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    Focused on making an impact through data, the Partnership Center provides a range of technical assistance (TA) and consulting services to government and private organizations. Through Cooperative Agreements and contracts with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the expertise of PCL staff extends nationally to governments, communities, and direct service providers.

HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM SME's

    As subject matter experts in Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), PCL staff provide real-world solutions to incorporate data findings into ending homelessness. PCL created many of the foundational tools required for governmental use and reliance on national HMIS data. These include:
  • the creation of the National HMIS Data Lab;
  • the revamping of HMIS development materials including the HMIS Data Dictionary, Data Manual, Standard Reporting Terminology Glossary, and report programming specifications;
  • the implementation of support networks for professionals, including the national HMIS vendor forum and HMIS System Administrators training.

SAGE HMIS REPORTING REPOSITORY

PCL developed and administers the Sage HMIS Reporting Repository to collect annual performance data nationally from all Continuum of Care for the Homeless (CoC) and Emergency Solutions Provider (ESG) recipients. CoC Annual Progress Reports, ESG CAPERs, and ESG-CV Reporting are all collected through Sage. The data collected from recipients is blended with inventory information and award and financial information to support the critical analysis of projects locally and nationally. It is used by HUD to measure the effectiveness of the shelters, street outreach, service, and housing projects nationally that HUD funds in their effort to end homelessness. It is one of the measurements and reporting elements of the National Data Analysis Project to provide information to Congress on homelessness. Additionally, robust reporting supports CoC project management, and an innovative Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program’s collaborative dashboard enables providers to view and measure performance, equity, and outcomes not only about their youth project but also by comparing their project to their communities and countries.

Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Support

PCL works with the communities and HMIS Lead Agencies that have been awarded Youth Homeless Demonstration Programs through HUD. The projects funded through this special initiative support young people experiencing homelessness. PCL’s work helps communities focus on data collection and reporting efforts to better understand both the youth who have become homeless and to measure the effectiveness of the initiative.