feel free to contact us at appointments@chicagofurniturebank.org.
What kind of appointments are available for a client?
Please note: the majority of our appointments are in-person and require the presence of a case worker alongside the client.
On our Calendly page, you will find 6 different appointment types:
Self-Haul, where the client will be responsible for taking their chosen furniture pieces from our warehouse to their home.
Curbside Delivery, where our movers will deliver the client's mattresses and box springs inside the home, while all other chosen furniture will be delivered to the front of the home.
Installation Delivery, where our movers will deliver the client's chosen furniture pieces into their home, in addition to setting up any beds the client has selected.
In-Person 2-Client Appointment, where one caseworker will be able to bring into 2 clients at once. Please note that separate registration is required for each client.
Virtual, where a caseworker and a client will be connected with us over Facetime, Zoom, or Google Duo and choose their furniture out over a video call. No in person appearance is required with this appointment type.
Beds Only, when your client is only in need of a bed, not a full furnishing package. This kind of appointment bypasses the usual in-person or virtual appointment and simply allows you or your client to come pick up a bed for their home.
Anything I should be aware of when scheduling an appointment for a client?
Yes! When scheduling an appointment on Calendly, there will be a short questionnaire just to help us collect some information about you and your client. Please pay close attention to what the questions are asking, as some ask for information about your agency and some ask for information about your client. We do not want to get these mixed up!
What are the guidelines for these appointments?
Caseworkers must be present for the client's entire in-person appointment.
Please relay our procedures to your clients before you arrive for your appointment to ensure it goes without issue. This includes ensuring the client will choose furniture that will fit their home, both in available space and doorway/hallway size.
Case workers do not need to be present for virtual appointments, but case workers are still responsible for any questions or concerns regarding their client.
Is there more I should know about?
Absolutely! This is just a general rundown of the most important things to take note of. We kindly request you take a look at our more in-depth Case Worker's Guide and Case Worker's Portal before scheduling an appointment. Hope to see you soon!