The Clearing House Proposed for Effingham

There are people in and through Effingham on a regular basis who need various types of assistance, and many agencies and individuals who want to help.

How to put those people together in an efficient manner is the tough part.

That's where The Clearing House could fill the gap.

The Clearing House is the brainchild of Fr. Chris Brey, who pastors Sacred Heart and St. Anthony Parishes in Effingham and St. Mary's Parish in Shumway. Father Brey said the idea was one of those "middle of the night things". He and a small group of volunteers from throughout the community have been working on The Clearing House to assist local churches and organizations. Essentially, it would be a call center that would make calls in the community to find the assistance needed, assign a confirmation number for the person in need, and contact the helping church or organization. The person in need goes to the helping church or organization and receives the assistance assigned. 

Father Chris said they want to support those in need and identify the resources that can best help them. At the same time, it's hoped The Clearing House could reduce the amount of double work done by agencies, and also minimize the opportunity to "take advantage of the system."

A good cross-section of people attended a meeting at Effingham Public Library Wednesday afternoon to receive information about the project and obtain input.

Father Brey has been joined by Michael Janis in heading up the effort. You can e-mail either of those men for more information. Father Chris can be reached at: padrechrisbrey@gmail.com while Janis can be contacted at: mjanis312@gmail.com 

Father Chris said now they will see what response they receive and "see where we go from here." Work is underway to obtain 501c3 status for The Clearing House.