HomeFirst to operate the Sonoma County Continuum of Care’s Coordinated Entry System

The Coordinated Entry System in Sonoma County has changed operators from Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa to HomeFirst, a nonprofit agency based in Santa Clara County. The change in operators was approved by the local Continuum of Care Board and took effect on April 1.

The Sonoma County Coordinated Entry System is a housing-focused referral service for individuals experiencing homelessness and provides services to a wide range of individuals. Coordinated Entry is a system required under federal law and is managed region-by-region in various ways. Sonoma County community members who lack fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime housing are eligible for shelter, housing, and case management through Coordinated Entry. Case management can assist with locating the necessary resources as needed including rapid re-housing or locating permanent supportive housing. 

Despite the change in operators, the Coordinated Entry phone number will remain the same at 1-866-542-5480. The call-in line’s purpose is to provide information. It is not a place where individuals will be assessed and enrolled in the system. To receive assessments and access services, individuals should go to a community access point hosted by many of the Continuum of Care’s community-based partners.

At these community access points, eligible individuals and families experiencing homelessness are provided with housing opportunities and resources throughout the county. A full list of access points can be found on the Community Development Commission, Homeless Division page. 

As the transition takes place, there may be some disruptions in service. The County appreciates the community’s patience in this regard. Coordinated Entry is not a method for accessing emergency shelter, nor is it intended to be an immediate crisis response system. For information on emergency shelters, do not use Coordinated Entry. Instead, please visit the Emergency Shelter Information on the Sonoma County Community Development Commission webpage. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, Coordinated Entry can provide you with a way to secure supportive housing when it is available. The attached flyer has more information on how to access Coordinated Entry.

The system provides assistance to adults, families (households with a child under age 18) and young adults (age 18-24). Each of the programs has been tailored for people experiencing homelessness. Not all programs will be available for each age group or only accessible for specific groups, such as those who identify as U.S. Armed Forces Veterans.

For more information call the Coordinated Entry number or visit sonomacounty.ca.gov

Contact Information:

Michael Gause, Ending Homelessness Program Manager 
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org 
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 791-8140