Our methodology
Common Ladder is a civic resource platform that maps homelessness services, publishes evidence on what works, and builds tools for the people who navigate this system — whether as individuals seeking help, case managers coordinating care, or officials setting policy.
This page explains how we source and verify resource listings, how we classify evidence in our knowledge base, and what we don't do. We're committed to being transparent about the limits of our data and explicit when something is unverified.
1. How we source resource listings
Our resource directory is built from public sources: provider websites, HUD's homeless assistance database, 211 service directories, state and county agency records, and direct outreach to nonprofits and CoC leads.
Every listing includes a "Verified" date that reflects the last time we confirmed that the information is current and accurate. This means at minimum:
- The organization is still operating at the listed address
- The phone number and contact information are functional
- The services listed are currently offered
- Any eligibility criteria or intake requirements are up to date
Verification dates do not guarantee that intake hours, availability, or capacity are current on any given day — conditions at shelters and service programs change frequently. When in doubt, call ahead.
2. Confidence tiers for navigator data
Not all listings carry the same level of verified confidence. We use three tiers:
| Tier | What it means | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Research | Compiled from public sources. Not phone-verified or confirmed in person. | Information is likely accurate but should be confirmed before relying on it for a client referral. |
| Verified | Phone-confirmed within the past 6 months. A team member or volunteer spoke with staff and confirmed services are active. | Suitable for direct referral. Still check availability before sending a client. |
| Confirmed | In-person verified or direct partnership with the provider. We have an ongoing relationship and are notified of changes. | Highest confidence. Real-time updates where possible. |
All current listings in the Common Ladder directory are at the Research tier. We are actively upgrading listings to Verified and Confirmed status through phone outreach and partnership development. Listings will display their tier once we launch tiered badges publicly.
3. Evidence standards
In our evidence hub and knowledge base, we classify findings using two categories:
| Classification | Criteria |
|---|---|
| CANONICAL | Finding is supported by multiple peer-reviewed studies or a major systematic review (e.g., Cochrane, Campbell Collaboration, HUD-commissioned research). We cite primary sources directly and note the strength of the evidence base. |
| PROVISIONAL | Finding is supported by credible evidence but from a smaller body of research, single studies, or expert consensus without full peer review. We note what additional evidence would be needed to upgrade the classification. |
When we write "peer-reviewed" in this context, we mean reviewed by credentialed researchers in social work, public health, housing policy, or a related field — and published in a recognized academic or policy journal. We do not use the term to mean internally reviewed by our own team.
We always cite the primary source. Where we are summarizing or interpreting research, we say so explicitly. If a finding is contested in the literature, we note the disagreement.
4. What we don't do
Common Ladder does not accept payment for listings. Organizations cannot pay to appear in our directory, to appear higher in search results, or to receive a verified badge. Placement is determined by geographic relevance and service match only.
We do not run advertising. We do not have affiliate relationships with any listed service provider. We do not receive referral fees.
We do not collect personal information from people searching for resources. No account is required. Searches are not logged in any way that could identify an individual.
5. How to report errors
If you find incorrect information — a phone number that doesn't work, an organization that has closed, services that are no longer offered, or anything else that looks wrong — please tell us. Accurate data is the whole point.
You can reach us at our contact page or directly by email at corrections.commonladder@gmail.com. Include the listing name, what's incorrect, and what the correct information is if you know it. We aim to review corrections within two business days.