Milwaukee CoC - Coordinated Entry Training for Emergency Shelter Referrals

Coordinated Entry (CE) Referrals for Emergency Shelter – Provider Guide

This training covers the new automated process for referring individuals to the Emergency Shelter Queue through Milwaukee CoC Coordinated Entry. The process streamlines referrals, prevents individuals from being missed, and ensures shelter access is prioritized for those with the highest vulnerability.

Please click here for the video guide

Overview

The Emergency Shelter Queue serves as an additional referral pathway and does not replace shelter calls. Shelter calls continue to reserve space for community access, while the queue ensures individuals who cannot attend a shelter call, particularly those identified through street outreach, receive consideration for shelter. Prioritization focuses on people staying outside, in vehicles, or in warming spaces.

Accessing the Shelter Assessment

Staff work under Milwaukee CoC Coordinated Entry in HMIS to access the Milwaukee CE Shelter Assessment. A Coordinated Entry program enrollment is not required; staff complete the assessment to begin the referral process.

Completing the Assessment

Before starting, staff verify client demographic and contact information. The assessment collects:

Current living situation (outside, vehicle, shelter, etc.)
Household type (single or family; questions display based on household composition)
Pet information (for shelter matching only; not part of prioritization)
Safety and accessibility needs (e.g., ability to access a bunk)
History of abuse, assault, or domestic violence (with follow-up questions as needed)

Submitting a Shelter Referral

Once the assessment is complete, staff:

Save the assessment
Select Refer to Emergency Shelter Queue
Add notes if needed
Submit the referral

The client is then added to the Emergency Shelter Queue.

Verification & Documentation

For clients identified through street outreach, staff:

Ensure accurate contact information with only one active record
Document verified unsheltered homelessness in a case note when the client is staying outside
Complete verification for prioritization based on unsheltered status

Clients are removed from the shelter queue once they enter shelter.