Kings-Tulare Smart Referral Network Alliance Meeting | May 21, 2026
Community partners from across Kings and Tulare Counties gathered on May 21, 2026, for the latest Kings-Tulare Smart Referral Network (SRN) Alliance Meeting. The virtual convening focused on county updates, a featured presentation on coordinated entry and HMIS, and a review of the SRN Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Together, partners discussed system alignment, data accuracy, and opportunities to strengthen coordinated care across the region.
SRN Updates from Kings and Tulare Counties
The meeting opened with updates from both counties, highlighting continued growth and ongoing onboarding efforts.
Tulare County Update
Fedieson Landicho, Director of Data and Digital Strategy for United Way of Tulare County, shared that Tulare County recently secured a new signed MOU with the Tulare Joint Union High School District. Onboarding is expected in the coming weeks, with the goal of supporting students and families through coordinated referrals and services.
Kings County Update
Maria Valdez, SRN Coordinator for Kings United Way, reported continued system expansion in Kings County. Since the last meeting, two additional agencies have been onboarded, along with seven new users actively sending and responding to referrals within the network.
Partners were also reminded of the importance of maintaining accurate 211 resource data, as those records directly inform referrals within the SRN. Agencies were encouraged to review and update their listings to ensure clients receive the most current and accurate information.
Featured Presentation: Coordinated Entry and HMIS
The featured presentation was led by Lucia Orozco, who provided an overview of the Coordinated Entry System and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), key components of the region’s housing and service coordination efforts.
Coordinated entry was described as a centralized approach to connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness to housing and supportive services based on need and vulnerability. The system uses standardized assessments to prioritize those most in need and manage referrals efficiently across agencies.
HMIS serves as the data backbone of this process, allowing participating agencies to track client information over time, coordinate services, and reduce duplication. The system stores client-level data and supports decisions related to housing placement, program eligibility, and long-term outcomes.
The presentation also highlighted:
The role of the housing priority list in matching individuals to available housing
Documentation requirements for housing programs
The importance of preparing clients with necessary documentation to streamline referrals
Participants also discussed potential future alignment between SRN and HMIS, including opportunities to improve visibility into whether a client is enrolled in coordinated entry across systems.
Strengthening Collaboration Through Case Conferencing
Discussion also highlighted existing coordination spaces, including case management roundtables and service coordination meetings across both counties. These meetings provide opportunities for providers to review housing priorities, discuss client needs, and collaboratively identify solutions.
Partners noted that these forums can play a critical role in addressing complex cases, allowing agencies to connect directly and leverage shared resources to overcome barriers to housing and services.
MOU Review: Roles, Responsibilities, and Data Sharing
The second half of the meeting focused on a detailed review of the SRN Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reinforcing shared expectations for participation in the network.
Key highlights included:
The SRN collects limited client information to support referrals, with safeguards around privacy and consent
Client consent is required prior to submitting referrals and can be collected electronically, on paper, or verbally with documentation
Partners are expected to actively use the system, respond to referrals, and maintain accurate service data
Agencies must ensure staff are trained and follow confidentiality and data-sharing requirements
The MOU also outlines United Way’s responsibilities in maintaining the platform, providing training, and supporting partners, while clarifying that agencies are responsible for their own service delivery and data handling practices.
Overall, the review emphasized that the MOU establishes a shared framework for accountability, privacy, and collaboration, ensuring referrals lead to meaningful outcomes for clients.
Looking Ahead
The May SRN Alliance Meeting reinforced the importance of aligning systems, maintaining accurate data, and strengthening collaboration across agencies. From onboarding new partners to improving coordination with housing systems, organizations continue to build a more connected and responsive referral network.
To improve accessibility and participation, future Kings-Tulare SRN Alliance Meetings will shift to a new time while remaining on the third Thursday of each month. Partners will also be able to access meeting recordings if they are unable to attend live.
As the network continues to grow, partners remain committed to improving care coordination and ensuring individuals and families receive timely, connected support across the region.
