Coordinated Entry

Coordinated Entry is the “front door” to the homelessness response system (HRS). It is designed to assess, prioritize and match people experiencing homelessness to housing opportunities efficiently and consistently. Coordinated Entry uses a locally designated population-specific assessment, a centralized data system, a “by name” database of clients, and a prioritization method.

Coordinated Entry Access Points are the community gateways into San Francisco’s HRS and serve: adults, families and young adults ages 18 to 27. Some Access Points focus on subpopulations that benefit from a tailored approach, like veterans and justice-involved people. Access points connect clients to housing, housing problem solving, and other resources. Youth and families can access shelter at these sites.

• Families with children under the age of 18 can use Family Access Points.              
• Adults over the age of 18 without minor children can use Adult Access Points. 
• Young adults (ages 18-27) can use the Youth CE Access Points, although some services are only available for people under 24.

All Access Points provide the same assessment approach.

In 2022, HSH started the Coordinated Entry Redesign process to improve the system. Learn more about the Coordinated Entry Redesign Process.

Key Coordinated Entry Documents

• Coordinated Entry Core Elements  (US Department of Housing and Urban Development)
• San Francisco Coordinated Entry Standards (adopted May 2, 2022)
• HSH Definitions of Homelessness (adopted September 11, 2023)
• Housing Referral Status Threshold Adjustment (January 25, 2023)
• Adult/Young Adult Housing Primary Assessment (November 1, 2022)
• Family Housing Primary Assessment (November 1, 2022)
• CE 101 (April 2023)
• Participant grievance resources (systemwide)

Other Coordinated Entry Resources

Coordinated Entry Testimonial:

Barry*, a San Francisco native, recently moved into his new home after experiencing homelessness for over two years.  After his divorce, Barry alternated between couch-surfing, staying in shelters, and living on the streets.  He suffered a stroke, which resulted in him having significantly limited mobility and difficulty speaking.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Barry received a room at a Shelter-in-Place hotel operated by Episcopal Community Services.  With the assistance of Adult Coordinated Entry, he secured permanent supportive housing, and he says he is delighted to “move forward and live my life” now that he has housing stability.

*Barry is an alias to protect client privacy