Coordinated Entry

HandsOn River Region Partners with MACH and Others

Collaboration with Community Partners

HandsOn River Region is proud to collaborate with the Mid Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (MACH) to serve as the Coordinated Entry access point for our community. As part of the Continuum of Care (CoC), we are committed to providing a centralized, streamlined process for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

Our partnership with MACH ensures that those in need have equitable access to housing resources and services. By working together, we aim to connect clients with appropriate housing solutions efficiently and effectively.

In addition to our partnership with MACH, HandsOn River Region works closely with organizations who provide mental health and veterans services to provide comprehensive support to our clients. These collaborations ensure that individuals receive the necessary services to achieve housing stability and self-sufficiency.

HandsOn River Region volunteers at an event table

HandsOn River Region volunteer holding up a donation bag

Our Role in the Coordinated Entry System

As the centralized access point for Coordinated Entry in our CoC, HandsOn River Region:

Provides 24/7 Access: Individuals can reach out via 2-1-1 to initiate the Coordinated Entry process.
Conducts Standardized Assessments: We utilize HUD-approved tools to assess the needs and vulnerabilities of each individual.
Facilitates Referrals: Based on assessments, we connect clients with appropriate housing providers and services.

Monthly Coordinated Entry Case Conferencing Calls

To enhance our community’s response to homelessness, HandsOn River Region hosts monthly Coordinated Entry Case Conferencing Calls. These calls:

Foster Collaboration: Bring together service providers, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss client cases and identify solutions.
Encourage Community Engagement: Invite clergy, local government officials, and other community members to participate and contribute to the conversation.
Promote Effective Solutions: Focus on developing strategies to house our unhoused community members and prevent future homelessness.

Our Role in the Coordinated Entry System

As the centralized access point for Coordinated Entry in our CoC, HandsOn River Region:

Provides 24/7 Access: Individuals can reach out via 2-1-1 to initiate the Coordinated Entry process.
Conducts Standardized Assessments: We utilize HUD-approved tools to assess the needs and vulnerabilities of each individual.
Facilitates Referrals: Based on assessments, we connect clients with appropriate housing providers and services.

Monthly Coordinated Entry Case Conferencing Calls

To enhance our community’s response to homelessness, HandsOn River Region hosts monthly Coordinated Entry Case Conferencing Calls. These calls:

Foster Collaboration: Bring together service providers, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss client cases and identify solutions.
Encourage Community Engagement: Invite clergy, local government officials, and other community members to participate and contribute to the conversation.
Promote Effective Solutions: Focus on developing strategies to house our unhoused community members and prevent future homelessness.

Benefits of Coordinated Entry

Coordinated Entry offers clear advantages for service providers, the community, and clients alike. By streamlining access and resource allocation, it creates a more responsive and equitable system. Coordinated entry impacts the following entities in the following ways:

Benefits to Service Providers

Avoids inappropriate or ineligible referrals, ensuring projects receive only eligible and prioritized clients.
Reduces time spent managing waitlists, tracking down clients, or seeking out unavailable resources.
Fosters collaboration among service providers, strengthening the pool of resources available to meet shared goals.

Benefits to Communities

Results in fewer failed referrals and improved outcomes by providing the right assistance at the right time.
Helps resolve crises before individuals become homeless, avoiding personal trauma and reducing system costs.
Supports community planning by identifying service gaps, needs, and strengths across the system.
Reduces inefficiencies, lowers overall costs, and minimizes recidivism in the homelessness response system.

Benefits to Clients

Clients make fewer calls, complete fewer screenings, and don’t have to retell their story repeatedly.
Ensures fair and equal access to housing and services, regardless of background or entry point.
Accelerates connection to permanent housing by matching needs with available resources more quickly.
Reduces bias in decision-making through standardized assessment tools and processes.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in participating in the Coordinated Entry process or attending our monthly case conferencing calls, please click the button below. A trained specialist will provide you with information and connect you with the appropriate resources.

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