About the Project
Q: Why are we required to implement a HMIS?
A: HUD requires that all recipients of HUD McKinney-Vento Act program funds participate in an HMIS. Recipients that do not participate will not receive McKineey-Vento Act funding in the future. While not required to implement, all homeless provider agencies are highly encouraged by HUD, the Arizona Department of Housing, and the Rural Arizona Continuum of Care to implement HMIS within their agencies.
Q: When do we have to implement HMIS?
A: HUD expected that all CoCs will make substantial progress toward meeting the Congressional direction for full implementation of HMIS by October 2004. For the Rural AZ CoC, all agencies receiving HUD funding were implemented prior to October 2004. Non HUD-funded agencies that participate in HMIS will be implemented after October 2004 and through early 2006.
Q: Besides complying with HUD requirements, how will the HMIS benefit our agency?
A: A HMIS brings a number of substantial benefits to homeless persons, homeless provider agencies, the Continuum of Care, funders, and HUD. See the Benefits section of the Project Overview page.
About ServicePoint
Q: Who developed ServicePoint?
A: ServicePoint was developed by Bowman Systems, LLC of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Q: Why was ServicePoint selected as the HMIS software of choice?
A: ServicePoint best meets the needs of the Rural AZ CoC. Also, ServicePoint is being implemented by the Maricopa CoC in Phoenix. ServicePoint is the leading HMIS software package throughout the country.
Q: What functions does ServicePoint include:
A: See description of HMIS functions on the HMIS Overview page.
Q: What version of ServicePoint is used?
A: We are currently using Version 4.03 of ServicePoint, the most current release.
About the Implementation Process
Q: What can agencies expect in the implementation process?
A: Agencies will initially need to complete a five page questionnaire about their agency, programs, and technology capabilities. Agency personnel that will be HMIS users are then required to attend a half-day training class (held regionally by county). Following the training class, the HMIS implementation team will come onsite to each agency for 2-4 hours to set up the programs and users and to provide one-on-one hands on training. At this time, the free computer provided to each agency will be delivered and set up. Additional advanced training classes or refresher/new user training classes may be held periodically that user may need to attend.
About Support
Q: Where can HMIS users get help and support?
A: A number of support tools are available for all Rural Arizona HMIS users. The ServicePoint HMIS software has a built-in online help facility. During training classes, each HMIS user is given a CD-ROM with computer-based training videos on how to perform all necessary functions in HMIS. A HMIS Help Desk is available (at the toll-free phone number of 800-509-2477) to obtain phone support (Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). If the users questions cannot be answered by the HMIS Help Desk or if additional support is needed, the HMIS Implementation Team can provide additional detailed support via the phone, Internet, or in person.
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