One Way In: The Advantages of Introducing System- Wide Coordinated Entry for Homeless Families

By centralizing intake and program admissions decisions, a coordinated entry process makes it more likely that families will be served by the right intervention more quickly. In a coordinated system, each system entry point (“front door”) uses the same assessment tool and makes decisions on which programs families are referred to based on a comprehensive understanding of each program’s specific requirements, target population, and available beds and services.  This paper from the National Alliance to End Homelessness describes how communities can create a coordinated entry system with a focus on serving homeless families. (Author)