03. Understanding Your Funder Programs
Overview
- The funding source for a program or project in HMIS is a way of organizing client data and determines what data is collected on client forms and assessments.
- Understanding the sources of funding your agency receives can give you better grasp of why certain HMIS data elements are collected, and how your funders will utilize the data your agency reports to them to continue funding efforts to end homelessness in Minnesota.
- More About This — Further important information is found in this section.
- Details — Specific details and/or step-by-step workflows will be described in this section.
- Video — Any relevant videos will be posted in this section.
More About This
Correctly understanding the funder programs that your agency receives will help you collect and report on the correct information from clients that is needed for a particular program. The correct data is necessary for reporting to funders and can influence whether funding for a program continues.
If you are unsure of which program funds the project for which you're entering data in HMIS, ask your supervisor or grant administrator!
For instance, the federal definition of homelessness is not the same as the Minnesota definition of homelessness. Knowing the difference between the definitions, and knowing what funder supports the project into which you are entering a client, can affect the responses to some prompts in the data collection forms and in Minnesota’s HMIS.
Similarly, a user entering data in Minnesota’s HMIS will follow a pre-determined workflow to collect data. If a client is entered into the wrong program, the workflow for the program could be drastically different than the one that collects the needed information. This can result in missing data, clients being excluded from reports, and loss of funding.
ICA has created a Reporting Calendar tool on our website (HERE) that shows which reports are required for homeless program submissions. It is organized by date and funder program. While the tool can be a helpful resource, your funder program liaison is always the best source to go to for reporting deadline information.
Details
If your agency receives funding for projects that require HMIS participation, it is your obligation as an HMIS user to become familiar with the details of your funder's requirements. Projects receiving funding from the following programs for homeless services may be required to participate in HMIS.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)
- Continuum of Care Program (CoC)
- Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG)
- Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
- Rural Housing Stability Assistance Program (RHSP)
- HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (VASH)
- Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
- Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
- Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHY)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)
MINNESOTA HOUSING (MN HSG)
- Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
- Ending Long-Term Homelessness (LTH) and other program funds designated for long-term homelessness
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (DHS)
- Housing Support (HS)
- Healthy Transitions to Adulthood (HTA)
- Long-Term Homelessness Supportive Services Fund (LTHSSF)
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY(DHS-OEO)
Video
Under construction, coming soon!
Related Articles & References
Homeless Programs Reporting Schedule
Core HMIS Workflow How-to Guides:
Questions? Email the Helpdesk: MNHMIS@icalliances.org