How does North Dakota use HMIS?
We have to collect all data individually. Initially tie it to a client’s name during the collection process in order to identify patterns of need. For example, if a 23-year old single woman with children experiencing homelessness fills out the HMIS form, we want to tie all of her individual characteristics to her record so that we can identify any subpopulation of need. Her needs and characteristics would be different than a 46-year old homeless man with mental illness. We want each person’s characteristics kept unique to them so we can identify unique needs across our homeless population and apply for funds accordingly. However, as soon as we enter the data from the form into the software, a unique identifier is created that does not include the client’s name or address. This unique identifier is what is sent to HUD and used in our reporting so that a clients name never goes beyond our system.