RI Coordinated Entry System (CES)
Are you currently homeless or facing homelessness?
Your first step should always be to contact the Coordinated Entry System.
Chat with CES
Low on minutes, unable to call or having difficulty accessing a phone?
Use the chat feature below to speak with the Help Center to address your housing needs.
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M – F: 9AM – 7PM
Holidays & Weekends: 2PM – 7PM
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Call CES
Current languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese.
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Note: If you're on hold, don't hang up without submitting yourself to the "Callback Queue."
After choosing your language, press "2" at any time and we'll call you back.
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​401-277-4316
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M – F: 9AM – 7PM
Holidays & Weekends: 2PM – 7PM
What is CES?
A "CES" (Coordinated Entry System) is a nationwide process designed to provide equitable access to housing and support services for individuals facing a housing crisis, ensuring they are:
1. rapidly identified
2. assessed based on their needs
3. connected to appropriate assistance in a timely manner.
In Rhode Island, this system applies to anyone currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within the next two weeks, aiming to streamline the homeless assistance process, minimize new entries into homelessness, and improve data quality through a data-driven approach.
Who will help me?
The CES Help Center is staffed with dedicated agents who are able to service clients in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Our team is committed to customer satisfaction, ensuring that each client feels valued and their concerns have been addressed.
How does the process work?
Help Center agents conduct assessments and work to connect clients with eligible resources such as shelter or permanent supportive housing programs. Clients should note that neither the connection to resources nor entry into shelter or housing programs are guaranteed.
CES Partners
In 2018, The Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness and Crossroads Rhode Island run the Coordinated Entry System (CES) which is funded by the Continuum of Care, the Consolidated Homeless Fund, and the Emergency Solutions Grants. The Coalition manages the CES and permanent housing placement process while Crossroads RI manages CES’s diversion assistance.
The CES center has expanded its availability to 365 days a year.