CARES Coordinated Assessment Referral & Evaluation System

CARES is a centralized response system for preventing and ending homelessness by providing a simple and efficient process for individuals and families seeking housing or services. This is a collaborative effort of area service providers shortening time in shelter and finding long term solutions to homelessness. Through evaluation, CARES provides entry into appropriate services for individual needs

. A benefit of this coordinated effort is better data collection, which is a key part of finding solutions in ending homelessness. CARES: Coordinated Assessment Referral and Evaluation System CARES is a collaborative initiative designed to create a more effective and efficient homeless response system and assure compliance with HUD mandates. CARES is designed to enhance the quality of client screening, assessment, and tracking, in order to more effectively link to and prioritize homeless resources. As a result, the system for preventing and ending homelessness is less fragmented, more strategic, and scares resources are used more efficiently. CARES is a collaboration of the North Dakota Continuum of Care, West Central Minnesota Continuum of Care, Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons and the White Earth Nation.