How to Start a Franklin County Homelessness Assessment
Use Big Bend coordinated entry when someone is homeless, doubled up, living in a vehicle, or facing immediate housing loss.
Start here
Dial 211 or call 877-211-7005 and ask for the current Franklin County Big Bend coordinated-entry access point and a housing-needs assessment. Ask separately about immediate shelter, food, outreach, and after-hours options. Assessment does not guarantee immediate shelter or housing.
Free, confidential, and available 24/7; outside the dialing area call 877-211-7005
Confirm the Franklin County Continuum of CareWhat to have ready
- Franklin County address and a safe callback number
- A one-sentence description of the need and what changed
- Any notice, application, denial, bill, or deadline involved
- Language, mobility, communication, and accommodation needs
Words you can use
“I am currently [outside, in a vehicle, temporarily staying with others, facing eviction, or another situation] in Franklin County. My household is [describe]. Where is the current coordinated-entry assessment point, and what immediate shelter route applies?”
Steps in order
- 1
Call or use the official intake route and lead with the immediate need.
- 2
Ask what eligibility, documents, assessment, and current funding or capacity apply.
- 3
Record the staff name, reference number, next action, and follow-up date.
- 4
Use the listed backup route if the program is closed, full, or not the correct door.
If the first answer is no or wait
Availability, funding, eligibility, and wait times can change. Ask for the reason in writing when possible, preserve every deadline, and dial 211 or call Franklin County at 850-653-8861 to locate another current route.
Official sources
Sources checked August 10, 2026. Confirm eligibility, hours, cost, service area, and current availability directly.
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