HMIS Data Standards

The HMIS Data Dictionary and the HMIS Data Standards Manual document the requirements for the programming and use of all HMIS and comparable database systems. HUD regularly updates their Data Standards – see the latest dictionary, manuals, and standards on the HUD Exchange.

Data Quality and Performance

The NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) uses data from the HMIS for a variety of HUD reports, as well as the annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). In the NOFO, HUD looks at the data quality for the universal and program specific data elements. To improve the CoC's score on the HMIS section of the NOFO, the NYC CoC produces quarterly data quality reports which help providers improve the quality of their HMIS data.

Projects are encouraged to examine their data before uploading into HMIS and to run data quality reports on a regular basis. Client data must be updated at least once annually.

When examining data, check for:

• Completeness (e.g. missing data)
• Duplicate client records
• Data accuracy (e.g. Veterans are 18 and older)

• Timeliness (e.g. all client data should be entered within 3 business days)

NYC HMIS includes an upload report showing the dates of all uploads from each project in the last 18 months to the HMIS Data Warehouse. Meeting the required once per month upload threshold is a requirement in the NYC CoC Annual Evaluation used to rank projects in the NOFO.

FY2024 HMIS Data Standards Changes

(Effective October 1, 2023)

FY2024 HMIS Data Standards Changes (PDF)