The Coordinated Access in HIFIS Guide provides HIFIS Leads and Community Entities (CEs) across Canada with information on how HIFIS can be used to support Coordinated Access. Because HIFIS is highly customizable, there are many options for how this can be done. This guide offers suggestions for system configuration, based on best practices. It also gives suggestions for using the customizable features in HIFIS to support more tailored activities. Communities are encouraged to review the features and configuration options described in this guide and move forward with those that work best for them in their local context.

The guide begins with an explanation of Coordinated Access and a chapter on the implementation and configuration of HIFIS. It then follows the Coordinated Access process from access to vacancy matching and referral. Each of these chapters is followed by an example of a fictional client’s path to securing housing through Coordinated Access. These examples demonstrate how HIFIS can be used in each part of the process. Each chapter is also followed by a table of important Coordinated Access functions, and their corresponding HIFIS modules and features.  The guide concludes with an explanation of how certain customizable features can be used to support Coordinated Access, and how HIFIS can be used for the Outcomes-Based Approach under Reaching Home.