Review of “One Way In”NAEH Coordinated Entry

Briefing PaperCoordinated Entry Stakeholder

Meeting May 23, 2013

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Purpose of Review

• Just a starting point

• Help create a common language

• The brief is only about families, but

• Sacramento’s system will be inclusive of all

homeless people

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What Is Coordinated Entry?

A system of intake, assessment and referral

• Same assessment tool• Collective set of policies and procedures • Access to comprehensive information • Matches each individual or family to the “right

sized” intervention

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Preliminary Research

• In many homeless systems, resources are conferred on a small subset of families with primarily “economic” needs

• While those with multiple significant challenges fall thru the cracks

• CE makes it easier for communities to match applicants to the services they need, no matter how difficult their barriers are to address

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Goal of Coordinated Entry

Match applicants to the “right” intervention Assessments and referral decisions based on:• Specific requirements• Target population(s)• Availability of beds/units and services

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Why Coordinated Entry?

Benefits to Homeless People

Benefits to Program Staff

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Without Coordinated Entry:

• Potential of multiple agency visits• Intake forms or requirements• HMIS data entry• Slow down in assistance for families• Extra staff time & money for providers

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Two Main Models

Centralized

Decentralized

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Centralized & Decentralized

• Single location vs. multiple locations (and/or 211)• Small city/good transit vs. large/spread out with

poor transit• Fewer vs. more sites needed (and more

coordination)• Accessibility is a concern in both models• No set staffing plan

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System Mapping

• “Map” existing services and see what’s lacking• If there is overlap and duplication, evaluate

what unique services each program provides and where there are opportunities for collaboration

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How Will We Know It Works?

Evaluate on an ongoing basis

Evaluation can include:• Consumer input• Assessment of results• Establish feedback

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Final Thoughts

Coordinated entry potential:• Simplified roles • Shortened path • Sense of system-wide responsibility

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Ongoing evaluation vis-à-vis HEARTH goals

• Length of stay• New entries • Repeat episodes• Overall homelessness• Making adjustments in system & models