What is the Homeless Management Information System?
HMIS is a secure online database that enables organizations to collect client-level, system wide information on the services they provide to people experiencing homelessness and those who are at risk of homelessness.
We serve the largest Continuum of Care in the country in which Los Angeles County uses this data to improve the ability of governing agencies, service providers, volunteers, and external stakeholders to provide access to resources and housing which aides in the effort to end homelessness.
Client Benefits
- Unduplicated intake – no need to continuously repeat your story
- Coordinated case management
- Streamlined referrals
- Improved coordination of care
- Protection and confidentiality of personal information
Provider Benefits
- Improved ability to serve and track client outcomes
- Measure and evaluate program effectiveness
- Automated reporting
- Compliance with HUD reporting requirements
Community Benefits
- Accurate info regarding people experiencing homelessness
- Better understanding of the causes, trends and future needs of homelessness
- Allows for better informed system design and policy decisions
Los Angeles HMIS Collaborative
Homelessness is not limited to any single county or city, and neither is our approach. The Los Angeles Continuum of Care, also referred to as the LACoC, is part of a larger collaborative composed of three Continuums of Care (CoC): Los Angeles, Glendale, and Pasadena. Coordinating efforts across broader regions allows for a more complete snapshot of the entire system at any given time. Taking a regional approach offers a multitude of benefits for everyone involved, including:
- Seamless transfer of information for service providers operating in multiple continuums of care.
- Those experiencing homelessness can travel between CoCs and receive the services they need without delays due to loss of information.
- Enables the LACoC to analyze and adapt strategies to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
- Provides Los Angeles County with a greater understanding of the current state of homelessness across the entire system.
- Improves communication between agencies across LA County, reducing delay in services and ensuring resources are provided to those with the greatest need.