Homeless Management Information Systems

KS Balance of State

The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is the information system designated by the Kansas Balance of State Continuum of Care (KS BoS CoC) to comply with HUD’s data collection, management, and reporting standards and used to collect client-level data and data on the provision of housing and services to homeless individuals and families and persons at risk of homelessness.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other planners and policymakers at the federal, state and local levels use aggregate HMIS data to obtain better information about the extent and nature of homelessness over time. Specifically, an HMIS can be used to produce an unduplicated count of homeless persons, understand patterns of service use, and measure the effectiveness of homeless programs. Through the HMIS, COC programs and clients benefit from improved internal and external coordination that guides service and systems planning. A robust HMIS also helps communities engage in informed advocacy efforts, including the pursuit of policies that result in targeted services. Analysis of information gathered through HMIS is critical to accurately calculate the size, characteristics, and needs of different subpopulations.

Additionally, use of the HMIS by agencies not funded by HUD provides benefits to both these agencies and the homeless provider community at large, including the avoidance of service duplication through the sharing of client data and program enrollments. HMIS participation also positions agencies for future funding, as many private foundations now require it.

Johnson County

The Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition (KSHC) has been designated as the HMIS Lead Agency by the KS-505 CoC. KS-505 CoC has entered into a contractual agreement with KSHC to provide HMIS System Administration. All operational agreements, policies, procedures, and protocols are reviewed annually by the KS-505 CoC Board in collaboration with the HMIS Oversight Committee to comply with HUD HMIS Standards and improve HMIS implementation. The KS-505 CoC Board acts on behalf of the broader CoC membership. The Board governs policies and procedures and directs the CoC more broadly. Relating to HMIS, the KS-505 CoC Board is responsible for the governance, oversight, and the HMIS Lead Agency selection/evaluation and approval of the HMIS Policies and Procedures. United Community Services of Johnson County, Inc (UCS) is the lead Planning Agency for the COC responsible for coordinating, convening, organizing, monitoring, and submitting financial applications on behalf of the CoC.

The HMIS vendor for the Kansas Balance of State CoC is Clarity Human Services by Bitfocus. See the agreement here.