The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is the information system designated by the Continuum of Care Program (CoC) to comply with HUD’s data collection, management, and reporting standards and used to collect client-level data and data on the provision of housing and services to homeless individuals and families and persons at risk of homelessness.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other planners and policymakers at the federal, state and local levels use aggregate HMIS data to obtain better information about the extent and nature of homelessness over time. Specifically, an HMIS can be used to produce an unduplicated count of homeless persons, understand patterns of service use, and measure the effectiveness of homeless programs.
Click here for more information on HMIS.
Proposed Rule for HMIS Requirements
HUD was required by the HEARTH Act to establish standards related to HMIS, including standards related to encryption of the data collected and the rights of persons receiving services under the McKinney-Vento Act. As a result, HUD published the proposed rule for HMIS Requirements in the Federal Register on December 9, 2011. This proposed rule provides for: 1) uniform technical requirements of HMIS; 2) proper collection of data and maintenance of the database; and 3) confidentiality of the information in the database. The public comment period closed on February 7, 2012.
Click here for more information on the Proposed Rule for HMIS Requirements.
HUD Exchange
The HUD Exchange is an online one-stop shop for information and resources on assisting people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Click here to find homeless program guidance and regulations, training resources, research, publications, and more for federal, state and local government agencies, Continuum of Care organizations, homeless service providers, technical assistance providers, persons experiencing homelessness, and other stakeholders.
Homeless Management Information System
AL-502 CoC HMIS Information linked below...
Al-502 HMIS Policy and Procedures (including data security standards)
Universal Data Elements
Al-502 Client Release of Information (ROI)
Al-502 Client Information Sharing Plan
Al-502 Privacy Notice to Clients
Al-502 Public Notice
HMIS Data Standards Manual 2020
HMIS Data Dictionary 2020
HUD Program Types
HUD Flowchart of Chronic Homelessness
AL-502 Coordinated Entry Policy & Procedures
HUD Coordinated Entry Notice CPD-17-01
2020 AHAR: PIT Estimates of Homelessness in the U.S.
