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).

CE Access Points are located throughout the City and are operated by local non-profit service providers. At these community Access Points, eligible individuals and families experiencing homelessness are provided with Problem Solving opportunities and solutions, shelter (for youth and families with children), housing opportunities, and other services in San Francisco. The city operates separate Access Points for adults, families, and youth, which are designed to facilitate access to the HRS for each population:

• Families with children under the age of 18 can use Family CE Access Points.              
• Adults over the age of 18 without minor children can use Adult CE Access Points. 
• Transitional Age Youth (ages 18-24), and those ages 25-27 can also use Youth CE Access Points.

All Access Points provide the same assessment approach, including standardized decision-making based on the unique needs of the individuals and families they are designed to serve.

For more information on Coordinated Entry:

• Coordinated Entry Core Elements  (US Department of Housing and Urban Development)
• San Francisco Coordinated Entry Standards (adopted February 1, 2021)
• Coordinated Entry FAQ

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

Participant Grievance Policy

If a participant has reason to believe they received unsatisfactory services or poor treatment, discrimination occurred, and/or the assessment procedure was unfair, they should file a written grievance which states the following information, if known:
• The type of grievance they are filing,
• Names of all relevant staff involved in the grievance,
• Agency employing the staff, and
• Specific details that resulted in the grievance.
The written grievance should be addressed to the Programs Division Manager. All grievances will be received at: hshgrievances@sfgov.org

or:

Programs Division Manager: Housing, Coordinated Entry, or Other
Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing
P.O Box 427400
San Francisco, CA 94142-7400

Participant Grievance Policy English

Participant Grievance Policy Spanish

Participant Grievance Policy Chinese

Participant Grievance Policy Tagalog