What can HMIS do for my agency?
ICA and the HMIS Governing Board are committed to maximizing the usefulness of HMIS to all stakeholders. For example, if custom data collection and reporting is needed to meet a new grant requirement, we can set that up in HMIS!
There are several resources and processes in place to help make your idea happen:
- Regional System Administrators. Each of Minnesota's Continuums of Care is supported by its own assigned Regional System Administrator (RSA). While other system administrators may assist stakeholders within a CoC through channels like the FSHP liaison initiative and the MN HMIS Helpdesk, an RSA has the best understanding of the unique nature of their CoC. Through their participation in user groups, CoC meetings, and other work, RSA develop relationships with stakeholders and deep insight of the homeless service programs in a region.
- Federal and State Homeless Programs (FSHP) liaisons. HMIS system administrators specialize in one or more funding sources so that they can offer accurate and timely support for agencies receiving a particular type of funding and for the federal or state office that issues that funding.
- Helpdesk. The MN HMIS Helpdesk is generally your best starting point for any question or request related to HMIS. Our Helpdesk team can point you to existing resources, put you in touch with the appropriate staff person, or explain next steps. We route your Helpdesk request to the appropriate team member and will respond within 1 business day.
- Custom report requests. If existing reports don’t provide the data you need in the format you need it, you can submit a custom report request. Be prepared to provide a mockup of what you need – if you get stuck with that, contact the Helpdesk!
- Special Projects. Depending on the size and complexity of your request, ICA may route it through the project process created in partnership with the HMIS Governing Board. If so, ICA staff will generate a project proposal in partnership with you that will be routed through the review process.
What’s the catch? There is no additional cost to you for completing these sorts of requests, but your patience is required! It can take about 2-10 weeks to simply process a project proposal, and upwards of several months to complete the work. If our timelines don’t align, we can always explore potential compromises. If you have an HMIS need, please let us know right away!