Copy-paste scripts for clinicians and social workers — housing tonight, 211, DV safety, rides, benefits & ID. Patient-facing blurbs are ≤ grade 5. Verified local numbers live in the Resource Directory.
Tonight · shelter bed
Housing tonight — coordinated entry
Most places do not take walk-ins at shelter doors. One intake line lists open beds. Call early in the day.
Ask: "Is there a bed for me tonight?" and "Do I call back tomorrow?"
Put the intake number on the patient sheet — not a shelter address unless safe to print.
"I'm going to call the shelter intake line with you now. When they answer, tell them you need a bed tonight and give your first name only. If they say call back tomorrow, write that on your sheet."
Clinician script — patient handoff
"Shelter beds are found through one phone number for your area — not by going to a shelter door. Call the number on your sheet on weekdays to ask about a bed tonight. If you can't get through, dial 211."
Patient blurb (≤ grade 5)
Call weekdays to ask about a shelter bed tonight.
In PsychDispo: flag Housing in Social Care Plan → match coordinated-entry resources → Tonight block prints on the patient sheet.
211 · statewide
Dial 211 — find local help
211 connects callers to food, housing, utilities, crisis, and benefits help. Available in most U.S. counties; hours vary.
Clinician script — first call
"When you call 211, say what you need help with — food, a place to stay, or bills. They will give you a local number to call next. Write that number on your sheet."
Clinician script — patient handoff
"I'm going to give you a number you can call for help with food, housing, or bills — it's free and they know local programs. Dial 211 from any phone. If 211 doesn't work in your area, call the number on your patient sheet."
Patient blurb
Dial 211 to find local help with food, housing, or crisis.
DV · safe print
Domestic violence — safety & hotlines
Local DV lines offer confidential safety planning and shelter referral. Default to discreet print on patient sheets unless the patient confirms it is safe to print names and addresses.
National DV hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7)
Local lines may be 24/7 or business hours — verify in directory.
Never put a partner's name or home address on patient-carried sheets when DV is flagged.
Offer: "You don't have to leave today — they can help you plan."
Clinician script — safety check (private)
"Is it safe for you to take a paper with phone numbers home? If not, we can give you just the hotline number or you can save it in your phone under a different name."
Clinician script — hotline handoff
"If home isn't safe, you can call anytime — it's confidential and they won't tell anyone you called. The number is on your sheet. You don't have to leave today; they can help you plan."
Clinician script — shelter referral
"The DV line can help you find a safe place. They may ask about children and pets. You can call from here or from a friend's phone if that feels safer."
Patient blurb
Call anytime if home is not safe — help is confidential.
PsychDispo DV gate: unchecked = hotline only on print; no shelter addresses on handoffs.
NEMT · Medicaid · rides
Medical rides & getting home tonight
Medicaid: non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) usually needs 2–3 business days notice for appointments. Broker numbers vary by state — use verified directory entries.
Confirm Medicaid before promising a ride.
Commercial plans may have separate ride benefits — check card back.
Tonight: 211, local transit vouchers, or hospital social work may help with a one-time ride home or to shelter.
Clinician script — Medicaid appointment ride
"If you have Medicaid, you can call for a ride to your appointment. Call at least two or three days before your visit and say you need a medical ride."
Clinician script — ride home tonight
"If you need a ride home or to shelter tonight, call the number on your sheet or dial 211. Some programs can arrange a one-time ride the same day."
Patient blurb
Call 2–3 days before your visit to ask about a medical ride.
Benefits · ID · insurance
SNAP, Medicaid, ID & benefits enrollment
Benefits take days to weeks — separate from "tonight" needs. Start the process before discharge when possible.
211 or county human services can start SNAP/Medicaid applications.
ID replacement: DMV or county office — ask what documents they need.
Uninsured at discharge: ask about hospital financial counseling and marketplace special enrollment.
Clinician script
"If you need help with food stamps, Medicaid, or getting an ID, call 211 or the benefits number on your sheet. They will tell you what to bring. It can take a few weeks, so start now."
Patient blurb
Call 211 for help with food stamps, Medicaid, or ID.
Related tools
Social Care Plan — HRSN screener with tonight vs ongoing triage; links here when social flags fire.