San Luis Obispo CoC HMIS Newsletter

Learn about User Access Roles

Users may have different capability in Clarity HMIS depending on their assigned access role. Do you run funder reports? Do you manage a case load? Do you enter shelter attendance? Learn about User Roles in Clarity with this Knowledge Base Article.

9AM Tues., Feb 25: HSOC Data & Performance Subcommittee

1:30PM Tues., Feb 25: CES Announcements and Information

11AM Wed., Feb 26: HSOC Coordinated Entry Subcommittee

Tuesday, March 4: One Year Anniversary in Clarity HMIS✨

3PM Wednesday, March 5: HMIS Drop-in Office Hours

1:30PM Tuesday, March 11: CES Case Conferencing

Bitfocus Clarity Monthly Updates

HMIS System Administrators receive bimonthly feature updates direct from Bitfocus Clarity to learn the latest improvements to the software. All users are invited to read the February Feature Update Article in the HMIS Knowledge Base to learn about changes effective February 24.

SLO County's first public Homelessness Data Dashboard

We are proud to share our community's first public Quarterly Homelessness Database Dashboard that was developed in partnership with members of the Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC), the SLO County IT Department, local Homeless Services Providers, and technical assistance from the Institute of Community Alliances (ICA). The Dashboard summarizes the inflow and outflow of clients enrolled in programs in HMIS and offers comparison for stayers and leavers to help illustrate the complexity of homelessness.

Check out the Dashboard at slocounty.gov/homelessnessdata

HMIS New Project Request Form

The HMIS Support Team is thrilled to announce a new and improved process for requesting HMIS projects. Projects are the categorization tool for HMIS programs and initiatives. The New Project Request Form is a user-friendly automated dashboard that captures all the information needed for adding a new project in HMIS. Agency Administrators may request new projects via the New Project Request Form and all users can learn more about the process in this Knowledge Base Article.

2025 Sheltered HIC /PIT

Thank you to all the HMIS and non-HMIS agencies who have provided data for the Sheltered HIC/PIT! We are continuing to review and update our local data for this critical report. Inquiries and requests for additional info may be delayed this year, as HUD has paused some reporting activities. Users are invited to learn more about the latest, updated this HIC/PIT Knowledge Base Article.

HMIS Office Hours: Wednesday, March 5 at 3PM

Thank you to all who attended February Office Hours! Office Hours is an opportunity to drop-in and build community among users across all agencies as well as ask questions direct to the HMIS Team.

Click here to join the March Office Hours.

Custom Reports Update

We're proud to share the reporting team within HMIS Support has been busy building custom reports for Data Quality (DQ) monitoring and writing corresponding detailed documentation to guide users. Check out these new reports available in Clarity HMIS: ROI Monitoring Report, CLS Assessment Report, Privacy Audit Report, and more!

Question: Who do I contact if a staff member leaves my agency and they no longer need access to HMIS?

Answer: If you have a staff member leaving their role for any reason, be sure to reach out to HMIS Support directly within three (3) business days of their last day, as per your agency agreement. Let us know the last day the staff member should access HMIS. And, if you are adding new users, be sure to follow the step-by-step process laid out in the Knowledge Base article for requesting new HMIS users.

Question: My client has passed away. What do I need to do in HMIS to record this?

Answer: The realities of homelessness can be distressing and this work can often expose us to trauma. Our commitment to our work is profound, and it's equally important to care for ourselves as we care for others. After reaching out for support and engaging in activities that center healing, there are steps to be taken in HMIS to record a client's passing. Clients should be exited from their enrolled program due to death and the "date of death" should be added on the client's profile. Learn more about HMIS profile edits here and find resources for trauma-informed mental health support from Transitions Mental Health Association here.

The CES team has been busy! CES recently restarted case conferencing on Tuesday, February 11 - thank you to who attended! Case conferencing will continue to be hosted every second Tuesday of each month at 1:30PM. CES will still be hosting the monthly announcements and information meeting on the last Tuesday of the month, 2/25 this month.

Referrals for the Calle Joaquin Homekey project are expected to start at the end of March. All 70 units at the project will be taking referrals from CES. More updates on matching and prioritization will be coming soon.

The CES team has been working to schedule meetings with the service providers engaging in the system of care. We have also compiled data quality reports for agency admins and created client choice processes (soon to be implemented!) and document readiness assessments to improve our referral and prioritization process. With your support, we look forward to continuing to improve our CE system!

Questions regarding best practices and CES user support

can be directed to the CES Management Entity

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

Serving Those who Served.

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program at CAPSLO is designed to provide a range of supportive services to address barriers to stable housing for low income veterans and those at risk of experiencing homelessness. SSVF assists veterans to make a successful and sustainable transition to permanent housing.

Program components include case management to connect participants with resources both internally and externally, outreach at job fairs and Veteran organizations events, and legal assistance in partnership with San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation.

Learn more about the good work happening at CAPSLO's SSVF program, including eligibility and contact information here: https://capslo.org/ssvf/

1 Year in Clarity HMIS✨

The HMIS Support Team is excited to approach the one-year anniversary of Clarity HMIS on March 4, 2025. Thank you to all users and agencies! Stay tuned for user surveys and opportunities to receive Clarity swag.

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