What is CARS?
The Coordinated Assessment and Referral System (CARS) is part of a federal initiative called Coordinated Entry which aims to partner homeless individuals with services that are the best fit for their specific situation.
CARS uses a confidential questionnaire to determine needs. Information from this assessment is kept in a “Master List” and when a unit/bed becomes available, CHSP sorts through the list and selects those with the most need to be referred to that program opening.
Unfortunately, we are unable to tell you what your position on the referral list is or how long it will take before you are selected. Your position on the list is influenced by a variety of factors that may move your “position” up and down throughout a day. We will contact you as soon as you are selected for a referral.
Which Programs Receive Referrals from CARS?
- Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL) - YHDP
- Community Homeless Solutions - New Beginnings
- Community Human Services - Safe Passage
- County of San Benito - Health & Human Services - Helping Hands, ESG, HEAP, HSP
- Dorothy's Place - House of Peace
- Housing Resource Center of Monterey County - HEAP, HSP
- Interim, Inc - Sun Rose, Sandy Shores
- MidPen Housing - Moongate
- Nation’s Finest - SSVF
- Step Up on Second - Project Homekey
- Veterans Transition Center - Coming Home Program (GPD)
What You Should Know
Where to get Assessed
Community Human Services – Safe Passage
544 Pearl Street, Monterey
(831) 717-4126
Gathering for Women – Monterey
147 El Dorado Street, Monterey
(831) 241-6154
Nation’s Finest
40 Bonifacio Plaza, Monterey
(831) 375-1184
Community Homeless Solutions
3087 Wittenmyer Court, Marina
(831) 384-3388
Interim, Inc. – MCHOME
299B 12th Street, Marina
(831) 883-3030
Sun Street Center – Pueblo Del Mar
3043 MacArthur Drive, Marina
(831) 582-9461
Orphan Productions – Safe Parking Program
(831) 204-0230
Access Support Network (ASN)
340 Church Street, Salinas
(831) 975-5016
Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL)
318 Cayuga Street, Suite 208, Salinas
(831) 757-2968
CSUMB Chinatown Learning Center
22 Soledad Street, Salinas
(831) 770-1700
Door to Hope
130 W. Gabilan Street, Salinas
(831) 758-0181
Dorothy’s Place
30 Soledad Street, Salinas
(831) 757-3838
Housing Resource Center of Monterey County
201 John Street, Suite A, Salinas
(831) 424-9186
Turning Point of Central California
116 E. San Luis Street, Salinas
(831) 422-9171
Sun Street Center
11 Peach Drive, Salinas
(831) 753-5135
Victory Mission
43 Soledad Street, Salinas
(831) 424-5688
Whole Person Care (County of Monterey)
(831) 755- 4630
H.O.M.E. Resource Center
1161 San Felipe Road, Hollister
(831) 630-5120
Emmaus House
Confidential Location
(831) 636-7224
(877) 778-7978 (Hotline)
County of San Benito (Health & Human Services)
(831) 637-9293 x10
Housing Choices Coalition
349 Main St, Suite 207, Watsonville
(831) 722-3954
The Assessment
The assessment takes about 15 minutes to complete. The questions have primarily “yes” or “no” answers or can be answered in a few short words. You do not have to answer any questions that you are unwilling to answer, but a non-answer will only prolong your wait on the Master List.
If you choose not to complete the assessment, you are still eligible for referral to services that do not use CARS.
Updating Information
If you are selected for a referral but cannot be located or contact within three days, you will be removed from the Master List and we will have to pass your referral to the next person. Therefore, you must update us with your most current contact information.
If you are removed from the Master List, you can contact us to reinstate yourself. Before we reinstate you on the list, we will have to ensure that all of the information from your previous CARS assessment is accurate.
If your circumstances have changed, you can contact us for a new assessment. However, be aware that some changes may elevate your chances for referral while other changes may decrease them.
Client Choice
While we support your choices in regards to which location you prefer to live in, you should understand that resources in our community are limited while the need is great.
Unless there are extenuating circumstances, please note that denying two referrals will have a significant impact on how fast we can serve you. Extenuating circumstances are provable reasons why you cannot live in an offered location.
Already Assessed? What's Next?
Unfortunately, we are unable to tell you what your position on the referral list is. Your position on the list is influenced by a variety of factors and may move you up and down within a day. We will contact you as soon as an opportunity comes up.
Appeal Process
A referral to a program does not guarantee acceptance into the program. If you are denied from a program, there is an appeals process. To begin the appeal process you must request a hearing in writing which can be delivered through email, in person, or by mail. This request must take place within 10 days of the written notice of denial by the program.
CHSP will respond to your request within 10 days of receiving it. At the hearing, you will be allowed to provide written or oral objections to the decision and the agency will respond to you as well. If you fail to show up at the denial hearing, the denial will remain in place. The final decision will be made by the CoC coordinator or his/her representative.
Send your request to
Attn: CARS Coordinator, 1942 Fremont Boulevard, Seaside, CA 93955
Or
CARS@chsp.org