{"id":4301,"date":"2021-06-09T19:58:48","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T19:58:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eccovia.com\/?p=4301"},"modified":"2024-04-01T20:44:31","modified_gmt":"2024-04-01T20:44:31","slug":"why-hmis-software-is-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eccovia.com\/blog\/why-hmis-software-is-important\/","title":{"rendered":"Why HMIS Software Is Important"},"content":{"rendered":"
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HMIS is a buzzword in the realm of homelessness agencies. But what does it exactly mean? And why is it important? In this blog post, we explore the specifics of HMIS and how a powerful case management solution can improve data, analysis, and\u00a0services provided.<\/strong>
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The Jargon of Health and Human Services<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every field of work has its own set of vocabulary and jargon. Social services are no exception\u2014social determinants of health\u00a0and\u00a0whole person care<\/a>\u00a0are\u00a0common\u00a0phrases\u00a0that people outside of the health and human services may not know. Understanding what this vocabulary\u00a0means\u00a0is critical to\u00a0obtaining\u00a0successful care.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For social workers in the homelessness management field, one of the most common\u2014and important\u2014phrases to understand is HMIS software<\/strong>. Whether you are new to the field or have years of experience, a better understanding of exactly what HMIS software is can help you excel in serving vulnerable populations. 

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What is HMIS Software?<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMIS stands for \u201cHomeless Management Information Systems\u201d. If this prompts you to think of tech, you are on the right track. Essentially, HMIS is an information system (or software platform) that is designed to help agencies better manage the services they provide to those experiencing homelessness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA), HMIS is a \u201ccomputerized data collection tool specifically designed to capture client-level information over time on the characteristics of, service needs for, and services provided to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a nutshell, HMIS software is a form of case management<\/a> specifically designed for homelessness organizations and agencies. However, there are a few unique pieces to HMIS that make it different from a typical case management system. Essentially, this boils down to HUD requirements. 

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HMIS and HUD<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, plays an important role in case management for homelessness agencies.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2001, Congress directed HUD to require all McKinney-Vento funded homeless grantees to implement HMIS. This was in an effort to more efficiently collect and analyze data regarding total number of people experiencing homelessness in the US. Notwithstanding the 2001 directive, some cities with large homeless populations had already begun pioneering the use of computer-based case management systems as early as the 1980\u2019s.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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Today, HUD supplies specific data and technology standards<\/a> for all HMIS software programs to comply with. Doing so is essential for agencies to receive federal funding. These standards include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n