CAHP seeks to implement a “no-wrong door” approach to the system. In service of that, a wide
range of agencies participate in CAHP processes. However, there is a minimum standard that
agencies must meet to join the system. The CAHP team reviews interested agencies’ applications and determines if they meet the eligibility criteria. Upon approval, agencies are required to complete HMIS
requirements and complete a CAHP orientation.
Criteria
All Agencies (non-Domestic Violence Service Providers)
All agencies, regardless of service population or funding source, must fulfill all of the following
criteria:
- Commits to abiding by the obligations and requirements of the District of Columbia HMIS Policies and Procedures
- From Section 2.1:
- Complete and adhere to agency agreement, business associate agreements, and qualified service organization agreements
- Meet the minimum technology requirements and provide adequate general tech support to staff
- Have at least one staff member dedicated to the HMIS Agency Administrator role to provide oversight for data entry and quality as well as at least one other staff member who is eligible to become an HMIS user
- From Section 2.1:
- Has at least one staff member to act as CAHP liaison – serving as main point of contact for referral and matching processes (can be the same person as the Agency Administrator or any other HMIS user at the agency)
Single Adult, Youth, and Veteran Agencies
Agencies with contracts for providing services to persons experiencing or formerly experiencing
homelessness in Washington, DC (e.g., contracts through TCP, DHS, VA, HHS, DOL, HUD) that
include requirements to participate in HMIS are approved to participate in the CAHP system.
For all others, agencies must fulfill all of the following criteria
- The program provides case management and/or referral support to additional services such as behavioral health, housing, and employment
- Serve at least 20 participants per month experiencing literl homelessness (HUD
- definition found at https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/coc-esg-virtual-binders/coc-esg-homeless-eligibility/four-categories/category-1/
Family Agencies
Due to the structure of the family homeless services system, no external CoC providers will be approved to be Family CAHP participating agencies. That is, only family providers contracted by TCP, DHS, or HUD will be approved to be CAHP participating agencies based on the requirements in their contracts.
Domestic Violence (DV) Victim Service Providers
Domestic Violence Victim Service Providers are not included in the guidelines and criteria detailed in this document. Such providers will continue to coordinate housing services through the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Review and Approval Process
Requests to join can be made via email to cahp@community-partnership.org.
When the request comes through, the CAHP Administrators will schedule an inquiry call with the agency and the HMIS System Administrator. During the call, the HMIS and CAHP Administrators will discuss the agency’s services, staffing, and target populations, as well as their readiness to participate in both systems. The CAHP Administrators and HMIS System Administrator will make the final determination based on all information gathered. If the agency is not satisfied with the response, TCP CAHP team should review with the Chief of Policy and Programs for additional communication as necessary.
Agencies or programs not approved to be CAHP participating will be provided information about all relevant resources available for referring participants, Veterans, and households at risk or experiencing homelessness, including but not limited to:
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
- Low Barrier Shelter Locations
- Outreach Points of Contact
- Map and Resource List of CAHP Participating Agencies
- ICH information and resources.
If approved agencies or programs do not successfully complete orientation and all relevant requirements, such as identifying CAHP liaisons, they will be denied and will not move forward with orientation at the discretion of the CAHP Administrators and/or HMIS System Administrator.
Resources
Quarterly Training Slide Deck and recording link
CAHP Manual
Trainings website link?
