Preparing for HMIS Policies and Procedure Updates

As the HMIS Lead, there are required policies and documentation to ensure compliance with the Continuum of Care and HUD. These documents are approved by the Data and Performance Committee of the Homeless Services Oversight Council, which is the governing body of HMIS. The HMIS team first brings policies for discussion, then the following month, the team brings the documents for approval. Overall, policy review is a three to four month process that is best completed with the participation of all HMIS Providers.

The HMIS Support Team welcomes and invites all participating agencies to attend upcoming Data and Performance Committee meetings for policy discussion and updates!

Clarity HMIS is an "Open System"

HMIS users are reminded to only search and view client records when there is an established business need to review the information. Clarity HMIS is an "open system" which allows users to view client information regardless of agency enrollment (not including private enrollments or private notes). This "openness" ensures a well coordinated homeless system of care and as such, the HMIS Support Team offers a friendly reminder that the User Agreement, signed by every user, requires only searching for information when it is relevant and necessary. Thank you for helping take good care of the private information of our most vulnerable community members!

Exciting Progress in Addressing Homelessness

Earlier in March, Deputy Director Linda Belch shared an update with the Board of Supervisors regarding the County's Plan to Address Homelessness. The update included Point-in-Time Count data as well as aggregate year-over-year data provided by HMIS to share with the public about the good work being done in the community. Overall, the community is trending positively to reduce unsheltered homelessness and there is an increase in persons services each year, which is an encouraging trend to expand the Homeless System of Care to reach all folks in our community who need help. Read the Homeless Services Division Board Report here and learn more about how we all work together to end and reduce homelessness in SLO County.

Homelessness Data Dashboard Get a New Look

While the information shared remains the same, the team is thrilled to announce an updated look for the Homelessness Database Dashboard. We understanding that navigating homelessness data can feel complex - or at least, more complex than it needs to be! Be sure to review the Dashboard Guide that provides definitions and context for the data collection process and presented terminology.

Check out the newly updated Homelessness Data Dashboard here!

Join us for April HMIS Drop-in Office Hours

Drop-in to the April HMIS Office Hours to learn best practices and build community among HMIS users across all agencies. See you there!

Click here to join HMIS Office Hours on Wednesday, April 1 at 3PM.