The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) oversees the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). OHS and homeless services providers use the system to collect information about people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
About
The HMIS is software that allows users to:
- View a count and description of people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia
- Compare local homelessness to other cities and regions
- Identify patterns of service
- Measure the effectiveness of programs.
Access
All providers contracted by OHS must use HMIS to collect and report data, except providers designated as victim service providers. Victim service providers must use a comparable database that meets HMIS standards and is approved by OHS.
OHS informs HMIS users about requirements during onboarding and through regular email reminders.
If you need to create a new HMIS account, you can contact OHS to request one.
Training
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.
Assistance
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.
Documents
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.