In 2001 Congress directed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure the collection of more reliable data regarding the use of homeless programs.  HUD has required all Continuum of Care applicants to demonstrate progress in implementing a Homeless Management System (HMIS).  LAHSA led a regional planning process, encompassing Five Continuum of Care systems - Los Angeles, Glendale, Long Beach, Pasadena and Orange County.  This process resulted in the selection of a system that would not only satisfy the HUD mandate, but would also provide the Los Angeles Continuum with a means to measure the effectiveness of programs serving homeless people.  The system will also provide its users, the service providers, with a way to better manage their programs and ultimately their success.

The Homeless programs that receive any of the following federal funds are required to participate in HMIS:

• Supportive Housing Program (SHP)


• Shelter Plus Care (S+C)


• Single Room Occupancy Moderate Rehabilitation (SRO Mod Rehab)


• Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA)

Programs that receive other sources of funding are not required to participate in HMIS, but are strongly encouraged to do so to contribute to a better understanding of homelessness in our communities.