Coordinated Entry
Accessing Homeless Services
If you are in need of homeless services, from emergency shelter to rent and deposit assistance, contact Coordinated Assessment by dialing 211 or 1.800.650.HELP.
You can also visit Greater Toledo 211 online at www.unitedwaytoledo.org/211.
Clients who show up to shelters will be assessed for immediate safety concerns and then put in touch with 211 for further assessment.
Most services and programs supported by TLCHB can be accessed through our Coordinated Assessment system. In partnership with the United Way of Greater Toledo’s 211 service, Coordinated Assessment works to match the most appropriate assistance to the individualized needs of each situation.
Coordinated Assessment
Types of Shelter
Emergency Shelter
What it is:
A short-term (1-90 days) place to stay
Provides basic needs: a bed, meals, and safety
What to expect:
Shared or group living spaces
Rules about curfew, check-in, and behavior
Limited length of stay
Staff support for basic needs and connections to services
An intake process that may take several hours -- plan accordingly
A reassessment every 30-60 days to make sure you're getting the right support
What it is NOT:
Permanent housing or a guarantee of housing supports
Private or guaranteed space long-term
A place where you can stay indefinitely
What it is:
A longer-term program (several months up to 1-2 years) to help you move toward stable housing
Includes support services and case management
What to expect:
Goal planning with a case manager
Requirements such as employment, saving money, or attending meetings
More structure than emergency shelter
An intake and eligibility process that can take days or weeks
What it is NOT:
Immediate or same-day housing
Permanent housing
A program you can enter without meeting eligibility requirements
Transitional Shelter / Transitional Housing
Situation-Based / Program-Based Shelter (Examples: youth shelter, domestic violence shelter)
What it is:
Shelter connected to a specific situation, population, or program
May include additional supports for the population
What to expect:
Rules and services vary by program
A referral, intake process, or eligibility screening is usually required
Staff support specific to your situation
What it is NOT:
Open to everyone without screening
Always available immediately
The same as emergency shelter -- services and timelines vary
Important Things to Know About All Shelter
You don't have to go to shelter to get housing help. Talk to a 211 navigator about all your options first.
Availability is limited and changes daily
You may need to call ahead, complete an intake, and be referred
Intake processes can take several hours ,bring what you need and plan for time
Shelters have rules to keep everyone safe
Staff are there to support you, but housing placement is not guaranteed
Shelter is one step toward stable housing, not the final solution
Ready to take the next step?
Call 211.
