Iowa balance of state coordinated services network

The Iowa Balance of State Coordinated Services Network utilizes a computerized record keeping system that captures information about people experiencing homelessness. This system is administered by the Institute for Community Alliances. 

The Coordinated Entry system creates an unduplicated count of the homeless population, provides aggregate information to assist in the development of policies to end homelessness, and allows partner programs to share information electronically about client needs (with their consent) including service needs, to better coordinate services.

Client information can only be shared between agencies that have completed an Inter-Agency Data Sharing Agreement to be apart of the Coordinated Entry Sharing Group and have received written consent from the client agreeing to share their personal information with another agency.

The agency receiving the written consent can “share” that client’s information electronically through the system with a collaborating agency.

This process can benefit clients by eliminating duplicate intakes. Intake and exit interviews can be shared, with written consent, between collaborating agencies.

Partner agencies, often referred to as Access Points, complete Coordinated Entry Intakes with clients to connect them to the system. These agencies are the first step for clients seeking services.

If you are interested in becoming an access point for your region, please complete our request form.

The Iowa Coordinated Entry Team supports partnering agencies, regions, and community collaborators by providing presentations, trainings, and materials to promote Coordinated Entry and educate communities on how the system can work to eliminate homelessness locally.

For presentation, training, or material requests, please contact our Coordinated Entry Team or the Coordinated Entry Manager, Cassandra Kramer.