What is SORCe?
The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre, or SORCe, is a location where people can access programs and services that address their current situation. SORCe provides information; offers an initial assessment to determine a person’s need; provides counseling as required; facilitates referrals to a range of programs and services tailored to individual circumstances, and can transport individuals to agencies when appropriate.
What is CAA?
Coordinated Access and Assessment (CAA) is a single access point for people experiencing homelessness to connect with housing programs and other system referrals. It is a system‑wide approach designed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable first by triaging. It strengthens the homeless‑serving system by:
- Helping people move through the system faster by reducing the number of programs they must contact before finding the right fit.
- Consistently offering prevention and diversion resources up front, reducing new entries into homelessness.
- Improving data collection and accuracy to better understand what types of assistance people need.
What is the Coordinated Entry Tool (CET)?
The CET (Coordinated Entry Tool) is a CAA triaging tool used to identify a participant’s needs in a consistent, standardized, and methodical way across the System of Care. The CET helps prioritize participant needs to determine which program is best suited to their circumstances. The process ensures fairness and equity in placements, focusing on serving those with the longest history of homelessness and those experiencing other vulnerability factors.
For more information on the CET, please see the HMIS section under Forms & Assessments.
What are Placement Committees?
Placement Committees review completed CET assessments to support triaging into Recovery Oriented Supportive Housing (ROSH) programs. These committees are made up of CHF‑funded agencies and System Partners, forming a Collaborative Service Delivery Group. Committees for Youth, Families, and Adults meet weekly to match participantparticipants based on program availability, chronicity and vulnerability factors, best fit, and participant choice.
How long will it take to get housing after completing a CET and Housing Plan?
Completing the CET with the CAA Team at SORCe or a CAA door agency guarantees that the participant will be entered into placement consideration. It does not guarantee housing or placement in a program.
CAA does not operate a traditional “waitlist.” Instead, participants are matched based on their needs and the availability of services.
Participants referred to programs are applying to a housing and case management program, not just a housing unit. Participation in case management is required; participants will meet with a case worker regularly to work toward their identified goals.
What is a door agency?
Some agencies act as door agencies into CAA. These agencies have Housing Strategists trained in completing the CET, building Housing Plans, and providing prevention and diversion strategies. These Housing Strategists operate as part of the broader CAA team and serve as access points to the Homeless‑Serving System of Care (HSSC) throughout Calgary.
How is participant information protected?
Participant information is protected in accordance with FOIP (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy). CAA adheres to these principles in all verbal, hardcopy, and electronic information handling. Participant information will not be shared with any individual or organization unless required by legal subpoena or with the participant’s explicit consent through a signed Release of Information.
