Walk-In Policy and Procedures

Walk-in Policy/Guidelines

We must always acknowledge the humanity of each "walk-in" and assure them that we will pray

that their needs be met, and work towards connecting them with proper resources. We can always offer

to connect them to a minister for prayer, and outreach resources for guidance.

It is our responsibility is to accommodate visitors to Marble Church in a helpful, friendly way.

This is true for the receptionist, guards, and Marble Staff.

Protocol with Visitors:

It is your responsibility as receptionist to welcome visitors to Marble Church. In most cases, you will be

the first contact that an individual has with the church on a particular day. It is essential that your

greeting be warm and friendly, and follow up transactions be helpful and professional.

If the visitor is here to see a specific individual, then call the person.

If the visitor is requesting to see a Minister for assistance please inform them that we do not have

services for walk-ins, other than giving them a reference sheet of possible neighborhood services. If they

insist on seeing a minister, and they seem credible, please call Judy Tulin’s office and ask them to

wait in the Prayer Room until they can be seen. If Judy isn't available, please call Rev. Susanan Wade.

Policy Regarding Walk-ins:

Ask if they are a member of Marble Church.

If so, a minister will come down for a conference.

If not, ask the nature of the business, and explain that the church does not give out money, food or clothing. If the request is for counseling, if a minister is available she/he will come down or have Judy Tulin schedule a later appointments.

If the request is for specific information, (e.g. Locations for shelter, food or clothing), print out any outreach/pastoral care resource you find on this website to be helpful.

If a letter of referral (or phone call) is necessary, ask the minister if they can provide it, or call

Judy.

There are no public bathroom facilities or telephones in the building, so requests for these must

be declined.

Ministers, in an effort to be compassionate and welcoming, looks at each person, and tries to guide them to

being more healthy physically, mentally, and somewhat self-sufficient.

There are many kinds of needs of the walk-ins and of their physical and psychological conditions. Some just need to talk and pray a bit, some have serious physical and mental health issues, but just want someone to pray with them, talk with them and offer guidance about resources.

We try to offer each walk-in something tangible as a "take-away.

We do get concerned about repeat walk-ins who need food and transportation assistance. However bathrooms cannot be used and luggage and bags cannot be left to be stored/held by the church.

There is a card file at the switchboard with first names of walk-ins and their requests - i.e. for metro cards, money, prayer.

We want to add a sign in the prayer room with this language:

“You are welcome to pray and relax here or 15 minutes. Many people use this space, so thank you for

being considerate.”

Note: People fervently praying will be allowed a little more time. People may just sit and use their cell

phones for 15 minutes if they are quiet

Policy for members and adherents in need of financial aid, loans/grants :

In the spirit of the Gospel, MCC is a place of support, healing and welcome for all people. Our support

is given in ways that respect human dignity and create healthy, sustainable and self-sufficient living.

Therefore the following are financial guidelines for the support of those in need:

Funds are given only at the discretion of the senior clergy

No funds shall be given directly to individuals in need except in rare cases Payments may be made, at the discretion of the clergy, for rent to landlords, utility payments food cards; metrocards, doctor's visits and other expnses in cases of emergency (eviction, hunger, medical need, etc.)

Payments shall not continue on a regular basis and may only be renewed at the discretion of clergy. Recipients must seek the counsel of clergy and/or the MCC social worker to make an implement a plan for sustainable living. In order or any further financial support to occur, the recipient must be working on their living plan and be meeting regularly with the MCC social worker.