101 HMIS Guide for Users

What is HMIS?

Minnesota’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a web-based database used by over 220 homeless service organizations across the state to collect client-level data on households experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Click here for more information about HMIS.

Who is responsible for the operation of HMIS?

The Institute for Community Alliances (ICA) is Minnesota’s HMIS Lead Agency and is responsible for managing its day-to-day operations in Minnesota. Other partners are responsible for maintaining the HMIS software and for providing strategic direction and decision-making in support of Minnesota's HMIS. Click here to learn more about the different stakeholders involved in operating HMIS and their roles.

How does an agency or project get setup in HMIS?

If an agency is new to HMIS or is already in the system and needs to be updated, click here for more information.

How do HMIS user licenses work?

License purchases, license transfers, license deactivations... if your agency is gaining or losing an HMIS user, or if you have questions about how license renewal works, click here for more information.

What data privacy concerns should I be aware of?

Click here for more information about the responsibility each agency and user bears when entering and accessing HMIS data.

How can I make HMIS work for me?

ICA and the HMIS Governing Board are committed to maximizing the usefulness of HMIS to all stakeholders. Click here for more information about making HMIS work better for your needs.

Why does data quality matter?

In addition to being required by funders to enter accurate and complete information into HMIS, agencies can secure benefits for themselves and others by ensuring that the data recorded in HMIS is of a high quality. Click here to learn more about why it matters to have good data quality.

What do I need to know about mandated federal projects?

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that all homeless service agencies in the country participate annually in a series of projects. These projects seek to leverage the data collected by agencies to increase our understanding of who is experiencing homelessness in the United States and what interventions are most effective at ensuring instances of homelessness are rare, brief, and non-recurring. Click here to see an overview of mandated federal projects.

How can I make the most of my HMIS data?

Collecting, inputting, and cleaning HMIS data takes time. Why not make the most of that effort and use HMIS data for more than just required funder reporting? Using HMIS data to evaluate program performance is a great way to do just that! Click here for more information.

Where do I go if I have a question about HMIS?

The Institute for Community Alliances (ICA) maintains a variety of resources to help agencies and users effectively utilize HMIS. Click here to find out what resources are available.

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