How do I answer this data element?
In this article
Data Element Definitions
As you likely know, several state and federal funding partners require participation in HMIS. The HMIS Data Standards Manual provides data collection instructions for the Universal Data Elements, Common Program Specific Data Elements, and the Federal Funder Partner Program Data Elements. It contains information on client-level data collection requirements and detailed descriptions of each data element. Additionally, ICA has created HMIS User Guides for all federal and state funding partners that require the use of HMIS. The guides can be found on our website.
The Universal Data Elements describe the information required to be collected for clients in all projects using HMIS, although some data elements are only required for heads of household or adults only.
The Program Specific Data Elements are required by one or more state or federal partners for projects funded by their homeless assistance programs. Not every Program Specific Data Element is required by every state or federal partner, so please review the specific state or federal program guide for more information.
Data Standards Changes
If you’ve been an HMIS user for over a year, you have probably noticed that the questions you’re required to collect and enter about clients occasionally changes.
Minnesota has chosen to add data elements beyond what is specified in the HUD HMIS Data Standards. The Minnesota data elements will not appear in any HUD published materials as they are only used in Minnesota. Starting in 2021, the Minnesota HMIS data element changes began aligning with the HUD HMIS data element changes. This decision was made between the HMIS Policy & Prioritization Committee and the MN State Homeless Programs to reduce the burden placed on HMIS users that comes with learning new HMIS requirements.
The HUD and Minnesota data standards changes align with the federal fiscal year of October 1 - September 30, so all data standards changes go into effect on October 1.
The Minnesota HMIS Governing Board solicits input from a variety of stakeholders every spring to get feedback about state data standards changes so that they can be implemented by October 1. A good way to stay informed about this is to sign up for our MN HMIS Newsletter!
Data Standards Changes Resources
Active Resources
Old Resources
- 2019 Minnesota Data Standards Changes
- FY 2020 HUD HMIS Data Standards Changes
- 2018 Minnesota Data Standards Changes
- 2017 HUD Data Standards Changes - Training Materials
- 2017 HUD Data Standards Changes - Informational
- 2017 Minnesota Data Standards Changes
- 2016 HUD Data Standards Changes