Housing and Homeless Services

Coordinated Entry

Connecting People Experiencing Homelessness to Housing and Services

Coordinated Entry is a centralized, community-wide system used across the Northern Nevada Continuum of Care (CoC) to respond to homelessness in Washoe County. It provides individuals and families experiencing homelessness with a consistent way to access housing resources and supportive services while ensuring that housing resources are distributed fairly and prioritized for those with the greatest needs. Multiple local partner agencies participate in the process, creating several entry points for individuals to access assistance. Northern Nevada also uses a “No Wrong Door” approach, meaning individuals can complete an assessment through any participating agency.

A key part of Coordinated Entry is the Community Housing Assessment Tool (CHAT). CHAT is a standardized housing assessment that utilizes the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), a database widely used by service providers across the Northern Nevada CoC. Using HMIS as part of the assessment process, CHAT helps generate a prioritized Community Housing List (also called the Community Queue) to match individuals with available housing programs funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Community Housing List, along with adherence to HUD and local Coordinated Entry policies, helps ensure fair and equal access to housing programs funded through the Continuum of Care.

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How Coordinated Entry Works

Step 1: Meet with a Case Worker or Outreach Worker

Individuals experiencing homelessness meet with a trained staff member at one of several participating community agencies.

Step 2: Complete the CHAT Assessment

CHAT is used to understand an individual or family’s housing needs and determine the urgency of their situation.

Step 3: Placement on the Community Housing List

If eligible, individuals are added to a prioritized Community Housing List. People with greater housing needs are placed higher on the list.

Step 4: Referral to Housing Opportunities

As housing becomes available, individuals may be referred to housing programs based on their priority level, eligibility, and program openings.

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Why the CHAT Assessment Is Important

The Community Housing Assessment Tool helps ensure housing resources are distributed fairly and reach those with the greatest need.

The CHAT assessment:

• Evaluates a person’s current housing situation and needs

• Assigns a score based on urgency and vulnerability

• Helps determine placement on the Community Housing List

• Connects individuals to housing programs funded by HUD

Most individuals complete a CHAT assessment at the Nevada Cares Campus, but several community partners can also provide assessments.

If you would like help scheduling an assessment or finding a location, contact:

Washoe County Housing and Homeless Services
Phone: (775) 325-8210

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Agencies Providing CHAT Assessments

Multiple local agencies assess clients using CHAT, creating several entry points for housing programs funded through the Northern Nevada Continuum of Care.

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Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada

Address: Resource Hub, 500 E 4th St., Reno, NV 89512

Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Phone: (775) 322-7073, Appointments can be scheduled in person or by phone.

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Eddy House (Youth 18–24)

Address: 888 Willow St., Reno, NV

Hours: Intakes Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Youth services available 24/7

Phone: (775) 384-1129, CHAT assessments are scheduled during intake.

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Nevada Cares Campus Emergency Shelter

Address: 1800 Threlkel St., Reno, NV 89512

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed Sunday

Phone: (775) 329-4141, Drop-in assessments available.

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Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (NNAMHS)

Address: By appointment only

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Phone: (775) 688-2001

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Northern Nevada Veterans Administration (VA)

Address: 350 Capitol Hill Avenue, Reno, NV 89502

Hours: Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Phone: (775) 324-6600, Drop-in assessments available.

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OUR Place Emergency Shelter

Address: 605 S 21st St., Sparks, NV 89431

Hours: Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed Sunday

Phone: (775) 327-7501

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Restart Homeless Services

Address: 1095 E Taylor St., Reno, NV 89502

Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Phone: (775) 324-2622, Drop-in assessments or appointments available.

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Safe Embrace

Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

24/7 Crisis Hotline: (775) 322-3466, CHAT assessments can be requested through the hotline.

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Steps to New Freedom

Hours: Monday–Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Wednesday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (775) 322-4003, Drop-in assessments available.

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Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equality (RISE) Street Outreach

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (775) 486-3041, Call to schedule an assessment.

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Washoe County Health District – Northern Nevada

Drop-in assessments available at two Psychiatric Urgent Facilities (PUF):

PUF 1: 830 Mill St., Suites 100–101, Reno, NV 89502

PUF 2: 155 W 2nd St., Reno, NV 89503

Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (775) 538-6700

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Additional Resources 

For additional resources including food, clothing, and other assistance, please view the community resource quick links page. 

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