Turning HMIS Data into Insight: #whichreport Can Help Get the Answers You Need?

On the Helpdesk,we often receive questions that start with: “Which report can I run to find...?”Users may be fielding a data question on a grant application or from theirexecutive director, and they need advice to know which report has the numberthey’re looking for.

The chart belowshows the top answers to users’ #whichreport questions. Frequently, users needanswers specific to their funding stream, such as FHPAP or PATH. The CoC-APRand the ESG CAPER canned reports are useful for general demographic and outcomeinformation, as is the Core Report – we recommend one of those three most ofthe time! We also frequently see questions about how to check referrals andVI-SPDAT scores (those answers can be found in Coordinated Entry reports), aswell as how to check HMIS Data Quality (where we usually recommend the HUD DataQuality Framework report). Reports falling into the “Other” category includethose showing county-level data and those specific to shelters.

If you’ve everhad questions like these, ICA MN’s REPORTcollectionis a useful resource. For questions specific to your funder’s workflow, filterthe Homeless Program column. Coordinated Entry questions? Filter PrimaryUse. For reports just for shelters, or specific to your CoC, filter Audience.There’s also a general search function, which you could use to search”referrals” or “county.”Don’t forget: you canalways contact the Helpdeskif you have report questions.