What is HMIS?
Author: Betty | Date Created: July 29, 2025 | Date Updated: July 30, 2025
HMIS stands for Homeless Management Information System. Minnesota's HMIS is the statewide data infrastructure to collect and store client-level and program-level information used by agencies that serve those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
The Minnesota HMIS Governing Board provides strategic guidance and oversees ICA’s operation of the system. Its members represent 10 Continua of Care, State agencies, the Minnesota Tribal Collaborative, and HMIS users.
Why Is HMIS Important?
Sometimes, more than one organization helps the same person. For example:
- One place might give them shelter,
- Another might help them find a job,
- And someone else might provide meals or counseling.
Without HMIS, it’s hard to know who is doing what. HMIS connects all that information in one place. That way, people get better, more organized help.
What Does HMIS Help With?
- Keeping track of the help people get
- Seeing trends in homelessness in each area
- Sharing summary reports (🔒 but never personal information! 🔐) with funders
- Planning better programs based on real data
- Making sure people don’t get left out or counted twice
Who Uses HMIS?
Many groups use HMIS, including:
- Homeless shelters
- Supportive and transitional housing programs
- Outreach workers
- Case managers and social workers
- State and Local governments and non-profit agencies
- Continuums of Care (CoCs)—groups that plan and organize services in different regions
View a list of HMIS participating agencies
What Kind of Information Does HMIS Collect?
HMIS keeps private, secure records about the people receiving help. This may include:
- Basic information (like name or age)
- Housing history
- Job and income status
- Health or disability info (if shared)
- What services they got—like food, shelter, or housing support
- If and when they get permanent housing
People can choose what they share, and they have a right to know how their information is used.
Is HMIS Safe?
Yes. HMIS is built to keep personal information safe and private. Only trained and approved staff can see the data. Agencies follow strict rules to protect people’s information.
Why Does HMIS Matter?
HMIS helps communities:
- Understand how many people are homeless and what help they need
- Coordinated services between organizations
- Get funding from the government (like HUD grants)
- Help more people find stable, long-term housing