RI Coordinated Entry System (CES)
Are you currently homeless or facing homelessness?
Your first step should always be to contact the Coordinated Entry System.
Call CES
401-277-4316
M – F: 9AM – 7PM
Holidays & Weekends: 2PM – 7PM
Current languages: English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
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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 when an agent is available.
WHAT IS THE COORDINATED ENTRY SYSTEM?
Coordinated entry is a nationally recognized process developed to ensure that all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access and are quickly identified, assessed for, referred, and connected to housing and assistance based on their strengths and needs.
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Coordinated Entry is a data-driven system that is widely accepted as a best practice in homeless assistance services to achieve three goals:
1. Helping households move through the homeless system faster.
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2. Reducing new entries into homelessness.
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3. Improving data collection and quality.​
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The Coordinated Entry System is run through the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness—learn more about our work by visiting our website rihomeless.org
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WHO WILL ANSWER THE PHONE WHEN I CALL?
The CES Help Center has over 15 trained employees who speak four languages and are available to take your call. Callers will speak with real people who are based in the United States (most are Rhode Islanders, but some live out of state). Our team is dedicated and committed to helping callers navigate the system in whatever language they are most comfortable. Currently, we have team members that speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese with plans to expand as needed.
Help Center Agents also place out-bound calls to contact clients that they were previously unable to assist, and provide assessments.
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WHO IS COORDINATED ENTRY FOR?
The Coordinated Entry System serves all Rhode Islanders who are currently experiencing homelessness or who anticipate becoming homeless within the next 14 days (2 weeks).
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Help Center agents are able to conduct an assessment over the phone and refer callers to eligible resources including diversion assistance and shelter immediately. Shelter is not guaranteed due to capacity limits (Rhode Island is not a right to shelter state).
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WHAT ORGANIZATION RUNS CES?
CES in Rhode Island is funded by the Consolidated Homeless Fund, the Continuum of Care, and the Emergency Solutions Grants. In 2018 the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness, in partnership with Crossroads RI, created the R.I. Coordinated Entry System.
The Coalition runs the CES call center and permanent housing placement process. Crossroads RI manages the diversion assistance piece of Coordinated Entry.
The CES call center has expanded its availability to 365 days a year and proudly supports four languages.