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.
An HMIS knits together homeless assistance providers within a community and creates a more coordinated and effective housing and service delivery system.
[3] Most HMIS applications also serve as outcome-based systems that facilitate timely, efficient, and effective access to needed services and supports for persons who are homeless.
Other data fields focus on developing a picture of unduplicated counts, use of specific services and the effectiveness of the local homeless assistance systems.
2010–2011 awards will be affected by metrics under HMIS and so some jurisdictions are moving quickly to bring their service providers into compliance.