Coordinated Entry

Coordinated Entry (CE) is a person-centered process designed to ensure that individuals and families experiencing homelessness are connected to housing and services in a fair, consistent, and efficient manner. Rather than requiring people to navigate multiple programs independently, Coordinated Entry creates a single, standardized access system that prioritizes assistance based on household needs, vulnerability, and available resources.

The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) serves as the primary data platform supporting the Coordinated Entry process. HMIS is used to document assessments, maintain referral queues, track program enrollments, and monitor housing outcomes. Accurate and timely data entry within HMIS helps ensure that households are prioritized appropriately, referrals are made efficiently, and communities can evaluate the effectiveness of their homelessness response system.

Through HMIS, Continuums of Care (CoCs) are able to:

Maintain a centralized record of Coordinated Entry assessments and referrals.
Track individuals and families from initial contact through housing placement.
Prioritize households using established community policies and assessment tools.
Reduce duplication of services and improve coordination among providers.
Measure system performance and identify gaps in resources and services.
Support HUD reporting requirements and demonstrate progress toward reducing homelessness.

Coordinated Entry and HMIS together provide the foundation for a coordinated, data-driven homelessness response system that promotes equitable access to housing resources and helps communities ensure that assistance is provided to those with the greatest needs in the most effective manner possible.

Resources

For more information about Coordinated Entry, please follow the links below:

Forms

Looking for Coordinated Entry forms for your state? Click the link: New England Forms