Understanding HMIS-Compliant Fields
Learn what HMIS is, why it matters for CoC grantees, and where HMIS-compliant fields are found in Coming Home.
What is HMIS and Why Does It Matter?
The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a localized data system used to collect client-level information and track the delivery of housing and support services for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Organizations receiving funding through the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program or federal partners such as HUD are required to use HMIS. CoC grantees must:
- Collect standardized data on all clients receiving services
- Report through HMIS to maintain funding and compliance
- Track outcomes across programs to demonstrate impact
In Coming Home, HMIS-aligned data collection is embedded directly into daily workflows, reducing the need for duplicate data entry.
Using HMIS Fields Beyond CoC Requirements
Even if your organization is not a Continuum of Care (CoC) grantee, we strongly encourage using HMIS-compliant fields within Coming Home.
Standardizing your data using HMIS fields helps:
- Improve data consistency across your organization
- Strengthen reporting and outcome tracking
- Prepare your organization for future funding opportunities
- Align with widely recognized industry standards
Using these fields ensures your data remains structured, comparable, and ready for growth.
Where HMIS-Compliant Fields Are Found in Coming Home
HMIS-compliant fields are integrated across key areas of the platform, allowing data to be captured naturally during case management.
1. Client Profile (Information Section)
The foundation of HMIS reporting begins in the Client Toolkit → Information tab.
What fields exist here:
- HMIS-specific fields: Veteran Status, Social Security Number (SSN), Client Unique ID, Continuum of Care (CoC) Code
- Demographics: Gender, Ethnicity, Race(s), Disabling Conditions (physical, developmental, chronic health, HIV/AIDS, mental health, substance use)
- Core identity: Name, Date of Birth, Address
Why they matter:
These fields support HUD reporting, eligibility determination, and system-wide client identification.
How they are used:
Captured during intake or profile updates. If sensitive data (e.g. SSN) is unavailable, alternative identifiers such as Client Unique ID can be used.
2. Program Enrollment
Tracks when a client enters and exits services.
What fields exist here:
- Program Name
- Program Type (e.g. Emergency Shelter, Safe Haven)
- Start Date
- End Date
Why they matter:
HMIS requires tracking program participation and length of stay.
How they are used:
Start dates are recorded at enrollment; end dates are entered when a client exits, creating a timeline required for CoC reporting.
3. Assessments (Entry, During, Exit)
Supports structured, longitudinal data collection.
What fields exist here:
- Living Situation & Needs
- Employment & Income
- Health & Disabilities
- Assessment Type: Entry, During, Exit
Why they matter:
Captures baseline, progress, and outcomes — critical for demonstrating program impact.
How they are used:
Completed within a program enrollment at intake, periodically, and at exit to track client progress over time.
4. Assistances / Services
Logs services and financial support provided.
What fields exist here:
- Assistance Type (Category & Sub-category)
- Date Provided
- Provider
- Monetary Amount
Why they matter:
Demonstrates how services and funds are delivered to clients.
How they are used:
Logged at the client level or within a program to track support such as transportation, financial aid, or emergency assistance.
5. Reporting & Exports
All collected data feeds into reporting workflows.
How data is used:
- Exported by administrators
- Structured using HMIS standards (demographics, CoC codes, etc.)
- Used for HMIS uploads and CoC grant reporting
How Coming Home Supports HMIS Compliance
Coming Home is designed to support HMIS-aligned data collection by embedding required fields directly into your daily workflows. This allows teams to capture accurate, standardized data without duplicating effort across systems.
While Coming Home structures data in line with HMIS standards, it does not replace your official HMIS system. Organizations should continue using their designated HMIS platform for formal reporting and submissions.
Important Notes
- Confidentiality: HMIS fields include sensitive data. Always follow organizational privacy policies.
- Data completeness: Accurate data entry ensures reliable reporting and continued funding eligibility.
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Need more help?
If you still have any trouble, contact the Coming Home Support Team for additional help.