Coordinated Access System (CAS)
Housing Forward ensures through the Coordinated Access System (CAS) that people experiencing homelessness are identified, assessed for their needs, referred to resources, and connected to housing.
Our CAS program allows our community to streamline and coordinate services from providers across Dallas and Collin Counties which helps our system work more efficiently for those who need it.
Flex Fund
Flex Fund pays for minor but impactful fees that can end a person’s homelessness. The Flex Fund is 100% dependent on donations.
Expenditures can include but are not limited to:
- Access to Critical Documents
- Security Deposits
- Pet Deposits
- Move-in Fees
- Basic Furniture
- Household Items
- Rental Arrears
- Utility Assistance
Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
A Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a local information technology system used to collect data from service providers serving individuals or households experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Housing Forward provides HMIS access, training and technical support to all partners serving our unhoused neighbors.
Landlord Engagement
Calling all Landlords and Property Owners! Housing Forward has a Landlord Incentive Program which is designed to make units available to rent to prescreened tenants, in eligible programs, by removing financial barriers. Housing Forward wants to work with you to secure units you have available for our unhoused neighbors. When you participate in the program you will receive the incentives listed below and be a part of the solution to ending homelessness in Dallas and Collin Counties.
Point-in-Time (PIT) Count
Once a year, along with communities across the country, we take a census of our unhoused neighbors. The Point-in-Time (PIT) count, a requirement under Federal Law, helps communities understand the extent of homelessness, changing trends, and the measure of their success.
Street to Home
Housing Forward works alongside the All Neighbors Coalition and municipalities in Dallas and Collin counties to resolve encampments in our communities. “Street to Home’ is our encampment response that is a relationship-led strategy facilitated by street outreach workers, who help our neighbors connect with permanent supportive housing, and supportive services, including intensive case management, to ensure a successful transition into housing.
Training and Learning Management System
Our team creates customized content to meet the training needs and requests of our homeless response system. Leveraging the technology of a learning management tool we can provide in-person, virtual, and on-demand training for direct care service providers.
R.E.A.L. Time Rehousing Initiative
The R.E.A.L. Time Rehousing Initiative began in October of 2021 and initially aimed to rehouse over 2,700 individuals experiencing homelessness. Due to unprecedented new resources and funding, the All Neighbors Coalition has expanded the original goal to house 6,000 individuals and families by 2025. Housing Forward is administering and leading the strategy for the R.E.A.L. Time Rehousing program. This initiative brings together public and private partners to significantly reduce homelessness across Dallas and Collin Counties. We are rehousing our most vulnerable neighbors experiencing homelessness with supportive services provided by case managers.
