How Coordinated Entry works in Hennepin County

Start with the county's current access route

Open Hennepin County's Coordinated Entry page and follow its Housing Help Tool link. The county says the tool provides assessment information for qualifying households and alternative resources for others.

Use that maintained county page when sharing the route with someone else. Access points can change, and an older flyer or phone number may no longer be the right starting place.

If you cannot use the online tool or need immediate resource information, Minnesota 211 can help identify local options. Say which language you prefer and describe the type of help you need.

Who the county says is eligible

Hennepin lists age 16 or older, a connection to the county, income at or below 30% of Area Median Income for household size, and a qualifying current housing situation. These include staying in a shelter, outside or in a vehicle, or fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence.

For a family assessment, the county also lists custody of a child under 18 for at least 51% of the time. Confirm the complete criteria on the county page. The agency, not ApexRise, decides which pathway applies.

If you are still housed and worried about losing it, ask about emergency short-term help and homelessness prevention. You do not need to wait until you lose your home to ask about those separate resources.

What to expect from an assessment

Housing Benefits 101 describes an assessment as a review of your situation, support needs and housing urgency. It helps the local system identify which participating programs might fit.

Before the appointment, ask how it will happen, whether interpretation can be arranged and what information to have ready. There is no need to guess what the assessor requires. Keep a short list of questions that matter to you.

Ask how your information will be used, what permission is being requested and whom to contact afterward. If a question is unclear, ask the worker to explain it before answering.

Our document preparation guide is a planning aid. It is not a universal list of requirements for a Coordinated Entry assessment or a later housing application.

How housing matching works

Hennepin says prioritization considers vulnerability, service needs and the length of homelessness. This is not a simple first-come queue. Participating programs may include rapid rehousing, transitional housing and Permanent Supportive Housing.

An assessment does not create an opening. Ask the assessor how to update your contact information and situation, how often to check in and whether other housing applications could be useful. Not every housing program participates in Coordinated Entry.

HB101's statewide overview explains that access and eligibility differ by region. If you live elsewhere in Minnesota, use its local access-point information rather than assuming Hennepin's rules apply.

Practical steps while you wait

Choose a safe contact method and tell your worker if it changes. If you want someone else contacted, ask how to record that permission. A trusted contact should understand what they may share and with whom.

Ask separately about Housing Support, benefits, shelter or other help that may fit your circumstances. Keep applications and appointments organized; an assessment is not an application for every benefit.

If your earlier support ended with HSS, this guide explains the closure and other routes. A referral partner can help distinguish a housing assessment from a benefits application or a support-service inquiry.

ApexRise's role

ApexRise is not a Coordinated Entry access point and cannot put someone on the county's list or change their priority. Contact the county's designated route for assessment.

Our housing support overview explains the navigation and tenancy-support work that can be discussed separately. Availability and funding need confirmation before services begin.

Questions people ask

How do I start Coordinated Entry in Hennepin County?

Start on Hennepin County's Coordinated Entry webpage and follow its Housing Help Tool. The county uses it to direct households to assessment information or other housing resources.

Does an assessment guarantee housing?

No. An assessment helps identify needs and possible matches. Housing depends on program eligibility and available openings.

Is the list first come, first served?

No. Hennepin County says prioritization considers vulnerability, service needs and length of homelessness.

What should I do if my phone number changes?

Contact your assessor or access point to update it. Ask how to keep your information current and how often to check in.

What if I need interpretation?

Tell the access point your preferred language when arranging the assessment and ask how interpretation will be provided. Confirm those arrangements before the appointment.

Can ApexRise do my county assessment?

No. ApexRise is not a Coordinated Entry access point. Use the county's current referral route for an assessment.