Hennepin County: how to update the status of a need

Author: Ran | Date Created: 10/01/2025 | Date Updated: 10/21/2025

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

Update need status

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?

Update need status and creating a 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.

Resolving a need from the Facilities Workspace

Users can resolve the shelter need from the Reservation Check-in screen.

Select the client that is checking in.
Add Check-in and Check out Date (adding a check out date is only for Extended Stay shelters).
Assign a Room and Bed.
Save.
You have now updated the need status to "Need Met".

Resolving the shelter need for an ineligible client or no show

Select the action button next to the client.
Select the applicable option for the updating the shelter need.
A pop-up window will present.

Select, Yes or No.
This will update the shelter need status to the option you selected.

When you are done

To verify need status updated correctly, review the client's Need Assessment in the Client's workspace.