Coordinated Assessment and Referral System (CARS)

The Coordinated Assessment and Referral System (CARS), also known as the Coordinated Entry System (CES), is designed to match people experiencing homelessness to the community resources that are the best fit for their situation. Individuals and families experiencing homelessness can complete a standard triage assessment at any participating agency to be added to the centralized CARS waitlist. Once on the waitlist, they will be referred to the most appropriate types of intervention for their household. When participating programs do not have enough space to accept all clients matched with their program, people are prioritized for services based on need.

There is a long list of CARS participating agencies where individuals and families can access the system. This list include shelters, service centers, transitional housing programs, permanent housing programs, outreach programs, hospitals, jails, public services offices, faith-based organizations, and emergency/crisis support groups. By using a decentralized, “any door” model of access, people are not required to travel long distances seeking services at every agency individually, making a more equitable and accessible system. A full list of agencies where CARS can be accessed can be found in the section below.