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HIFIS Data Analysis Framework

Appendix 3

HPS Generic Outcomes and Areas of Data Collection

The HIFIS software can help shelters and service providers improve the management of client data and produce reports that give clear indications of progress being made towards housing stability. Specifically, the HIFIS software allows communities to collect data on referral information. Follow-up with the clients indicates if they have been placed in appropriate housing. As illustrated in the Yellowknife Community Report, the analysis of aggregate data under the 10 mandatory fields already enables the HIFIS CC to report effectively on the first outcome of reduction of homelessness in terms of shelter use, length of stay and occupancy rates of shelter beds.

HPS generic outcomes for shelters and projects Areas of data collection and analysis
Outcome #1: Reduction of homelessness 1.1 SHELTER USE
1.1.1 Reduction in # of different people using an emergency shelter
  • # of people using each emergency shelter in your community (list by shelter name)
  • Total # of people using an emergency shelter in your community (based on total # of shelters in community)
  • # of people using emergency shelter by age categories (0–14; 15–30; 31–64; 65+)
  • # of families (single or part of a couple without children; one- and two-parent/guardian + dependent child under 16)
1.1.2 Reduction in the average length of stay in shelters (for consecutive nights and listed by shelter name)
  • Average length of stay for individuals
  • Average length of stay by families (single or part of couple without children; one- and two-parent/guardian + dependent child under 16)
1.1.3 Reduction in the occupancy rate of shelter beds
  • Total number of bed-nights used
  • Total number of possible bed-nights

Broadening the analysis of data beyond the scope of the mandatory fields would make it possible to measure housing stability by monitoring changes in housing status and success in housing retention. This could be accomplished if CCs analyzed the HIFIS data along with information from providers of transitional, supportive and affordable housing services.

HPS generic outcomes in community plans Areas of data collection and analysis
Outcome #1: Reduction of homelessness and transitions to housing stability 1.1 Monitor shelter use (# of different people using shelters; average length of stay in shelters; occupancy rate of shelter beds)
1.2 Monitor changes in housing status
  • Transitions in housing status: # of individuals moving towards greater housing stability
  • Housing retention: # of individuals who maintained their housing for a 3-month period after receiving housing placement services
Date Modified: 2012-04-03
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