Referral, Access and Data (RAD) manages the Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) resources within the Coordinated Entry System (CES). RAD ensures that DMH PSH housing resources (subsidies) are utilized by eligible individuals in a timely and effective manner.
RAD works closely with the CES Matching Team of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to ensure that DMH clients experiencing homelessness are prioritized and elevated for appropriate housing opportunities that match their qualifications.
In addition, RAD provides ongoing support to DMH housing case managers and housing specialists through case consultations, training, and technical assistance to strengthen housing stability and service delivery.
Housing Subsidies Supported by RAD
The two main housing subsidies RAD supports are Tenant-Based and Project-Based.
Primary Differences Summarized
| Feature | Tenant-Based | Project-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Subsidy | Portable, attached to tenant | Attached to specific unit |
| Flexibility | Higher, tenant chooses unit | Lower, unit is pre-selected |
| Portability | Tenant can use subsidy to move to a different unit after a period of time | May be lost if tenant moves |
| Support | Lower, tenant needs to seek support independently | Higher, wraparound services available on site |
| Example | Continuum of Care (CoC), Section 8, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) | Project-Based Voucher (PBV) |
Coordinated Entry System (CES)
In 2010, Los Angeles began developing the Coordinated Entry System (CES) to organize providers’ efforts, create a real-time list of individuals experiencing homelessness, and efficiently match people to housing resources and services that best fit their needs.
CES today operates across three systems serving Adults, Families with Children, and Youth throughout eight SPAs. People are added to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and then referred to resources across the County based on eligibility and prioritization.
Resources & Policies
- CES PSH Prioritization Policy
- LA HMIS Policies and Procedures
- HMIS Knowledge Base
- HMIS Privacy Notice
CES Surveys
- CES Survey for Individuals Packet
- CES Survey for Families (VI-F-SPDAT)
- CES Survey for Youth (Next Step Tool)
- LA HAT Tool
- LA HAT Training
Additional Trainings
Forms
Intranet Resources (Internal Use Only)
- Service Area Housing Leads (intranet)
- (Intranet) For DMH programs not in HMIS, please contact your Service Area Housing Lead to submit a referral sheet.
- Contacts (intranet PDF)
- Case Consultation – Use the online form to request individual assistance with housing-related cases. The RAD team will contact you within 1–2 business days to assist with problem-solving. Request your consultation here.
- Training – Submit a request for training using the online form. The RAD team will schedule and lead trainings on CES, match readiness, and related topics. Request training for you and your team here.