Homeless Management Information System

The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a computerized data collection tool specifically designed to capture client-level, system-wide information over time on the characteristics and services needs of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. 

HMIS allows the aggregation of client-level data across homeless service agencies to generate unduplicated counts and service patterns of clients accessing services. The Department of Housing & Urban Development’s (HUD) National Data and Technical Standards establish baseline standards for participation, data collection, privacy, and security. Implementation of HMIS is a requirement for receipt of HUD McKinney-Vento funding. 

The Coalition for the Homeless is the HMIS lead agency to The Way Home Continuum of Care.

HMIS Agreements and Policies



HMIS Frequently Asked Questions 


  • What is HMIS?

    HMIS stands for Homeless Management Information System. HMIS is a software application designated to record and store client-level data, including the characteristics and service needs of the homeless community. It was developed in a response to Congress’s request for unduplicated information about how the funds appropriated for homeless programs are being spent. Congress is not only interested in fiscal responsibility, but also wants to know who the homeless are (as a group) as well as understand the outcomes of the programs assisting them. In March 2010, HUD updated the standards relating to data collection and reporting. 


    To view details about HMIS and The Way Home's HMIS Team, view the HMIS Brochure



  • Is my Agency required to use HMIS?

    All agencies receiving federal funds from the McKinney-Vento HUD Program for use in serving the homeless community are required to participate in the HMIS. Starting in 2011, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) providers are also required to participate. Additionally, your agency may have to use the HMIS if you operate certain programs funded by the VA, HHS, SAMHSA, or other government and private funders. However, domestic violence victim service providers are prohibited from entering client data in the HMIS because of the federal law (VAWA).



  • Can my Agency still use HMIS even though it is not required?

    Yes! We would be very pleased to have your agency participate in HMIS if you provide services and/or shelter to the homeless community. The more information we have the better. The information helps to provide a more accurate picture of the homeless community in the Houston/Harris County/Ft. Bend County area. If your agency is interested in participating in HMIS, please send an inquiry to HMIS@homelesshouston.org.



  • What are the benefits to a homeless service provider of using HMIS?

    Having access to the HMIS represents a strategic advantage for service providers. The HMIS software we use allows multi-level client data sharing between organizations, as well as client case coordination and electronic referrals. Our locally developed information sharing model can prevent service duplications and enable collaboration between various homeless service providers, while limiting access to sensitive data. Client privacy is very important to us.


    In addition to the standard data collection and reporting functionalities, the HMIS software includes a comprehensive case management module, bed management, performance measurement tools, ad-hoc reporting, software customization options, etc.


    Lastly, providers already in HMIS are better positioned to apply for future funding opportunities, as many national and local funders now require HMIS participation.

  • What HMIS software is currently used in Houston/Harris County?

    The HMIS software currently used in Houston/Harris County/Ft. Bend County is called ClientTrack. It was developed by ClientTrack, Inc., a privately held company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. ClientTrack software is compliant with the latest HMIS data standards as well as HIPAA privacy standards. For more information about ClientTrack, please visit their website.



  • If I experience a problem using the HMIS or have general questions, what should I do?

    The preferred way to communicate with the Coalition HMIS Support Team is to send an IssueTrak ticket. IssueTrak is a help desk software application available to all active HMIS users. Any questions, requests, or other issues should be submitted through IssueTrak. Every ticket submitted is assigned a tracking number, allowing the HMIS team to effectively address each concern.


    For general questions about the HMIS, or if you have problems accessing IssueTrak, please send an email to HMIS@homelesshouston.org.


HMIS User Trainings


Please use the calendar below to view and register for all HMIS trainings. HMIS Trainings are held virtually via GoTo Training and cameras are mandatory for all trainings. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Kelita Beechum at kbeechum@homelesshouston.orgThe HMIS trainings are available only for participating agencies. If your agency is not currently participating in HMIS, please send an inquiry to hmis@homelesshouston.org and we will provide you with more information about the HMIS participation requirements.
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26

9am HMIS New User Training

27

9am HMIS Refresher Training

28

HMIS Security Training

29

1pm HMIS New User Training

1

HMIS Security Training

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9am HMIS New User Training

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HMIS Security Training

9am HMIS EVA Training

7

9am HMIS HOPWA Training

1pm HMIS New User Training

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HMIS Security Training

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9am HMIS New User Training

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9am HMIS Refresher Training

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HMIS Security Training

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1pm HMIS New User Training

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HMIS Security Training

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9am HMIS New User Training

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9am HMIS Reports Training

2pm 1st Quarter HMIS Forum

20

HMIS Security Training

9am HMIS Housing Training

1pm HMIS Data Explorer Training

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9am HMIS New User Training

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HMIS Security Training

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9am HMIS New User Training

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9am HMIS Refresher Training

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HMIS Security Training

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1pm HMIS New User Training

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HMIS Security Training

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HMIS Forum


About the HMIS Forum

The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a computerized data collection tool specifically designed to capture client-level, system-wide information over time on the characteristics and services needs of people experiencing homelessness. 


The purpose of the HMIS forum is to inform the HMIS community about recent data trends, ongoing system-wide activities, and important developments regarding HMIS and our software ClientTrack. HMIS trainings & forums are available only for participating agencies. 


If your agency is not currently participating in HMIS, and you would like to learn more please send an inquiry to Kelita Beechum at kbeechum@homelesshouston.org.


HMIS Forum Schedule

Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023, from 2 - 4 p.m.


Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 2 - 4 p.m.


Thursday, Sep. 28, 2023, from 2 - 4 p.m.


Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, from 2 - 4 p.m.

  • Registration is required - Click here to register.

HMIS Support Committee Members

  • Earnest Dyer - The Salvation Army of Greater Houston
  • Morris Cole - Volunteers of America
  • Neysa Gavion - West Houston Assistance Ministries
  • Omar Sesay - The Harris Center
  • Preston Witt - Harmony House
  • Scot More - Coalition for the Homeless
  • Susan Keith Broussard - Healthcare for the Homeless
  • Tamela Olive - Star of Hope
  • Yvonne Benmar Gonzalez - Bread of Life
  • Kelly Ward - SEARCH Homeless Services



 HMIS Participating Agencies


  • A Caring Safe Place
  • AAMA
  • Access Care of Coastal Texas
  • Adaptive Construction Solutions
  • AIDS Foundation Houston
  • Alliance of Community Assist. Ministries
  • Ambassadors for Christ Youth Ministries
  • Angel Reach
  • Angela House
  • Avenue 360 Health & Wellness (HACS)
  • BakerRipley (NCI)
  • Bay Area Homeless Services
  • Bread of Life
  • Brentwood Community Foundation
  • Campus of Hope
  • Career and Recovery Resources
  • Catholic Charities
  • Change Happens!
  • Child Care Council of Greater Houston
  • City of Houston DHHS
  • City of Houston HCDD
  • Coalition for the Homeless
  • COHAP Outreach Corporation
  • Community Assistance Center
  • Community Family Centers
  • Covenant House
  • Easter Seals Greater Houston
  • Endeavors
  • Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services
  • Family Promise of Montgomery County
  • Fort Bend County
  • God's Lovely Butterflies Maternity Home
  • Goodwill Industries of Houston
  • H.O.P.E. Haven
  • Harmony House
  • Harris County Community Services Dept
  • Harris County District Attorney's Office
  • Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
  • Harris County Office of Managed Assigned Counsel
  • Harris County Public Defenders Office
  • Harris County Sheriff's Office
  • Harris County Veteran Services Department
  • Harris Health System
  • Healthcare for the Homeless
  • Homeless Gay Kids
  • Hope Center Houston
  • Hope Impacts
  • Housing Corp./Corder Place Apartments
  • Housing Corp./DeGeorge at Union Station
  • Housing Corp./Jackson Hinds Gardens
  • Housing Corp./San Jacinto Apartments
  • Houston Homeless Hotel
  • Houston Housing Authority
  • Houston Police Department Mental Health Division
  • Houston Recovery  Center
  • Humble Area Assistance Ministries
  • Interfaith Caring Ministries
  • Islamic Society of Greater Houston
  • Katy Christian Ministries
  • Lord of the Streets
  • Magnificat Houses
  • Main Street Ministries
  • Make Me Over New Inc
  • Memorial Hermann Healthcare System
  • Mission Northeast
  • Montgomery County Youth Services
  • Montrose Grace Place
  • My Brother's Keeper Outreach Center
  • Northwest Assistance Ministries
  • Open Door Mission
  • Open Gate Homeless
  • Parks Youth Ranch
  • Pasadena Police Department
  • Recenter
  • Santa Maria Hostel
  • Sarah's House
  • SEARCH Homeless Services
  • Spring Branch Community Health Center
  • St. Vincent de Paul
  • Star of Hope
  • Temenos Community Development Corp
  • Texana Center
  • The Beacon
  • The Blind Eye Project
  • The Harris Center
  • The Housing Corporation
  • The Houston Launch Pad
  • The Landing
  • The Mission of Yahweh
  • The Montrose Center
  • The Salvation Army
  • The Village Connect
  • The Women's Home
  • TLC Health & Wellness
  • Tri-County Services
  • UT Health
  • US VETS
  • VA Medical Center
  • Volunteers of America
  • Waller Assistance & Restoration Ministries, Inc.
  • Wellsprings Village
  • Wesley Community Center
  • West Houston Assistance Ministries
  • Women Connection Inc
  • YWCA
Last updated: Sept. 2022
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