A Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a computerized data collection tool designed to capture client-level information over time on the characteristics, service needs, and service utilization of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness.
The HMIS assists homeless service organizations across Cuyahoga County by capturing information about the clients they serve and monitoring system performance.
The Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services (OHS) serves as the HMIS Lead Agency for the Cuyahoga Continuum of Care.
Vision for HMIS
HMIS within the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Continuum of Care (CoC) continues to develop. Our HMIS system demonstrates our united effort to providing targeted services that reduce the number of newly homeless, reduce the length of stay for those who are homeless, and reduce the number returning to shelter. We strive to:
- Coordinate case management across agencies, programs and services.
- Provide comprehensive information on clients served through a shared system.
- Track referrals and outcomes.
- Provide customized assessments and reports.
- Assess needs, resources, and gaps through the use of data.
- Assist in various strategic planning efforts.
- Inform public policy regarding the nature and extent of homelessness in Cuyahoga County.
- Work with other local, state, and federal entities to conduct cross-system analysis.
Contact Information
Allison Gill
Erin Rearden
Nicholas Butina
Phone
Amanda Larson
Phone
Workgroups & Trainings
- By Name List (BNL) Refresher Training Video 1/22/2026
- BNL Refresher Training PPT 1/22/2026
- HMIS End User Workgroup Video 1/21/2026
- HMIS End User Workgroup PDF 1/21/2026
- Inventory Module Kickoff Meeting PDF 11/5/2025
- Inventory Module Kickoff Meeting Video 11/5/2025
- HMIS End User Workgroup Video 9/24/2025
- HMIS By-Name List and Slotting Process Webinar Video
- HMIS By-Name List and Slotting Process Webinar PPT
- HMIS End User Workgroup Video 1/17/25
- HMIS End User Workgroup PPT 1/17/25
- 2025 Cuyahoga County CoC PITHIC Guidance PDF
- YHDP HMIS Data Collection and Reporting Requirements Training Video
- YHDP HMIS Data Collection and Reporting Requirements PPT
- HMIS End User Workgroup Video 9/30/24
- HMIS End User Workgroup PPT 9/30/24
- HMIS End User Workgroup PPT 1/3/24
- HMIS End User Workgroup Video 1/3/24
- HMIS End User Workgroup PPT 9/20/23
- HMIS End User Workgroup Video 9/20/23
- HMIS End User Workgroup PPT 6/21/23
- HMIS End User Workgroup Video 6/21/23
Resources
- Data Standard Changes FY2026 PDF
- HMIS Reporting Instructions PDF
- BNL/Slotting Checklist DOC
- BNL Assessment (Fillable) DOC
- BNL Assessment (Write-In) DOC
- BNL Procedure PDF
- BNL Workflow PDF
- HMIS ROI 2023 PDF
- Homelessness Verification Form PDF
- Housing Offer Form PDF
- Slotting Procedure PDF
- Slotting Process Flowchart PDF
Universal Supportive Housing Application (USHAP)
Documents
- Site-Based PSH Checklist PDF
- Scattered Site PSH Checklist PDF
- RRH Checklist PDF
- Disability Verification Form PDF
- Housing Success Plan PDF
- Income Verification Form (foods stamps, TANF, etc.)
- Income Verification and Child Support & Alimony Form PDF
- Asset Verification Form PDF
- Self-Certification of Assets Form
Participation
Mandated Participation
Programs authorized under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) McKinney-Vento Act as amended by the HEARTH Act must meet the minimum participation standards as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual. Participation has been expanded to include other federal targeted homeless assistance programs as identified by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Voluntary Participation
The Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Continuum of Care (CoC) strongly encourages homeless service providers to participate in the local HMIS. The HMIS lead agency works regularly with non-funded providers to communicate the benefits of HMIS and encourage participation.
The HMIS and its operating policies and procedures are structured to comply with the most recent HUD Data and Technical Standards for HMIS.
History
In 2001, Congress directed that all communities receiving HUD homeless programs funding collect an array of data, including:
- Unduplicated counts of homeless
- The use of services
- The effectiveness of local assistance systems
To achieve this objective, HUD mandated that all communities develop a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Beginning with the 2003 Continuum of Care (CoC) and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG), HUD required all grantees and sub-grantees to participate in their local HMIS. This policy is consistent with the Congressional Direction for communities to provide data to HUD on the extent and nature of homelessness and the effectiveness of its service delivery system in preventing and ending homelessness.