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HMIS Project - Columbus HMIS Project Overview

Columbus HMIS Project Overview

Background:

The Columbus Housing and Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) is a database used to collect information about clients utilizing housing and homelessness services in Columbus and Franklin County. This database produces reports that can be used to track individual program outcomes, provide accountability for funders, identify unfilled service needs, and plan for new service provision.

The Community Shelter Board began the process to develop a new HMIS in early 2000. The goal was then, and continues to be, "to replace the existing computer system with one that could be a benefit to individual clients through enhanced service delivery, a tool for the provider agencies in managing programs and services, and a guide for the Shelter board and its funders regarding community resource needs and service delivery (Homeless and Housing MIS Upgrade Final Report)."

In order to achieve this goal, CSB enlisted the support of an outside consultant, Julie Graber of Brains for Business, to help design a process which would involve as many representatives from CSB partner agencies as possible. The resulting process included the creation of a Planning Committee and four task forces – case management, program management, project management and technology. Through interviews with HMIS users, exploration of the current system’s successes and failures, and review of software applications, these planning groups developed a set of necessary and desired system requirements to be used as an HMIS development guide, and recommended a software vendor to CSB.

Following the advice of the planning groups, CSB entered into contract with Bowman Internet Systems and purchased licensing for their ServicePoint product in April 2001.

Implementation:

ServicePoint is a web-based product specifically designed for social service agencies and communities to allow them to manage client information and resource data. It utilizes the latest web programming techniques and has been built with industry standard tools, including Windows NT and the SQL database engine. Standard desktop computer equipment and Internet access are the only requirements for individual agencies that will use the application.

The database and web application servers are co-located in Bowman’s server facility and Bowman is providing the ongoing technical system administration. Bowman operates around the clock with personnel onsite at all times in their server facility. They have the expertise to support the operations of the server and offer state-of-the-art security features in this facility. With Bowman handling the technical support, the resources of a local system administrator can be focused on user support, including training, troubleshooting, and customization work.

The first wave of implementation connected the Community Shelter Board and partner agencies to the Columbus HMIS on October 1, 2001. We plan to add an additional agencies and programs in 2003.

Contact for Questions:

Cheryl Tucker is the Systems Administrator for the Community Shelter Board. As such, she is in charge of the Housing and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) implementation, and your contact for all questions, feedback and technical support related to the HMIS project. You can contact Cheryl at CSB, via phone (614/221-9195) or through email (ctucker@csb.org).