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An Inside Look at Coordinated Access Navigation
Operated by First Step Communities, the Coordinated Access Navigation (CAN) team works within Sacramento's Coordinated Access System (CAS) to help people experiencing homelessness navigate shelter opportunities and connect with community resources. Through individualized support, coordination with the 2-1-1 Housing Crisis Line, and collaboration with service providers, the team helps bridge the gap between referrals and access to services.
Greg Stupplebeen, CAN Team Program Manager and the subject of this month's Staff Spotlight below, shares how this coordination shapes the team's daily work.
The CAS is central to the daily work of our CAN team. For people experiencing homelessness, navigating available services and finding a path toward stable housing can be challenging. The CAS provides a coordinated framework that helps our team assess needs, connect clients with resources, and support them through that process. From crisis assessments and Housing Conversation Tools to field outreach, much of our work is connected through the CAS. Our dedicated staff engage with clients within 24 hours of receiving a referral through the 2-1-1 Housing Crisis Line, working to understand their immediate circumstances, identify their goals, and explore available services and housing options. This includes connecting clients with community agencies and identifying opportunities to resolve their housing crisis. Throughout these interactions, our team uses a trauma-informed, empathetic approach that recognizes each person's circumstances, preferences, and right to be treated with dignity and respect.
Another important part of our work is coordinating with 2-1-1 and other CAS partners to help clients access emergency shelter. Our team communicates regularly with 2-1-1 staff, advocates for clients' needs, and helps facilitate referrals and transitions into available shelter placements. Through the CAS, shelter referrals are coordinated based on eligibility, vulnerability, and available resources, helping prioritize households with the greatest needs.
Our navigators also recognize that entering shelter can be a significant adjustment, particularly for clients who may feel more comfortable in non-congregate settings, such as tiny homes, rather than traditional congregate shelters. We work with clients to understand these preferences, discuss available options, and support them in making informed decisions. When a placement becomes available, our team can help coordinate the transition and provide a warm handoff to shelter staff. While shelter availability remains limited, the coordination provided through the CAS helps reduce gaps in services, maintain communication across providers, and ensure clients remain connected to support as they work toward greater housing stability.
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