Hennepin County: how to update the status of a need
Author: Ran | Date Created: 10/01/2025 | Date Updated: 11/13/2025
What this is
This article explains how to update the status of a Need in HMIS. Updating the status helps track whether the client’s need has been met, closed, or is still in progress.
What you need to know
- Needs replace referrals — ASC and FST no longer get email notifications. Instead, all Needs are visible in HMIS to support shared care coordination.
- Where to find Needs —Update Needs from the Needs Assessment in the client workspace.
- Why it matters — Keeping Needs up to date ensures accurate reporting, prevents duplicate records, helps with care coordination, and to show outcomes of identified shelter needs.
Need status definitions
- Diversion Referred: Client has contacted HSH and is being sent to ASC or FST for shelter screening
- Reserved: The client has a reservation for the date and shelter indicated
- Canceled: The need has been canceled (or not met) for the reason indicated
- Turnaway: The client did not receive a shelter reservation because no suitable beds were available
- Need Met: The client checked in to shelter
Follow these steps
- Open the client record
- Find the Client's record in the Client Workspace.
- In the client record, go to Needs.
- Select the Need to update.
- Click Edit next to the Need.
- Update the status
- Change the Status field to reflect the current outcome.
- Click Save.
Need to create a shelter reservation?
- Complete Step 1 & Step 2 above
- Select "Add new" in the Reservation field.
- Update the Housing Reservation form.
- Click Save.
- Click Save on the Needs Assessment form.
When you are done
To confirm the Need updated correctly:
Open the client’s Needs Assessment.
Check that:
- The Status shows the correct outcome.
- Any linked Housing Reservation appears as expected.
- The Information Date matches the date you updated the Need.
If anything looks incorrect, reopen the Need, make updates, and select Save again.