Cares :: Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

About CARES Regional HMIS

The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a secure, computerized data collection system used to produce an unduplicated count of persons using homeless services. The system is used by multiple agencies to capture client-level information over time regarding the characteristics and service needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This information is then used for reporting, grant writing and community planning.

All recipients of HUD funds for homelessness and homelessnes prevention services are required to participate in the HMIS. This includes recipients of Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds, Supportive Housing Program (SHP), Shelter Plus Care (S+C), Section 8 Mod Rehab for SRO, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). In addition, HUD encourages participation of other federal programs that serve homeless persons. Participation of other organizations that do not receive HUD Continuum of Care funding is voluntary, but strongly encouraged in order to achieve an accurate picture of homeless services in the Capital Region.

CARES has served as the administrator of a regional HMIS in New York State since 2004, starting with a tri-county collaborative database and growing to encompass 18 Counties in 10 Continua of Care throughout New York State. In this role, CARES provides user training, support, reporting and help desk assistance, while procuring data for on-going analysis. If your agency or CoC is interested in partnering with CARES for HMIS services within NYS, please contact the System Administrator (information below) for more information and an on-line demonstration of our database.

Database Software

While the HMIS is a nationally mandated database, each participating agency or group of agencies may either build their own database or contract with a vendor. CARES Regional Database uses Foothold Technology's AWARDS software, chosen for their dedication to not-for-profit casemanagementsoftware services, an excellent product, great customer service and the security of their databasesoftware. This is an internet based system which users access with an assigned log-in and unique password. There is no data sharing in the CARES Regional HMIS, so each user has access only to the client data within the agency and program(s) needed to preform their duties. Security and privacy of all consumers in the HMIS is of paramount importance to CARES and participating agencies, driving towards ever evolving privacy and seciruty precautions within the database itself and the policies and procedures surrounding its use.

Training

CARES offers a variety of training and usergroup opportunities for our HMIS clients. These are listed under the CARES events calander . CARES provides trainings in person, both at our offices and on-site as well as web-based trainings, reviews and technical assistance.

If your agency or CoC has specific training needs, please contact our staff (contact information below). CARES can provide basic computer training as needed by your agency. Additional HMIS training is also available at any time to keep your agency's HMIS running smoothly and ensure the quality of your data and reporting.

Resources

HUD's HMIS Resource Page

HUD's Continuum of Care Resource Page

APR Resources (CoC + HPRP)

Newsletters

Dec 2010 HMIS Newsletter

2010 Annual CoC-HMIS Reports

Albany 2010 annual report

Clinton 2010 annual report

Columbia-Greene 2010 annual report

North Country 2010 annual report - Saratoga, Washington, Warren Counties

Points North 2010 annual report - Jefferson, Lewis, St Lawrence Counties