Integrated Systems Planning

Greater integration with the mainstream service system is essential to the effective operation and long-term sustainability of homeless housing and service programs. This is especially true for supportive housing programs, as their residents' ongoing stability depends on their access to key mainstream services, including health care, mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment, employment services and welfare/income supports. Likewise, enhanced coordination between the mainstream criminal justice, foster care, and health care systems and the homeless service system could prevent homelessness for those being discharged without housing to go to. HomeBase works with communities to identify and implement strategies to enhance interagency and intersystem coordination and integration, including negotiating agreements, organizing cross-training for staff, implementing discharge planning programs, and developing new policies and protocols for information sharing and client referrals. In addition, a key area of focus is on the development of Continuum-wide Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), an essential component of integrated systems. HomeBase provides assistance in both the "technology side" (evaluating, purchasing, and implementing computer systems) and the "application side" (facilitating agreement among system users on protocols and procedures).