What We Do

The Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County is the lead agency for the Suburban Cook County Continuum of Care (CoC)

The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is a national initiative from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to end homelessness and provide individuals with the housing and services needed for long-term stability.

Every CoC represents a specific geographic area within the U.S. and has a designated lead agency.

As the lead agency for the Suburban Cook County CoC, the Alliance is responsible for implementing the following strategies to end homelessness. Additional information about the role of the Suburban Cook County CoC can be found in the CoC Governance Charter >>

Coordinated Entry Coordinated Entry (CE)

A community-wide system to connect people experiencing homelessness and housing instability with the resources they need. This includes individuals who are currently homeless either in shelter or outside, individuals who are recently homeless and are enrolled in housing programs, and individuals who are at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness.

 HMIS Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

A data collection system designed to gather information about individual and regional service needs to improve access to housing and services and facilitate coordination of care for individuals experiencing homelessness.

 HUD Continuum of Care HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Funding

An annual HUD funding competition coordinated by the Alliance to secure approximately $24 million in federal funding for about 45 housing programs for people experiencing homelessness in suburban Cook County.