Cowlitz County funds Phoenix House case management and extends coordinated-entry contracts with local providers

Cowlitz County Health and Human Services (HHS) presented several homelessness- and housing-related contracts and the Board of County Commissioners approved the agreements at the Feb. 18 meeting.

HHS Director Gina James explained Item 11: a one-year professional services contract with Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington (also referenced as Longview Housing Authority) to provide case management at the Phoenix House, a transitional program for people completing inpatient substance-use treatment. The contract is not to exceed $133,250 and is funded primarily by a Washington State Department of Commerce grant. HHS said the contract pays for case management services that help residents develop self-sufficiency plans, stay connected to treatment, pursue employment or schooling, and reunify families when appropriate. Staff said this is the second year Housing Opportunities has managed case management for Phoenix House and that the authority will present a program update to the board in March.

Items 13–15 were contracts for coordinated entry services. HHS described coordinated entry as a common screening and intake system used by several local agencies so people experiencing homelessness can be assessed, added to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and considered for housing referrals when openings occur. The board approved coordinated-entry contracts with Community House on Broadway, Emergency Support Shelter and Cowlitz Family Health Center. Staff said the coordinated entry providers receive reimbursement and submit quarterly reports; the services are primarily funded with a Department of Commerce grant.

In discussion, commissioners and members of the public asked how many people use coordinated entry, what proportion receive housing referrals, and how the system handles behavioral-health and outreach to people living outdoors. Gina James reported that about 1,000–1,200 people make initial contact with coordinated entry annually, that roughly 800 of those complete more in-depth screening, and that about 10% of screened people receive housing referrals in a given year (roughly 80 referrals based on 800 screened). She also said coordinated entry is primarily a screening and referral process rather than a direct subsidy program. Staff noted some projects providing housing require a coordinated-entry referral in order to access limited openings.

Commissioners and members of the public raised broader questions about centralizing intake, professional qualifications of screeners and how to reach people who are unsheltered and mobile. HHS said screening staff must complete required trainings before working directly with clients and that some partner agencies (Cowlitz Family Health Center, Community House) offer behavioral-health services that can be used for referrals. The board approved the Phoenix House case-management contract and the three coordinated-entry contracts; HHS will manage contract execution and reporting requirements.