Mission Statement:

The Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System addresses homelessness in the Annapolis Valley and surrounding areas at a client-focused, systems level. We do this by collaborating with community partners including those with lived/living experience to simplify access to services for people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless so they are connected with the appropriate services.

Vision Statement:

The Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System (AVCAS) envisions a community where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Why do we use this system:

Coordinated Access was developed to meet the evolving needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and those who are at risk of homelessness. It is our intention to include lived experience with homelessness to build a system people can trust. We strive to break down silos in the homeless sector and foster collaboration and communication across agencies, departments and organizations.

*Please note the Portal is password protected.

When should I access the Coordinated Access System?

You should reach out to services if you live in West Hants, Kings, Annapolis or Digby County and…

• You are living rough (i.e. in a vehicle, outside, without heat or running water)
• Or you are at imminent risk of eviction and experiencing barriers related to
  • mental illness
  • addictions
  • recent incarceration
• Or you have been given an eviction notice and are preparing to live rough

Coordinated Access staff have been busily triaging and prioritizing individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. We believe that the system only works if it is as transparent as possible, within the limits of our work. That said, please keep in mind…

• We do not provide housing – Housing Support Workers rely on Provincial Housing and private sector rentals. They cannot house you if there is no housing available.
• Coordinated Access is not a guarantee of services, as services are allocated based on availability and assessed needs of individuals seeking services. You may be added to a waitlist.
• Coordinated Access does not provide funds to clients or individuals seeking help. Through the Coordinated Access system, a client may be connected to a housing support worker. Housing support workers have access to an eviction prevention fund based on identified needs.  This money is generally used to pay off rental arrears directly to a landlord.
• Coordinated Access is not an emergency service. In an emergency, depending on the situation, an individual should:
  • call 911
  • call 988 to access the suicide crisis hotline
  • call their local police department
  • call the mental health crisis line (Anywhere in NS: 1-888-429-8167 or HRM: 1-888-429-8167)
  • call local shelter lines and ask if a bed is available

Pillars of a Coordinated Access System include: 

How do individuals move through the system?

Image by Shauna Brousseau, CMHA NS

Step 1 – Entry to the Coordinated Access System 

AVCAS is working diligently to set up access points across the Annapolis Valley, from West Hants County to Digby County, inclusive. In the interim, there are informal access points where you can seek help by asking for support.

You can add your name to the By Name List one of the following ways:

1. By phone at 1-902-517-2403
2. By email at [email protected]
3. By accessing a formal access point (see below)
4. By accessing an informal access point (see below)

Informal and Formal Access Points:  

Formal Access Points have a physical space where you can meet with a worker who will add your name to the By Name List if you are eligible for longer term supports. They are community agencies that make up the core of the Coordinated Access System. At Informal Access Points, you will need to ask a worker to add your name to the By Name List by contacting an access point with you.

Step 2 – Intake | Immediate needs assessment  

You will meet with a support worker and be asked to complete a registration form with them (called the By Name registration form). At this time the worker will also connect you with services to meet any immediate needs not being addressed including access to food, clothing and other basic human needs.  

The registration will include questions about the following: 

• Your current housing situation and if you have received an eviction notice 
• Your name (and any nicknames)
• Your date of birth 

• Your phone number / email address
• Your income [NOTE: We do not require any documentation about income at this point]  
• Other service providers you may be connected with [e.g.: food bank, tenancy board, shelter services, etc.] 

Please Note: All information is voluntary. 

Step 3 – Detailed Assessment  (if applicable)

Some information about the assessment:

Coordinated Access currently uses the Vulnerability Assessment (VAT) as it’s common assessment tool.

Do I have to do this assessment?

• The Vulnerability Assessment Tool (VAT) is completely voluntary, so if you choose not to participate in the assessment, you may still be eligible for housing support.
• Not everyone will require an assessment. Only individuals 18 and above who are currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness are eligible to have the assessment done. Please tell your intake worker if you have already completed an assessment within the past year.

How do I know if an assessment has been booked for me?

• An email will be sent to your inbox from [email protected] with the information on this page along with the time/date and location of your appointment.
• You are asked to please confirm your appointment by responding to the email, however, the spot will be held for you even if you do not confirm. It is important that you cancel by calling (782)232-2695 if you know you will not be able to attend.

Where do I go if I choose to complete the VAT? How long is it?

• The assessment will be with Alison Coldwell (AVCAS Manager) or with Shauna Brousseau, the AVCAS Assessment Specialist at 10 Webster St (Kentville Center Square)
• If trained to do so, your housing support worker may also be able to complete the assessment with you. Please ask them for this option if you would feel more comfortable having them complete this with you.
• The assessment takes about 45 minutes to complete, depending on how many sections are relevant to your experience.

What is the assessment like? How will it be used?

• During the assessment I will ask many questions about your barriers to housing, and some information surrounding your needs and experiences. These questions can be very personal, but we ask you to please be honest.
• There are questions related to substance use, mental health and other factors as well to help us get a better understanding of how to best connect you with services.
• The VAT is used to case conference with other service providers so we can pool our resources to try to help house you in an appropriate place or program. The consent form you sign features the agencies who sometimes attend these meetings. 
• The VAT will be used to prioritize individuals into programs and housing across all parts of the housing continuum, as programs and housing are built.
• The VAT may also be used to help identify gaps in services in your area.

Can I bring someone?

• If you have a trusted service provider you would like to bring along, they are more than welcome to come.
• We ask that you not bring family/friends. Some questions are very personal and you may not want to talk openly in front of family/friends.

** With your permission, the results of the Vulnerability Assessment are entered into a central database. **  

Step 4 – Connection to Services 

The support worker will match and connect you with services to address your needs and help you meet your goals.  

Step 5 – Follow up  

For more information about Coordinated Access, contact Alison Coldwell at [email protected]

The Coordinated Access Program is generously supported by the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia  https://www.ahans.ca/