Coordinated Entry
What is Coordinated Entry?
The Coordinated Entry (CE) process is a collaborative approach designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessments, prioritization, and, if eligible, referrals to housing in the most efficient way possible. It is the first step for an individual to get into housing.
It involves a standardized assessment, used by all partners of The Way Home, to determine available housing and/or income intervention. The assessment can be accessed through engagement with a homeless service provider of The Way Home; criteria may be different by location. It is important to note, neither housing nor services are guaranteed.
If you are in need of assistance, please use the button to access our Help Card.
The Way Home employs a ‘no wrong door’ approach to CE to ensure comprehensive geographic coverage across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties of Texas. Individuals and families seeking assistance can access information and services through multiple pathways.
Through a network of dozens of partners, offering services at physical locations as well as online and by phone. Additionally, robust outreach teams actively canvass the region, ensuring that even the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach unsheltered populations are connected to essential services.
Accessibility is key. Access points are designed to be inclusive and accessible, accommodating individuals with disabilities and providing language support to meet the needs of diverse communities.
Become a Coordinated Entry Partner
Organizations interested in becoming an access point can do so by meeting CE participation requirements and coordinating with The Way Home leadership to ensure alignment with system goals and accessibility standards.
Email ce@cfthhouston.org if you are an interested organization or have any questions regarding CE.
CE System Access Workflow
Coordinated Entry Documents
Verification of Homelessness
Homelessness verification can be obtained through either direct observation of an individual in a situation that meets HUD’s definition of literal homelessness or documented evidence from a professional interaction, such as a hospital visit, clinic appointment, or law enforcement contact.
Verification of Disability
This form verifies that the applicant identified has a disability consistent with determining eligibility for a HUD CoC Permanent Supportive Housing Program. Professionals must be licensed to treat the disability that they are verifying.
Grievance Policy
The purpose of this policy is to establish a fair and transparent process for addressing grievances from participants in Coordinated Access/Entry and Services/Housing programs. This policy ensures that participants can make complaints without fear of retaliation or interference from staff members.
Coordinated Entry Participating Agencies
- AFC Youth
- Allies In Hope
- Avenue 360 Health & Wellness
- Baker Ripley
- Bread of Life
- Career and Recovery Resources
- CFTH (Coalition for the Homeless)
- City of Houston HCDD
- Covenant House
- CyFair Helping Hands
- H.O.P.E. Haven
- Harmony House
- Harris Center
- Harris County Protective Services
- Harris County Public Health
- Harris Health System
- Healthcare for the Homeless
- Hope Center Houston
- Hope Impacts
- Houston Police Department Mental Health Division
- Houston Recovery Center
- Houston reVision
- Magnificat Houses
- Memorial Hermann
- Mission of Yahweh
- Montrose Center
- Montrose Grace Place
- Open Door Mission
- SEARCH Homeless Services
- Spring Branch Community Health Center
- Star of Hope
- The Beacon
- The Harris Center
- The Montrose Center
- The Salvation Army
- TLC Health & Wellness
- Tony's Place
- US VETS
- UT Health Homes
- Veterans Affairs
- Volunteers of America
- Wesley House Houston
- YWCA Houston
Last updated: April 2025
