3. Coordinated Entry

Coordinated Entry is the foundation of the Homelessness Response System (HRS) and is designed to assess, prioritize and match people experiencing homelessness to housing opportunities. Coordinated Entry organizes the Homelessness Response System with a common 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 Homelessness Response System and serve: Adults, Families and Transitional Age Youth (age 18 to 24).

Operated by non-profit service providers, Access Points are crucial to the function of the Coordinated Entry process. At these Access Points, eligible individuals and families experiencing homelessness are matched to housing Problem Solving, shelter (for youth and families with children), housing opportunities, and other services in San Francisco.

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