Homeless Management Information Systems

Implementing an HMIS in communities throughout the United States

The Homeless Management Information System is a community-wide information system for agencies providing housing and services to homeless people.

 

Many of these files require the Acrobat reader program.

See HUD Guidelines and background info on HMIS systems.

• HUD Report to Congress on HMIS  HUD's Strategy to obtain homeless data, as required by US Congress.
• HUD HMIS Cost Guidelines HUD commissioned a study which they believe lays out the costs a community would spend in implementing an HMIS.
• HUD Continuum of Care info: HUD has a guide to the requirements for a continuum of care and to how an HMIS should be used to support a continuum of care.

The McCormack Institute has been contracted by HUD to research HMIS systems.

• McCormack Institute Homeless Management Information System Implementation Guide
• McCormack Institute Homeless Management Information Systems: An In-depth Look   This is an evaluationb of some of the major software vendors.
• HMIS Consumer Guide: A review of available HMIS Solutions. (note that review of VESTA was done prior to current version)

The National Alliance to End Homelessness has also been deeply involved in promoting and developing policy on HMIS.

• Here's a paper they wrote on National Alliance to End Homelessness

  Using HMIS for Effective Planning to End Homelessness. Use their site to see other HMIS info.

Other communities doing HMIS projects

• National Human Service Data Consortium   This organiztion represents many of the organizations throughout the country who are trying to establish HMIS systems. On their site you will find a list of contacts for other communities.
• Coalition for Housing and Homelessness in Ohio. This organization is providing technical assistance and coordinating HMIS project for rural communities in Ohio ("balance of state")