How to Start a Madison County Homelessness Assessment
Use Big Bend routing 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 Madison County homelessness and coordinated-entry access point. Big Bend Continuum of Care currently says new intake assessments are temporarily paused, so ask 211 for the active alternate route plus immediate shelter, food, outreach, and after-hours options. Assessment does not guarantee immediate shelter or housing.
Free and available 24/7; outside the Big Bend area call 877-211-7005
Check current Big Bend access and shelter routesWhat to have ready
- Madison 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 Madison County. My household is [describe]. Where is the current assessment or alternate access 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 Madison County at 850-973-3179 to locate another current route.
Official sources
Sources checked August 9, 2026. Confirm eligibility, hours, cost, service area, and current availability directly.
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