Coordinated Access

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Mission Statement: The Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System (AVCAS) addresses homelessness in the Annapolis Valley and surrounding areas at a client-focused, systems level.

We do this by collaborating with community stakeholders and those with lived experience to simplify access to services for people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless so they feel safe, supported, and heard.

Are you a Partner?

ENTER THE COORDINATED ACCESS PARTNER PORTAL HERE

*Please note the Portal is password protected.

What is Coordinated Access: Coordinated Access is a system that community agencies use to support people who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. Coordinated Access is not a program. 

A Coordinated Access system places the person in need at the center and provides support based on needs they identify. This is called a person-centered approach.  

The goal is to prioritize individuals by assessing their strengths, vulnerabilities and risk of becoming chronically homeless. This ensures that individuals with higher needs and priority populations are served first. 

Priority Populations include:  

• Indigenous 
• Black and people of color 
• Women and children 
• Seniors  

Defining features of this system include: 

• Coordinated Access is not an emergency service. [In an emergency, an individual should call either 911, their local police department, the mobile mental health crisis line, or local shelters depending on the situation.]  
• Coordinated Access is not a guarantee of services. Coordinated Access does streamline individuals into services based on their needs and program space and availability.  
• Coordinated Access does not provide funds. 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.  

Who can access the Coordinated Access System:  

The Coordinated Access system currently serves individuals and families in the Annapolis Valley who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. Individuals who enter the coordinated access system will not be turned away. The Coordinated Access system is meant to be an all-encompassing service that connects individuals to services whether they are in an emergency or not. 

Why do we use this system: Coordinated Access was developed to meet the growing and evolving needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and those who are at risk of homelessness. 

The individual benefits from this system because they are not left to navigate the growing list of resources by themselves, while the agencies have a forum to receive and deliver updates on their clients from other case managers related to their client. 

Service providers also benefit because they do not risk doubling services being accessed by the client elsewhere. 

Image Courtesy of Innfromthecold.org

Step 1 – Entry in the Coordinated Access System 

Individuals and families can call or visit any of the agencies listed below for more information on referrals, support, and services to help them find or keep their home.  

Access points:  

• The Portal Youth Outreach Association [ad contact  
• Open Arms Resource Centre  
• Kids Action Program 
• Hants County Family Resource Centre  
• Kentville Police Services  

Step 2 – Meet and Greet | Immediate needs assessment  

You will meet with a support worker and be asked to complete an Intake form with them. 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 intake form will include questions about the following: 

• Your current housing situation and if they have received an eviction notice 
• Your name 
• Your date of birth 

• Your phone number 
• Your income [NOTE: We do not require any documentation about income at this point]  
• Other services you may have accessed [e.g.: food bank, tenancy board, shelter services, etc.] 

Please Note: All information is voluntary. 

Step 3 – Detailed Assessment  

The support worker will meet with you to discuss and learn about your needs and wants, barriers and long-term goals. 

** With the client’s permission, those who are eligible are entered into a central database and prioritized for housing resources based on their assessment. Please note: this data will be kept confidential. **  

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 Employment and Social Development Canada