Coordinated Entry, a partnership between Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI) and Partners Ending Homelessness (PEH), formed the Assessment Tool Review Committee in 2023 to review studies highlighting the inequities and biases of the VI-SPDAT tool. Our community began using the VI-SPDAT assessment tool in 2017 to prioritize households for Rapid Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing, and Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative services. The committee created the new Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) and this more equitable tool will replace the VI-SPDAT in June 2025.
In addition to the HAT, several updates will be implemented within the Coordinated Entry system, including mandatory in-person training for anyone entering households onto the prioritization list, with ongoing training updates every six months.
We are asking all providers, starting with Directors and Supervisors and front-line interviewing staff, to attend a special meeting to introduce the new Homelessness Assessment Tool (HAT) and review its implementation plan. There are 2 options for meeting times for all groups, and you should’ve already received your invitation. Please only accept one.
If you are unable to attend the May 6th or May 14th meeting, there will be additional training sessions sent out in the following days that will include training for frontline case managers, homeless services providers, and other provider agencies aligned with homelessness. Please let us know if you would like to be added to those invites.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Kim Martin
Homeless Services Manager
Coordinated Care Services, Inc
Tree Clemonds
Executive Director
Partners Ending Homelessness