The primary goals for Coordinated Entry systems are that assistance be allocated as effectively as possible and that it be easily accessible no matter where or how people present. Most communities lack the resources needed to meet all of the needs of people experiencing homelessness. This combined with the lack of well-developed CE systems can result in severe hardships for people experiencing homelessness. They often face long waiting times to receive assistance or are screened out of needed assistance. Coordinated Entry systems help communities prioritize assistance based on vulnerability and severity of service needs to ensure that people who need assistance the most can receive it in a timely manner. Coordinated Entry systems also provide information about service needs and gaps to help communities plan their assistance and identify needed resources.
The Ohio Balance of State Continuum of Care is charged with standardizing Coordinated Entry systems across regions according to the priorities and particular needs of communities. These Coordinated Entry Systems Standards are intended to clarify and provide guidance around Coordinated Entry. As systems and accompanying documents are developed, COHHIO staff and the Coordinated Entry Collaborative are committed to offering training and technical assistance as needed and determined.