Purpose/Background: HUD (Housing and Urban Development), a Federal funding source, presented a goal to Congress of ending homelessness within a ten-year period. Their plan involves HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) software, a tool that provides a computerized data collection system designed to capture consumer information over time on the characteristics and service needs of all individuals experiencing homelessness. Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing Programs and Permanent Supportive Housing Programs are key sources for data collection. All Counties receiving HUD funding through the Continuum of Care process are mandated to be HMIS participants. Lack of participation by a County or agency receiving Continuum funding will result in ineligibility for this funding. HUD’s goal for implementation throughout the country was October 2004. HUD’s definition of homelessness differs from Pennsylvania’s definition of homeless used for the Homeless Assistance Program (HAP). HUD’s definition is: “…An unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more, OR has had at least four (4) episodes of homelessness in the past three (3) years. To be considered chronically homeless, persons must have been sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation (e.g., living on the streets) and/or in an emergency shelter during that time.” Information on York County’s Continuum of Care process is available through the York County Planning Commission, Housing and Community Development Office, (717) 771-9870, which oversees York County’s Continuum. Services: York County Human Services Department submitted an application for funding of the Homeless Management Information System [HMIS], which is one of the eligible funding components of the Continuum. A one-year HUD grant was received in December of 2005, and a subsequent application resulted in a one-year grant for 2006. A new application was submitted to continue funding for 2007. In December of 2005, local participating agencies began meeting with County staff to plan for the purchase and installation of equipment, and the training of agency and County staff in the use of the software. Human Services Department staff will provide oversight and supportive services, and will serve as the liaison to the state office, which is hosting the HMIS software. Staff will assist agencies in creating reports from the software that can be used for administrative and planning purposes. Staff from participating agencies is invited to participate in Pennsylvania’s RCAB meetings [Regional/Central Advisory Board], and HUD’s Mid-Atlantic [multi-state] meetings to gain from the experiences of others in implementing HMIS in their respective areas. As of December 2006, ten agencies in the York area are participating in the HMIS system. Those 10 agencies include all mandated, HUD funded agencies, and several non-HUD funded agencies who have agreed to participate for the good of the community. York County Human Services continues to pursue other agencies in York County who serve homeless populations and would be interested in participating in the HMIS system.
Email us for more information at humanservices@york-county.org.
Target Population: Agencies providing homeless services. Auspices: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fiscal Year/Allocation: Fiscal Year runs January 31st to February 1 Allocation: $ 122,064. Director/Contact Information: Questions can be directed to: For more information, contact the Human Services Department at (717) 771-9347 or, humanservices@york-county.org Providers/Liaisons: Bell Socialization Services Dutch Kitchen SRO Golden Vision Foundation Hanover Area Council of Churches Turning Point Interfaith Mission YMCA of York County York's Helping Hands York Rescue Mission York County Human Services Department York County Planning Commission
Copyright 2007 York County Human Services
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