Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Coordinated Entry System

WHAT IS COORDINATED ENTRY?

A Coordinated Entry System (CES) is a comprehensive approach used to address and manage homelessness by creating a centralized, organized, and standardized system for individuals and families seeking housing and supportive services. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) developed the coordinated entry system and process to ensure that all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to be assessed, referred, and connected to housing assistance based on their strengths and needs. HUD asks communities to “strategically allocate their current resources and identify the need for additional resources” and to operate person-centered coordinated entry systems that “prioritizes people who are most in need of assistance”.

Key characteristics of a Coordinated Entry System include:

Centralized Access Point: CES starts with a centralized location or access point where individuals and families can seek assistance, request assessments, and access information about available resources.

Standardized Assessment: A standardized assessment tool is used to gather information about the needs, vulnerabilities, and characteristics of people seeking housing and services. This assessment helps determine their priority for assistance.

Prioritization: Based on the assessment, individuals and families are prioritized for housing and services according to their level of vulnerability and need. Those who are the most vulnerable or at risk of harm are typically prioritized for housing resources.

Referral and Matching: The CES matches and refers individuals and families to appropriate housing and service programs based on their assessment results and prioritization. This may include emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, or permanent supportive housing, depending on their needs.

Data Management: The local Coordinated Entry System relies on data collection and management to track the number of people experiencing homelessness, monitor the progress of individuals and families, and evaluate the effectiveness of the system. This data helps systems to allocate resources efficiently and make improvements as needed.

Case Management and Support Services: A CES often includes case management services to help individuals and families navigate the system, access resources, and address any barriers to obtaining stable housing. Supportive services may also be offered, such as mental health counseling, addiction treatment, employment assistance, and other services to help people maintain stable housing.

Housing First Approach: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg CES system embraces the “Housing First” philosophy, which prioritizes getting people into stable housing quickly and then addressing underlying issues, such as mental health or substance abuse, as needed.