What is Coordinated Entry?

Coordinated Entry – The Coordinated Entry process is an approach to coordination and management of the crisis response system’s resources that allows users to make equity consistent decisions from available information to connect people efficiently and effectively to interventions that will end their homelessness.

The Coordinated Entry System includes:

  • Points of access to resources for people experiencing homelessness
  • Housing Problem Solving
  • Assessment
  • Prioritization for available resources
  • Referral/Matching to Housing/Homelessness Resources
  • Grievance processes

Flowchart titled “From Homelessness to Housing: Alameda County Coordinated Entry Workflow.” The process begins with two entry points: Engage with Us and Referrals. Individuals can contact a Housing Resource Center, dial 2-1-1, or work with an existing coordinated entry service provider. Referrals are available for people experiencing homelessness, including those needing homelessness prevention, domestic violence, or emergency resources. Both entry points lead to Housing Problem Solving, where individuals identify options for securing permanent or temporary housing, explore available resources, and create a housing plan. Services may include assistance with applications for mainstream resources, private market housing, and affordable housing; referrals; safety planning; and one-time financial assistance. The next step is Screening for Assessments, which may lead to an Assessment for Interim Housing, an Assessment for Permanent Housing, or both. Individuals eligible for interim housing are added to the Interim Housing Queue and may be referred to shelter, transitional housing, navigation centers, or safe parking. Individuals eligible for permanent housing are added to the Permanent Housing Queue and gather documents needed for housing and referrals to available housing navigation services. Permanent housing referrals may include permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, or dedicated affordable housing. Other permanent housing options include private market rentals, affordable housing not matched through Coordinated Entry, or living with family or friends. Individuals who are not eligible for assessment or referral, or who still need housing assistance, continue Housing Problem Solving. This involves working together on their housing plan and developing or adjusting it as needed. Arrows connect the stages and illustrate multiple pathways toward housing. The infographic is provided by Homelessness Solutions in Alameda County. For additional information, visit homelessness.acgov.org. Individuals looking for housing or services should call 2-1-1.

Alameda County Housing Resource Centers/ Access Points

For more information about housing and resources for people experiencing homelessness, contact a Housing Resource Center in your area.A map showing housing resource centers locations: North County (2), Oakland (4), East County (1), Mid County (2), South County (2), and Transitional Age Youth (1)

  • North County (2)
  • Oakland (4)
  • East County (1)
  • Mid County (2)
  • South County (2)
  • Transitional Age Youth (1)

Street Health Outreach Teams

Street Health Outreach Teams operate throughout Alameda County with the goal of reaching unsheltered homeless persons with high medical needs. Learn more on the Street Health Program page.

Coordinated Entry Refresh

In 2020 Alameda County updated our Coordinated Entry System to:

  • Incorporate findings from recent racial equity and systemwide modeling analyses that will allow us to plan strategically for adequate housing resources and work towards ending homelessness
  • Focus on problem solving, connecting people to available housing and flex funding resources
  • Offer housing assessment for the housing queue
  • Offer crisis assessment for those seeking shelter, transitional housing or safe parking
  • Ensure clear, transparent, and timely communication
  • Improve HMIS workflow
  • Implement changes to regional coordination

Coordinated Entry Policies

Coordinated Entry Grievances

For Providers

Explore Coordinated Entry Programs

Home Stretch

Matches eligible households to permanent housing opportunities including permanent supportive housing and other subsidized opportunities.
Learn More

Housing Assistance Fund

The Home Stretch Housing Assistance Fund was created to provide a flexible source of funding to help Alameda County eligible consumers and their families obtain and maintain long-term, stable housing of their choice.
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