Home for Good Santa Barbara County Homeless Services

Join our campaign to ensure longterm solutions to homelessness.

"Coordinated entry is an important process through which people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness can access the crisis response system in a streamlined way, have their strengths and needs quickly assessed, and quickly connect to appropriate, tailored housing and mainstream services within the community or designated region. Standardized assessment tools and practices used within local coordinated assessment processes take into account the unique needs of children and their families as well as youth. When possible, the assessment provides the ability for households to gain access to the best options to address their needs, incorporating participants’ choice, rather than being evaluated for a single program within the system. The most intensive interventions are prioritized for those with the highest needs." Coordinated Entry Core Elements, HUD.  

What does Home For Good Santa Barbara County Coordinated Entry do?

The Resource Connect Santa Barbara County Coordinated Entry System connects individuals and families currently experiencing homelessness with housing and supportive service programs throughout Santa Barbara County.

How can I get started?

Click on the Regional Entry Point page for locations, days and times or call the Hotline for more information (805-450-3558). 

How can I be referred to the Home For Good Santa Barbara County Coordianted Entry System?

Contact, or have a person who knows you and your homeless history (i.e. a case manager, your pastor, your primary care doctor, etc.) contact Resource Connect Santa Barbara County.

Who is eligible to be referred to Home For Good Santa Barbara County Coordinated Entry System?

Individuals and families who sleep in a place not meant for human habitation (including on the street), in shelter, or in a transitional housing program, or who are fleeing domestic/dating violence or human trafficking, are all eligible.

Is it the same process if I start in any city in the County of Santa Barbara?

Yes. The same assessment decision making approach is used at all access points, and all access points must be usable by all people who may be experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. 

Do I have a choice in where I want to live in the County?

Participants’ choices in Coordinated Entry process decisions, such as location and type of housing, level and type of services, and other program characteristics, shall be accommodated to the fullest extent possible given overriding health and safety concerns and compliance with outstanding legal requirements.

I have gone through the interview process.  Am I guaranteed housing?

No. Unfortunately, there is not sufficient housing for all applicants that will seek placement.  However, Resource Connect Santa Barbara County will do its best to connect all participants with housing and supportive services according to their needs.

I have been referred to a housing program in the past. Can I check my status?

Yes. Please contact Resource Connect Santa Barbara County to check on your status.

Who Is Required To Participate In The Coordinated Entry System?

Currently CoC or Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funded Housing and Rapid Re-Housing Programs are required to participate. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has also issued a memo with guidance about participation in CES. We are working with other providers named in the Open HMIS Release of Information. ​See the “Who May Attend the CES Case Conferencing in Santa Barbara County?” Section for information about this.

Who May Administer the VI-SPDAT in Santa Barbara County?

Designated staff from agencies named in the ROI who have been trained by OrgCode, Community Technology Alliance or the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way. Your agency will also sign an MOU with the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way. If you have questions about your status please contact emily@liveunitedsbc.org.

Who May Administer the Family VI-SPDAT in Santa Barbara County?

Designated staff from agencies named in the ROI who have received the required training for the VI-SPDAT and CoC approved trauma informed interview training. Your agency will also sign an MOU with the CES Lead Agency (Northern Santa Barbara County United Way). If you have questions about your status please contact emily@liveunitedsbc.org.

Who May Attend the CES Case Conference in Santa Barbara County?

Designated staff from agencies named in the ROI who have an Open HMIS User Agreement with the County of Santa Barbara. Attendees will also sign a confidentiality agreement (linked below) and always sign into the meeting. If you have questions about the Open HMIS MOU contact kalbers@co.santa-barbara.ca.us.

What Forms Do I Use When Administering the VI-SPDAT or Family VI-SPDAT?

The VI-SPDAT or Family VI-SPDAT, HMIS Release of Information (ROI), Standard Adult Intake, and a Housing Preference Form. You should also have discrimination complaint forms available.

What Forms Do I Give After Administering the VI-SPDAT or Family VI-SPDAT?

Be sure to give people the evaluation form and contact sheet.

What Do Physical Points Of Entry Do?

Entry points will screen, assess and refer individuals and families to appropriate housing and services. Regional Entry Points are open at designated days and times and will post Fair Housing Notices. ​

When is CES Case Conferencing in Santa Barbara County?

The 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30pm and be available in person for all regions via multi-point video conferencing thanks to a partnership with Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness.

SOUTH

Santa Barbara Childrens Services Conference Room # 119 429 N San Antonio Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93110

MID

Children’s Mental Health Services New Harbor Room # 164 401 East Ocean Avenue Lompoc, CA 93436

NORTH

Adult Mental Health Services Annex (the trailer not the large room) 500 West Foster Road Santa Maria, CA 93455

What Happens Before A Match Is Made?

Regional Entry Point staff works with sheltered clients and Home For Good and other outreach partners work with unsheltered client to complete the Document Ready Checklist.

What is In The Document Ready File?

Use the document ready checklist to collect proof of identification and income and other verifications such as chronic homeless verification and a verification of disability.

Once A Match Is Made What Happens?

After a match is made the Housing Locator Form is used to document attempts to find the client.