The main purpose of the PA-501 Continuum of Care (CoC) Coordinated Entry System (CES) is to ensure that households with the most severe service needs, longest homeless history and most vulnerabilities are prioritized for housing assistance and receive those services within a limited timeframe.

These policies and procedures will direct the implementation, governance and evaluation of coordinated entry in the CoC geographic area and will be reviewed no less than annually by the CACH Board of Directors. Only the CACH Board of Directors can make changes to this document based on recommendations from the CACH

Coordinated Entry Committee. CACH is responsible for coordinating and implementing a system to the needs of the populations and subpopulations experiencing homelessness within the geographic area claimed by the CoC.

Who should use Coordinated Entry?

The Coordinated Entry System (CES) serves individuals and families who meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definitions for:

Category 1: Literally Homeless

• Living in a place not meant for human habitation (street, abandoned building, vehicle, park/outdoors

• Emergency shelter

• Hotel/Motel paid by agency/church/organization

• Residing in a Safe Haven

• Transitional Housing

• Exiting an institution where they temporarily resided for 90 days or less (must be in shelter or a place not meant for human habitation immediately prior to entering that institution)

 

 

Category 4: Fleeing or Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking, or Human Trafficking

• Individuals or families fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions related to violence, and who have no other safe residence or resources to obtain housing.

 

Note: Households that do not meet these HUD definitions may be referred to other community resources that better meet their needs.

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Do I need an appointment?

No. However, availability may vary by Coordinated Entry Access Site.

Please contact an Access Site or call 211 for more information.

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What if I am fleeing domestic violence?

If you are fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, you may qualify for Coordinated Entry under HUD Category 4. Confidential services are available, and staff can help connect you with appropriate resources.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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What if I am sleeping in my car?

Sleeping in a car or another place not meant for human habitation may meet HUD's definition of Category 1 Literally Homeless. Contact a Coordinated Entry Access Site or call 211 to begin the assessment process.

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Important notes & Disclaimer:

Coordinated Entry is a referral process, not a housing program. Completing an assessment does not guarantee housing assistance. Referrals are based on HUD eligibility requirements, household needs, and the availability of community resources.

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I am a services provider. Where can I learn more?

Service providers interested in participating in the Coordinated Entry System (CES) or learning more about the Continuum of Care (CoC) are encouraged to contact the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH). CACH can provide information regarding Coordinated Entry, Continuum of Care membership, committee involvement, training, and community resources and partnerships available throughout the Continuum of Care.