CommunityPoint FAQs

 

Q: How do I find resources that provide services I am looking for?

 

A: There a few different ways to search for resources that provide services you are looking for. First, you can type exactly what you are looking for in the general search bar. For example, if you would like a list of food banks, type "food bank" or "food banks in Chicago". Using general terms will maximize your search results.

 

Hint: If you are looking for multiple resources, search for one resource at a time to maximize your search results.

 

Instead of using the search bar, you can also click through the service tree to find the service you are looking for. Once you have found the service code name which best matches the service you are looking for, select "View Resources" for that service code.

 

Q: How can I run a very specific search?

 

A: The advanced search allows you to set specific search parameters. It allows you to specify which words you want to include in your search, as well as words you want it to purposefully exclude. You can also set physical location and areas served criteria, which is sometimes slightly different than the physical location of the resource.

 

Q: How do I refine my search results?

 

A: Once you have received a result set, use the "Refine your results" options to the right of the result set to narrow your results by zip code, city, or keyword. When you enter a zip code, you have the option to search for that zip code exactly or within a certain mile radius around the zip code. You can use the keyword search to narrow your results by a specific city or keyword. For example, if the original search was for "food" and you now want to see only results for "pet food", enter "pet" as a keyword to refine your results.

 

Q: How do I find a specific agency?

 

A: Type in the name of the agency you are looking for in the general search bar. If the agency is not returned in your search results, try only using keywords from the agency name.

 

Q: Do I have to pay to create an account?

 

A: No, creating an account is absolutely free.

 

Q: What does having an account allow me to do?

 

A: Creating an account allows you to save your search results, create resource groups for your saved resources, submit incorrect resource information, and submit new resources to be added to the database. You do not need an account to search the resource directory, to print resource information, or to send resource information via SMS text message or email.

 

Q: I see information on a resource's profile that needs to be updated or added. What can I do?

 

A: Once you have created an account, you can click on the red "Report Incorrect Information" link located at the top of any resource's profile to submit your changes. The change request will be sent to an administrator for approval.

 

Q: I don't see my agency listed as a resource in this database. How can I add my agency to this database?

 

A: Once you have created an account, you can click on the "Add your resource to this directory" link located at the bottom right of the general search page. The add request will be sent to an administrator for approval.

 

Q: Can I save my search results so that I can access those resources later?

 

A: Yes, once you have created an account , you can add a resource group to your account. Name your resource group something that will remind you of the resources listed in the group. For example, if you would like to save food resources you've found, title your resource group "Food" or "Food Banks".

 

Once you have created a resource group, you can save any resource to your group by clicking the checkbox to the left of any resource displayed in a result set and then selecting the group you would like the add the resource to in the green box in the right-hand column. Click "Add" once you have chosen the correct group.

 

You can access any of your resource groups at any time by simply logging in to your account page. You will see your saved resource groups on your account page.

 

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