Continuum of Care (CoC)

What is a Continuum of Care?

A Continuum of Care (CoC) is a local or regional planning system that brings together organizations and community partners to coordinate housing and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The CoC works to:

  • Coordinate homeless housing and services within the community
  • Identify community needs and service gaps
  • Connect people experiencing homelessness with appropriate resources
  • Promote collaboration among homeless service providers
  • Collect and analyze data to understand homelessness and measure outcomes
  • Apply for and manage federal funding, including funding administered by HUD

Each CoC serves a defined geographic area and may include emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent housing, rapid rehousing, street outreach, supportive services, and other programs.

How does the CoC relate to HMIS?

HMIS is one of the primary tools used by a CoC to collect and manage information about people accessing homeless services. Organizations participating in the CoC use HMIS to document client information, program participation, services, housing outcomes, and other required data elements.

The data collected in HMIS helps the CoC:

  • Monitor data quality and completeness
  • Measure program and system-level outcomes
  • Identify trends, gaps, and community needs
  • Support Coordinated Entry
  • Complete required HUD reporting
  • Support funding applications and community planning

CoC vs. HMIS: What's the Difference?

The CoC is the community-wide system and planning structure, while HMIS is the data system used to help manage and understand that system.

CoC -The community network and planning system

HMIS - The data system that helps the CoC understand what is happening within that network

HMIS does not replace the work of the CoC. Instead, it provides the data needed to coordinate services, evaluate outcomes, identify needs, and make informed decisions.

Why Accurate HMIS Data Matters

Because HMIS data is used at both the program and CoC levels, accurate and complete data entry is important. Information entered by individual providers can contribute to community-wide reports, performance measures, funding applications, and planning decisions.

New Hampshire has three Continuum of Care (CoC) that receive funding from HUD.

Type of Funding received:

  • Permanent Supportive Housing
  • Rapid Rehousing
  • Coordinated Entry
  • HMIS

NH Balance of State CoC Resources:

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