Building Capacity in Support of HMIS Direction-Setting Work

A strong, shared, strategic direction for our HMIS is paramount as we work to fully realize the potential of the system as a tool to prevent and end homelessness in Minnesota.  The HMIS Governing Board and ICA have been discussing how best to approach a direction-setting process and, with the input of the stakeholders we represent and support, have determined that the next best step in this process is to request HUD-funded technical assistance (TA).

Since 2016, the Governing Board has established strong operational guidance for HMIS and is now requesting TA to help us build our capacity to set the direction for the future of our HMIS.  Specifically, we are requesting that a TA provider: (1) assess the strengths and opportunities for improvement in our current joint governance structure; (2) generate written recommendations and present them to the Governing Board and other key stakeholder groups; and (3) collaborate with the Governing Board to create a written plan to implement those recommendations after technical assistance is complete.

While this work is ultimately in service of setting a strategic direction for our HMIS, this request is not for a TA provider to help us set that direction. After the TA engagement is complete, the Governing Board plans to lead a process to develop an overarching vision, strategy, and/or set of goals for the system.

We will be formally submitting this request in the coming days and will keep HMIS stakeholders informed as the process moves forward. If the request is approved, we plan to convene an ad hoc workgroup of interested stakeholders and ICA staff to engage with the TA provider. Please stay tuned for future updates and opportunities to plug into this work!