Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

Dream Homes Community Center (DHCC) manages and implements the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for greater Danbury.  HMIS is an information database developed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to capture, collate and share essential data concerning people who are homeless and services provided to assist people who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.  Communities must utilize HMIS as a pre-condition for obtaining funding under Federal programs designed to assist people who are homeless.  As the lead agency and fiduciary agent for Dream Homes, the Association of Religious Communities (ARC) is licensed to operate HMIS and has been designated as the HMIS administrator for the Danbury region. 

As the HMIS administrator, DHCC has successfully executed signed agreements with fourteen area agencies involved in homeless services to utilize HMIS to input and share data.  The centralization of data on services provides the community with a comprehensive picture of the extent of homelessness in the region and the needs of individuals and families in the community.  Analysis of the information also allows for the identification of gaps or duplications in services being provided as well as revealing changing conditions affecting the community that may require consideration of new strategies and policies.  Dream Homes provides data and analysis to the Greater Danbury Continuum of Care and participates in regular meetings of the Social and Supportive Services Committee of the Danbury Housing Partnership.  DHCC also provides monthly reports to the Common Council of the City of Danbury and prepares an annual report summarizing data collected and identifying trends suggested by the data.  

Implementation of the HMIS system is a vital component of Dream Homes' role as the Point of Entry for homeless services in the region.  The information provided by Dream Homes Community Center plays an important role in guiding the Danbury Housing Partnership's efforts to implement the Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness.  Successful management of HMIS is also crucial to the work of the Greater Danbury Continuum of Care.

For more information about the Homeless Management Information System please contact Dream Homes Community Center at 203-792-9450.