Introduction

The Quarterly Homelessness Database Dashboard summarizes information collected in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). HMIS is an electronic data collection tool designed to capture client-level information over time on the demographics, service needs, and services provided to persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Within HMIS, services are grouped into program types such as  Emergency Shelter (ES), Transitional Housing (TH), and Street Outreach (SO) among others. Eligibility and enrollment by program type can vary and enrollment in multiple programs at a time or over the course of a reporting period is common.

The quarterly dashboard below represents data captured in the local HMIS in the previous three months. The information below reflects people enrolled in programs at local agencies, including those living unsheltered enrolled in Street Outreach programs. These numbers are separate from the Point-in-Time Count, which seeks to record all individuals experiencing homelessness. The data below is entered, reviewed, and updated continuously in the database, so category totals are expected to change from one report to the next.

This report is intended to serve as a snapshot of the current activity and efforts in our area. Additional work by service providers, like homeless prevention, is not captured here. Analysis of our system is ongoing in order to better serve our neighbors and the community.

If you are seeking housing or other services for yourself or on someone’s behalf, please visit our Get Help page. 

Keyword Definitions

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the definitions and standards for the majority of data collected in HMIS. Some of these definitions are included below the dashboard, but a complete listing of definitions can be viewed in the Quarterly HMIS Dashboard Report. More information on federal standards for HMIS can be found on HUD's website.

Emergency Shelters: Programs that offer temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness. These can be further categorized as Entry-Exit or Night-by-Night.

Entry-Exit Shelters: Often referred to as 90 Day Programs for the amount of time people are typically enrolled. These programs offer temporary shelter where people are enrolled for an extended period of time while a person is receiving services.

Household Type: A group of people who are linked during the enrollment in a program.

Leavers: People who exited a program during the analysis period.

Night-by-Night Shelters: Programs that offer temporary shelter where clients are enrolled and exited each night.

Stayers: People who were enrolled prior to the analysis period and stayed enrolled.

Street Outreach: Programs that offer services necessary to serve people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Transitional Housing: Programs that provide temporary lodging and are designed to facilitate the movement of individuals into permanent housing within a set period of time no longer than 24 months. Additional requirements may be set by the funder.

Have Feedback?

We'd love to hear your feedback on this dashboard and how we can improve your experience by filling out a survey.   
 
To access the survey, you can scan the QR code below:

Or click this link below:

Quarterly Homelessness Dashboard Feedback Survey

For More Information

Documentation about the dashboard charts and more definition can be found at HMIS Database Dashboard Documentation.

The community is also invited to explore the California Homeless Data Integration System (HDIS). Through the state's partnership with Continuums of Care, HDIS provides a statewide overview on what California has been doing to respond to homelessness. Understanding the dynamic nature of the people who seek homeless services over time gives the state of California a clearer picture of how we can end homelessness together.