Coordinated Entry is a systemic approach to connecting people experiencing homelessness with available assistance in the community. It is an important way to ensure fair and equitable access to limited housing resources and is a Federal and State requirement. The goals of the new Coordinated Entry System are to:

(1) Facilitate connections to mainstream and community services for as many persons experiencing homelessness as local resources allow;

(2) Streamline the process for matching to limited housing resources within the Housing for Health Partnership network (CoC); and

(3) Prioritize resources for households with the most significant barriers to getting and keeping housing and for those with the greatest personal health and safety risks.

H4HP Connectors may work as part of an outreach team, drop-in center, multi-service center, or other program serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. They engage with persons experiencing homelessness, build rapport, enroll participants in HMIS programs and collect participant data.

Connectors offer problem solving assistance with all participants and may conduct a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA). The HNA provides Connectors and participants with information needed to create and act together on an individualized Housing Action Plan and provides information to determine which participants are eligible and prioritized for H4H-supported housing and services.

Only the highest priority households are added to the queue for the system's limited housing resources.