The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program was developed by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1994 to coordinate the distribution of several competitive homeless assistance programs. The CoC process was established to promote coordination within communities and between programs and bring together coalitions of stakeholders comprised of public agencies, faith-based and business communities, and service providers.

The passing of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and later the the HEARTH Act (Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing), called for local systems of care that integrate housing, services, and resources to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Our CoC brings together service providers, advocates, and stakeholders to ensure that everyone in our community has access to safe, stable, and supportive housing.

Structure of the RICoC

RIHousing serves as the designated lead agency for the RICoC, overseeing the annual funding competition, compliance processes, and system planning and policy oversight. It also serves as the Collaborative Applicant, preparing the annual application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and coordinating with the Steering Committee to establish procedures for funding competitions.

Steering Committee: This governing body is comprises representatives from various sectors, including state agencies, community organizations, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness. The committee is responsible for guiding policies, procedures, and strategic planning efforts.​

Key Components

• Coordinated Entry System (CES): RICoC has implemented a Statewide Coordinated Entry System to streamline access to housing and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This system ensures consistent assessment and referral processes across the state
• Homeless Management Information System (HMIS): The RICoC utilizes HMIS to collect and manage data on homelessness services, enabling effective monitoring and evaluation of programs. The Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless serves as the HMIS Lead Agency, managing user licensing, training, data analytics, technical assistance, and compliance.
• Funding and Resource Allocation: Through its structured processes, RICoC allocates federal and state funds to various programs aimed at preventing and ending homelessness, including permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and transitional housing initiatives.

The RICoC Governance Structure

We would like to add an image (org chart) of the RICoC’s governance structure.

The RICoC’s structure is as follows:

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Board of Directors
The RICoC Board provides strategic oversight, votes on policy and funding decisions, and ensures compliance with HUD requirements. It includes members elected from the broader RICoC membership and oversees the work of committees.

Committees
Standing committees include Governance, Data & Performance, Coordinated Entry, Equity, Project Review, Membership, and others. Each handles a specific function such as compliance, project scoring, data management, and system equity.

Membership
Membership is open to professionals, stakeholders, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness. Members vote on governance, elect Board members, and are expected to attend quarterly meetings.

Membership (benefits of joining membership and how to join membership)

Membership in the RICoC is available to representatives of organizations and agencies within Rhode Island and individuals who are interested in the well-being of people at risk of homelessness, those who are homeless and those who formerly were homeless. Members enjoy benefits such as ONE, TWO, and THREE.

RICoC Committees – Click here to view the Calendar.

• Include RICoC Committee Descriptions (to be created by Rosa and Sarah).

RICoC Board of Directors (Link)

The RICoC Board consists of 17 RICoC members, who act on behalf of the RICoC to fulfill responsibilities of the program as designated by HUD.

Governance Charter

This RI Continuum of Care Governance Charter (“Charter”) identifies the goals, purpose, composition, responsibilities and governance structure of the Rhode Island Statewide Continuum of Care.

Opening Doors Statewide Plan to End Homelessness

Effective 2012
This RI Continuum of Care Governance Charter (“Charter”) identifies the goals, purpose, composition, responsibilities and governance structure of the Rhode Island Statewide Continuum of Care.

Coordinated Community Plan to End Youth Homelessness and Executive Summary

The Coordinated Community Plan (CCP) outlines goals and activities to eradicate youth and young adult homelessness in Rhode Island.

RICoC Board and Membership Meeting Minutes

Minutes for Board and Membership Meetings.

HMIS Policies and Procedures

This document provides the policy guidelines and standards that govern HMIS operations, as executed by the HMIS Lead Agency and also describes the responsibilities of Participating Agencies and users.

Statewide Coordinated Entry Procedure

The RICOC has designed the Statewide Coordinated Entry System described in this manual to coordinate and strengthen access to housing problem solving, shelter, and housing services for  households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness throughout the state of Rhode Island.

Regionalization Policy

Recommended strategies to address regional access and referral needs within the RICoC’s statewide implementation of the Coordinated Entry System

DCYF Temporary CES Amendment for Hotel Families

An extension of the temporary amendment to the Coordinated Entry Policies and Procedures was proposed by the CES Implementation Committee.