The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that each Continuum of Care (CoC) utilize a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). A HMIS serves as a centralized database that tracks client-level data and the housing and supportive services provided to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk.

All service providers that contract with OHS or receive funding requiring HMIS participation must use the local HMIS. The only exception is victim service providers, who must utilize a comparable database that meets HMIS standards.

If you need to create a new HMIS account, you can contact OHS to request one.

OHS offers regular online and in-person training. This training ensures that users input data that is consistent and complies with federal standards.

If you’re a new user and need information about HMIS training, email OHS’s training unit.

All active users must:

• Complete trainings
• Follow HMIS’s privacy and security standards
• Comply with all other requirements.

To make HMIS a useful and user-friendly system, OHS staff works with providers to:

• Update processes and create new ones
• Configure the system to meet special needs
• Provide technical assistance.

If you need help, email OHS to request technical assistance.

The data in HMIS includes personal, protected client information. The system also allows providers to review and share information mutually.

HMIS is governed by policies, procedures, and practices to protect this sensitive, collaborative data.

You can view and download all HMIS documents on our website.

OHS also creates reports about the data in HMIS. You can view and download a complete list of HMIS system performance documents.