The Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness (also known as the Grand Rapids/Wyoming/Kent County Continuum of Care) uses an online database system known as Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS). This database system is designed to store data on clients who are utilizing housing services provided by local community partners. In addition, the system tracks other valuable information to help partners make collective decisions.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development requires each community receiving federal funding to have a Homeless Management Information System. There are many online databases that can be used for a community’s HMIS. The Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness uses Community Services. This system is managed for communities across the state of Michigan by the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH). MCAH works closely with different partners serving the homeless community to make sure data is stored and maintained in accordance with federal and state policies and procedures.
Before a local agency can participate in HMIS, they need to invest some time to understand the importance of the system and how it is utilized. To check out the steps to begin participating in HMIS, check out the HMIS Participation Information page.
Agencies that are currently using HMIS have access to HMIS training materials, and can chat with the System Administrators at hmissupport@hwmuw.org.