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Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS)

A Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a software application designated to record and store client-level information on the characteristics and services needs of homeless persons. An HMIS is typically a web-based software application that homeless assistance providers use to coordinate care, manage their operations, and better serve their clients.

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, and HMIS can be used to produce an unduplicated count of homeless persons, understand patterns of service use, and measure the effectiveness of homeless programs.

To view existing resources or to obtain information on HMIS resources visit the HMIS.Info website:

Questions from HMIS Vendors should be submitted via the HRE Virtual Help Desk.

Questions regarding VA HMIS Participation & Resources of VA Website

• If you have questions about HMIS participation of VA-funded programs please submit questions to the HRE Virtual Help Desk. Select "Other Homeless Programs" in the Program/System field, "Other Homeless Activities" in the Topic field and Veterans/HUD VASH in the Subtopic field.
• If you have specific questions about the VA's Strategic Plan please contact John Kuhn at John.Kuhn2@med.va.gov.
• View the following resources or visit the Homeless Veterans page of the VA website for more resources.
  • VA HMIS Participation Memo (12/21/10)
  • HUD HMIS Participation Listserv Announcement (12/30/10)
  • Veteran Homelessness: A Supplemental Report to the 2009 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress

VA HMIS Guidance and Training Materials

• VA HMIS National Call Presentation Slides (PDF) | View Video

VHPD HMIS Templates and Guidelines

• VHPD HMIS Data Quality Standards and Policies
• VHPD HMIS Data Collection Template Instructions
• VHPD Summary of Data Standard Applicability and Collection Requirements
• VHPD HMIS Data: Program Intake Form
• VHPD HMIS Data: Program Exit Form