The Coordinated Entry system emerged amid strong support to transition from ‘first come – first served’ to a ‘needs-based’ service access approach. Now, individuals and families experiencing homelessness or potential homelessness, and organizations providing housing or diversion services, connect with each other in a systematic and efficient manner.
In most cases, access to emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing requires a referral via IMPACT 2-1-1. IMPACT 2-1-1’s Community Resource Specialists conduct a housing crisis assessment and then prioritize placements based on most critical need. The Community Resource Specialists’ role is to offer referrals to other programs and resources that may help alleviate or end the client’s housing crisis. Due to very limited resources within Milwaukee County’s emergency shelter system, not everyone will be granted a shelter bed or service from a permanent supportive housing program. Accordingly, the CoC has codified policies and procedures for assessment, referral and prioritization within a Coordinated Entry Manual in order to direct a standard process of identifying the most vulnerable people of all who contact 2-1-1, and shorten the length of time to access services the most vulnerable critically need.
Currently, the following agencies are utilizing the Coordinated Entry System, operated by IMPACT 2-1-1: Cathedral Center, Guest House of Milwaukee, Hope House, Milwaukee Women’s Center, Pathfinders, Salvation Army Emergency Lodge, Walkers Point Youth and Family Center, Milwaukee County Housing Division, Mercy Housing Lakefront, and Outreach Community Health Centers.
Coordinated Entry is available 24/7 by dialing 2-1-1 / local 414-773-0211 / toll-free 1-866-211-3380. Coordinated Entry can also be accessed by texting your zip code: TXT-211{898-211} Mon- Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m., chatting online: https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/ , visiting Repairers of the Breach at 1335 W. Vliet St. Monday – Friday from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, or visiting St. Ben’s at 930 W. State St. Monday – Friday from 1:00 – 3:30 PM
Coordinated Entry Training Materials:
2021 Coordinated Entry Training Powerpoints:
Coordinated Entry Policies and Procedures in Effect:
The CoC Board of Directors voted to approve an updated Milwaukee CoC Coordinated Entry Manual effective September 19th, 2019.
The manual includes the following items:
Purpose and Background of Coordinated Entry
Key IMPACT Job Descriptions
Participating Staff Agreement
Coordinated Entry, Access, Assessment, and Prioritization Policy
Prevention and Diversion Policy
Non-Discrimination Policy
Grievance Policy and Procedure
Street Outreach Policy
ServicePoint Data Entry, Usage, and Reporting
Release of Information
Housing First
Domestic Violence
Youth Initiative Policy
Safe Haven Policy
Rapid Re-Housing Policy
Coordinated Entry Policy and Procedure
Assessment Policy
Coordinated Entry Intake Information
Homeless History Tracking Form
Self Certification of Homelessness Form
Permanent Supportive Housing Application