Coordinated Entry Clarifications

Coordinated Entry prioritizes referrals based on need and vulnerability instead of functioning on a first-come-first-serve basis, while also accounting for the various eligibility criteria of participating housing programs. Coordinated Entry is not a “waitlist.”

This means that a household new to Coordinated Entry may receive a referral into housing more quickly than a household that has been in Coordinated Entry longer. This also means that if a household with higher vulnerability does not meet the eligibility criteria for the program with a current opening, a household with lower vulnerability will receive a referral into the program.

Definition of Chronically Homeless 

 The definition of “Chronically Homeless” provides a way to prioritize people with the longest histories of homelessness and most severe needs. It helps the CoC and partners ensure that individuals and families with the highest risks and needs are prioritized for permanent supportive housing. 

There are two definitions of Chronic Homelessness: Disability and length of time. 

 Chronic Homelessness, as defined by a disability, occurs when an individual has a disabling condition that hinders that individual’s ability to live independently and/or would be improved by obtaining housing. 

Chromic Homelessness, as defined by length of time occurs in two separate ways. First is when an individual has been homeless for at least twelve consecutive months. The second occurs if the individual has been homeless, on at least four separate occasions (separated by three “breaks in homelessness”*), in the last three years where the combined length of time homeless is at least twelve months. During this time the individual may have lived in a shelter or a place not meant for habitation. 

*Breaks in homelessness occur when the individual is in some type of housing situation (couch-surfing, their own apartment, hotel/motel, etc.) for seven nights or longer or if the individual is in an institutional setting (jail, hospital, treatment center, long-term care facility, etc.) for 90 days or longer. 

Who qualifies to be served by Coordinated Entry?

Any individuals or families who are currently staying in a shelter, camping, or living in a place that does not meet regular standards of housing (e.g. A car; a condemned house; a house without heat or electricity, etc.) are eligible to receive services through Coordinated Entry.

Further, those individuals or families who are living in a Transitional Housing program or who are staying in a hotel that is paid for by a charity or organization in town (including the Department of Corrections) are eligible for Coordinated Entry. Those who are actively fleeing a domestic violence situation and are unable to sustain housing are also eligible for services.

Those who are in an institution (hospital, jail, treatment, etc.) and were in one of the situations described above prior to entering the institution are eligible for Coordinated Entry if they have been living in the institution for less than 90 days.

Do all agencies receive referrals from Coordinated Entry?

Not all housing agencies in the community receive referrals directly through Coordinated Entry.