THN recently recruited former VISTA Leader Billy Menz to complete a statewide study of Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS). The initiative was created in response to this year's new SuperNOFA requirement that that each continuum of care proposal include an HMIS, or at least an implementation plan.

"HMIS sometimes scares communities," said Executive Director Kathy Reid, "because they don't understand the positive benefits of using technology to improve effective services, like simplified intake, increased accessibility to collaborative services, and more efficient case management."

Reid said that this summer, Menz and other THN representatives will be contacting member coalitions for responses to the questionnaire below, which was designed to gather information regarding the communities currently utilizing HMIS technology. Additionally, and equally as important, THN seeks to use the questionnaire to determine the major priorities of communities that have yet to implement their own HMIS.

So far, THN has observed the success of some software, such as the internationally recognized Data Systems International used in Ft. Worth. "But are there any hidden gems?" Menz asked. "Is there something that works really well that we donÕt know about?"

"Our hope is that our research will provide communities with concrete information to select a system and to better utilize the presently available systems," said Reid

Once the data are collected and analyzed, THN will publish the information for the use of its members and provide a training session at this year's THN Conference in Corpus Christi. Texas Homeless Network Homeless Information Management Systems Comparative Study Questionnaire

In the coming weeks, THN representatives will be contacting the coalition in your area for answers to the following questions. Look to future issues of HNN for developments on this initiative.

1. Does your community have an HMIS in place?
2. If it does not, what are your communityÕs needs regarding implementing an HMIS?
3. If it does, what software do you use?
4. How many agencies participate in the HMIS?
5. What kinds of agencies participate in the HMIS?
6. What is the overall cost for the HMIS?
7. What is the cost per agency? 8. What are the security and information sharing guidelines for the HMIS?
9. How receptive have clients been regarding the HMIS?
10. Would you be interested in learning about HMIS used in other communities?
11. How long has your HMIS been in place?
12. Are you planning to update or revise your HMIS?
13. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your HMIS?