HMIS FAQs

  • What is HMIS?

    HUD requires every Continuum of Care to maintain a centralized database called a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). An HMIS is a local information technology system used to collect client-level data and data on the provision of housing and services to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

     

  • What is ServicePoint?

    ServicePoint is a flexible, web-based software system used by human services organizations to manage and coordinate services, guide resource allocation, and demonstrate effectiveness.   The Austin/Travis County Continuum of Care (CoC) uses the ServicePoint software for our CoC’s HMIS.

     

  • What do I need to run ServicePoint?

    A broadband Internet connection, a browser and the security certificate.

     

  • What browser versions do I need to run ServicePoint?

    The most recent version of Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox.  Older versions may work but are not fully supported.

     

  • What are the different components of ServicePoint?

    Please see ServicePoint’s Product Overview section for detailed information.

     

  • How soon can my agency/ organization implement ServicePoint?

    Although technically the site can be available within 5 business days, the roll out date will depend on your policy and procedure readiness, how quickly we can configure the system, and any customizations and/or conversions you may have requested. Users will also require training prior to gaining access to the system.

     

  • Will an HMIS license be prorated if a license is added between renewal periods?

    Yes, ECHO will prorate your license and we have the ability to prorate by month. For example: if you request an HMIS license on November 17th, that invoice will have a prorated start date of November 1st and you would only be billed for November through February of that annual billing cycle.

  • How do I request a license and what is the fastest way to add an HMIS license to my agency?

    Agency Admins are responsible for initiating this process. Agency Admins are responsible for signing up new users and for registering staff for HMIS trainings. Please make a note in the training registration form that a new license needs to be purchased. As outlined in the HMIS Agency Admin training, the Agency Admin must also create a profile for the new user in the back end of HMIS. A guide showing that process can be found under the HMIS Training tab and Agency Admin Guides and Tools section. Once that is complete, the Agency Admin or new user should submit an HMIS HelpDesk Ticket requesting a license to be assigned to their profile and request the PKI installation to be scheduled.

    If you do not have an Agency Admin at this time, please submit an HMIS Helpdesk Ticket, so the HMIS team can assist.

    If you would like to purchase an HMIS license, but not register a new user, please submit an HMIS HelpDesk Ticket to make that request.

  • Does ServicePoint utilize Secure Socket Layers encryption to protect data transmitted to and from the user?

    Yes. ServicePoint utilizes commercial-grade, 128-bit encryption by VeriSign, a recognized leader in Internet security products.

     

  • What are the system requirements for a user?

    We recommend as a minimum a PC with a 2 Gigahertz or higher processor, 40GB hard drive, 512 MB RAM, and Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP.

     

  • Do the ServicePoint licensing fees cover my Internet access costs?

    No. You must contract with a local or national ISP for your Internet access.

     

  • Will anyone else have access to my data?

    The data housed in HMIS is secured and cannot be accessed by anyone outside of the HMIS system. HMIS participating agencies share information with each other as authorized by the person or household being served (client) and only share outside the system with client permission.

     

  • Who owns the data we put into ServicePoint?

    You do.

     

  • What standard reports does ServicePoint generate?

    HUD annual report, statistical reports, service transaction reports, referral reports, met/unmet needs reports, cost of service reports, and more.

     

  • Can ServicePoint generate custom reports?

    Yes. ServicePoint’s ReportWriter can query the most recent data in most database fields. Additionally, the Advanced Reporting Tool (ART) offers an array of intelligent reporting options