Coordinated Entry

Coordinated entry is a streamlined system that’s designed to match people experiencing homelessness with available housing. This process helps prioritize resources based on vulnerability and severity of service needs to ensure that people who need help the most can receive it in a timely manner.

The ultimate goal is to improve health and housing outcomes in our community by supporting people with finding the most appropriate housing and supports. These include preventing experiences of homelessness before they begin to locating permanent housing.

Our Sacramento Continuum of Care (CoC) launched the coordinated entry system in 2014. Sacramento CoC’s coordinated entry system (CES) uses a Housing First model, which prioritizes individuals and families with the greatest needs for permanent, supportive housing. On an annual basis, more than 2,300 people remain housed in permanent housing.

Establishing and maintaining a coordinated entry system is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

As the operator of the CES, SSF’s role is to support the CES Committee in developing and expanding the system. The CES committee is responsible for providing input and making recommendations to the CoC Board on principles and guidelines for the coordinated entry system.

To access resources and housing, please call 2-1-1.

CAN RFP Opportunities

Sacramento Steps Forward is requesting proposals from agencies to provide Coordinated Access Navigation (CAN) Team services, such as housing problem-solving, system navigation, and limited financial assistance. The CAN team will play a critical role in the Coordinated Access System (CAS), by increasing accessibility to resources and supporting households resolve their housing crises whenever possible, with the goal of reducing the number of households who experience homelessness and housing instability.

Submit your Request For Proposal for the CAN team here!

2021 Sacramento Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs)

On behalf of Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) and Sacramento Steps Forward (SSF), please access EHVs materials on the EHVs webpage and visit the EHV Dashboard for the latest data.

Coordinated Entry Guiding Principles

Goals of Sacramento’s Coordinated Entry System (CES)

To increase the efficiency of the local crisis response system
Improve fairness in how housing and services are allocated
Facilitate rapid access to housing and services.

Five Elements of Coordinated Entry

Access: The point(s) of entry for services through coordinated entry.
Assessment: The tool(s) used to determine a household’s eligibility and prioritization for available housing resources.
Problem-Solving: The process for resolving an episode of homelessness quickly by exploring a household’s existing supports and offering one-time financial assistance, as needed.
Prioritization: The process for determining the most vulnerable households for immediate housing placement.
Referral/Placement: Once prioritized, households are matched with the best-fitting housing resources.

How the Coordinated Entry System Operates

Clients and households move through the five elements of the coordinated entry system, starting with access and ending with a referral or placement.