top of page

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

What is a Coordinated Entry Assessment?

The Coordinated Entry System (CES) is the process used across Eastern Pennsylvania to connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness with available housing programs and services. This system helps ensure that housing resources are distributed fairly, consistently, and based on the level of need rather than on a first-come, first-served basis.

What happens after I complete a Coordinated Entry assessment?

After you complete a Coordinated Entry assessment, information about your housing situation and needs is collected using a standardized assessment tool. This information helps determine eligibility for housing programs and prioritizes households with the greatest need.

Can I get rent assistance without a Coordinated Entry Assessment?

No. Our funding sources require that all households complete a Coordinated Entry Assessment before receiving housing or rent assistance. This process helps ensure that resources are distributed fairly and prioritized for those with the greatest need.

I completed the Coordinated Entry (CES) assessment.

Will I receive assistance now?

Completing a Coordinated Entry assessment does not guarantee housing. Housing programs have limited openings, and when funding becomes available, referrals are made to households with the highest level of need that best match the program.

Why did someone else receive rent help but I did not?

Housing and rent assistance programs have limited funding and specific eligibility requirements, and funding availability may change from day to day. Some programs also require a referral through the Coordinated Entry System after a housing assessment has been completed. Assistance is prioritized based on each household’s level of need and vulnerability. In some cases, another household may receive assistance first because they have more urgent housing needs or meet the requirements of a specific program. Because of these factors, two households may have different outcomes even if they both request assistance.

How to Complete a Coordinated Entry Assessment

If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless:

  • Call 211 anytime for information, referrals, and assistance.

  • Our offices provide Coordinated Entry intakes. Call our front desk at (570) 644-6575 ext 0 to ensure staff availability.

  • 211 can help connect you to the nearest Coordinated Entry access point or other housing resources.

If you need housing assistance at any time, please call 211 to get started or to learn about available resources in your area.

Housing & Homelessness Support
Services & Programs

CSO offers a variety of services designed to help individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness connect with resources, stabilize their housing, and build long-term stability.

Basic Needs Supplies

Supplies such as hygiene items, blankets, and canned food are available to walk-ins.  

Coordinated Entry (CES) Assessments

Individuals experiencing homelessness can complete a Coordinated Entry assessment in person. This process helps identify housing needs and connect households with available housing programs and community resources.  

Case Management Programs

  • Street Outreach Case Management: CSO’s Street Outreach team works directly with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Northumberland, Columbia, and Montour counties. Outreach staff help connect individuals to basic supplies, community resources, and housing services, including Coordinated Entry assessments. 

  • Rapid Rehousing Case Management: Rapid Rehousing supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Northumberland, Columbia, and Montour counties by helping them move into stable housing as quickly as possible. When funding is available and program guidelines are met, CSO may provide rental assistance. Participants must commit to case management for a minimum of one year to work toward long-term housing stability and independence. 

  • Homelessness Prevention Case Management: For households at risk of losing their housing within 14 days in Northumberland, Montour, or Columbia counties, CSO may be able to provide rent assistance when funding is available and program guidelines are met. Individuals receiving assistance are required to participate in case management for a minimum of one year to help build stability and work toward long-term independence. 

  • HOME-ARP Housing Support: HOME-ARP (Home Investment Partnerships Program – American Rescue Plan) provides housing assistance and supportive services for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or are at high risk of homelessness. When funding is available, eligible households in Northumberland, Columbia, and Montour counties may receive assistance to help secure or maintain stable housing. Participants must meet program eligibility requirements and commit to working with a CSO case manager to support long-term housing stability and independence. 
     

Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc.

Need assistance? Give us a call and we'll be happy to assist you!

Call Us

(570) 644‑6575 ext. 0

 

Shamokin — 2 E. Arch St., Shamokin, PA 17872

​

Sunbury — 217 N. Center St., Sunbury, PA 17801

​

Bloomsburg — 160 W. 6th St., Bloomsburg, PA 18715

​

For emergency services outside office hours, call 211.

CSO-Logo-Update-3a.png
CAP logo.png
CAAP Main Blue PA Transparent.png

© 2025 Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

​

This publication was financed in part by a CSBG Grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

​

Workforce development programs are made possible through the support of the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation, the leader and active partner in workforce development efforts. 

​

Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation recognized by the IRS as exempt from income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc. may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. The official registration and financial information of Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

​

This website is supported by Grant Number C00081868 from the Office of Community Services withinthe Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, contral, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, tchenical infrastructure, and policies, and any services of tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Community Services. 

bottom of page