Dear HMIS Community,
In this edition, we delve into various report types and program-level assessments available for your HMIS account or program. We will also cover the 2024 data standard updates that are now in effect in the system, the latest HMIS metric reports, and more about an upcoming community event. As always, we are here to support you; if there is anything you'd like to see in future newsletters that would be of resource, please let us know.
In partnership,
The Data and Analytics Department
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Q: What is the difference between canned and custom reports in HMIS?
A: Canned reports are off-the-shelf reports created by our software vender. There are dozens of canned reports available in the Report Library. Canned reports are separated into over ten useful categories including:
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Data Quality Reports: used to identify data quality issues
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Program Based Reports: 20+ ways to view data specific to your programs
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HUD Reports: used to identify errors and provide data for federal reporting
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Agency Management Reports: used to monitor your staff's activities in HMIS
Custom reports, on the other hand, are created by the SSF HMIS Team when our community agencies need something that is not already available in HMIS. These often include reports that support specific funding requirements.
Most program utilize both report types to manage their enrollments and provide specific data to all shareholders. If you or your staff do not have access to the reporting features needed, please contact HMIS hmis@sacstepsforward.org to ask about increasing your HMIS user access level.
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SSF's monthly metric reports pull from HMIS to provide easy to read data that can be used to better measure the state of homelessness in our community. Our CoC is an active member of the Built For Zero movement, a national methodology for measuring and equitably ending homelessness. As a part of Built For Zero, we maintain a comprehensive data source of every person in our community who is experiencing homelessness, which we call the Community Queue (aka the By-Name List). By actively maintaining our Community Queue, we can capture when people enter or exit homelessness. Many of the metrics shared in these reports are based on methodology developed by Built for Zero. | |
Above we have a visualization of our community's active homeless population by race. You will find many more visualizations in these reports. To access them, you can either visit our main Monthly HMIS Metrics Report page or click on the buttons below to access our most recent reports from July and August 2023. | |
Every two years, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sends us new guidelines for the information we gather and share with the federal government. The 2024 HMIS Data Standards are out and we've been updating HMIS to be in compliance.
The changes include updates to the program enrollment, status, and program exit screens. Now, there's a new line at the top that asks you to specify the agency you are affiliated with. If you work with multiple agencies, please ensure that you select the agency corresponding to the agency under your name in the upper right hand corner in HMIS.
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Please promptly inform us if you find any missing or malfunctioning fields in your program screens. Your help is crucial to help us catch any errors as soon as possible. Please check out the documents below and our Recent E-Blast to learn more.
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If you're interested in enhancing your program's case management toolkit here are a list of available assessments below. Please request the addition of these assessments to your program to hmis@sacstepsforward.org
- Individualized Support Plan (ISP): A comprehensive case management tool designed to guide individuals on their journey towards stability and self-improvement. It encompasses various essential elements regarding housing, community, and family goals.
- Progress Review Form: Evaluates client status across housing vouchers, supportive services, and employment opportunities.
- Rehousing Needs Assessment: It identifies the resources a household requires for stable housing. The tool assesses current and required services, a basic financial plan, and potential natural supports for the client.
- Rental Unit Survey (Landlord Tracker): This tool gathers landlord information, property details, and rental availability. It can be used to enable efficient matching of individuals and families experiencing homelessness with suitable housing options.
- Self-Sufficiency Matrix: This tool assesses an individual's independence and quality of life, aiding in service planning, progress tracking, and reporting to funders. It serves five key purposes: case management, client self-assessment, management guidance, measurement, and communication.
- Housing Assessment Plan (HAP): Collects vital details on client household, income sources, and monthly budget to chart a housing plan
These assessments can also be integrated into your program to streamline processes and provide comprehensive insights. For more information, check out our most recent E-Blast about case-management tools.
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Oct 27, 2023
0800 - 1500
(8am - 3pm)
5933 Recreation Way
McClellan Park, CA
All Veterans, National Guard, and Army Reserve are Welcome
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In the military, to “stand down” means to relax and recover after being in a state of war or readiness for action. Today, Stand Downs are like resource fairs, providing homeless veterans a safe space to relax and obtain assistance from community resources. Sacramento Stand Down is hosting a one-day mini stand-down event.
This event is open to all homeless and at-risk veterans, guard & reserves, where they can obtain cold weather clothing, flu vaccines, housing & employment services, and more. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Childcare services will be available. For more information, check out their Event Flyer or visit the Sacramento Stand Down website.
If you have any community events that you would like to have highlighted in upcoming HMIS Newsletters, please let us know!
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For HMIS support, we encourage you to explore the resources available on our website.
Should you require further assistance or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us via email at HMIS@SacStepsForward.org. We're here to help!
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