HMIS and Comparable Databases
Recipients of federal funds for housing are required to comply with data collection and reporting standards established by federal funders. Victim services programs, however, must comply with federal requirements to protect private identifying information, which can make participating in housing funding streams extremely challenging.
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2017 HMIS Data Standards Manual
Solid data enables a community to work confidently towards their goals as they measure outputs, outcomes, and impacts. A Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is the information system designated by a local Continuum of Care (CoC) to comply with the requirements of CoC Program interim rule 24 CFR 578. It is a locally-administered data system used to record and analyze client, service and housing data for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The 2017 HMIS Data Dictionary and 2017 HMIS Data Standards Manual are the documentation of requirements for the programming and use of all HMIS systems and comparable database systems, effective October 1, 2017.
Comparable Database 101: What Victim Service Providers Need to Know
This resource describes the key differences between HMIS and a comparable database; provides an overview of HUD, FVPSA, and VAWA data requirements; outlines 2017 SAGE reporting requirements; and offers helpful tools for choosing a comparable database.
Technology and Confidentiality Resources Toolkit for Nonprofit Victim Service Agencies and Advocates
Privacy and confidentiality is paramount to safety for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Yet victim service agencies may need to share information in many ways: with community partners, within community coordinated response teams, through referrals to other service providers, or in community-wide data collection initiatives. This website provides guidance for agencies in understanding their obligations to confidentiality in accordance to federal laws, best practices to ensure survivor-centered services, when and how much information to keep, and how best to share information with others.
Homeless Management Information Systems: Implementation Guide
This guide presents a set of steps to implementing an HMIS—from planning through implementation. The Implementation Guide is designed in a step-by-step format beginning with an overview (Concepts and Components of HMIS), which defines an HMIS, describes the benefits in relation to functional options, and introduces privacy, security, and consumer involvement issues.
Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness: Ensuring Housing & Educational Stability for Survivors of Domestic Violence and their Children
A comprehensive presentation that includes information about housing protections for survivors as well as protections for children and youth. Provides guidance toward best practices with these populations.
ESG-Caper Submission Update for Domestic Violence HUD ESG-Funded Emergency Shelter and Housing Providers
This document provides an overview of the most recent HUD Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Sage reporting requirements and how they will affect DV housing and emergency shelter programs which receive HUD ESG funds. Programs without a Comparable Database compatible with Sage reporting requirements can an extension and an alternative reporting option (this year only) from HUD to complete the 2017 ESG CAPER.