Efforts to Outcomes (ETO™) Software is the only Performance Measurement HMIS Software available to immediately deliver the performance measures required by the Hearth Act.  The Hearth Act was signed into law May 20, 2009 and HUD has 18 months to issue the regulations to implement the new program.  Major changes in homeless legislation are:

• Homeless Prevention will be significantly expanded.
• More emphasis will be placed on rapid re-housing with a focus on homeless families.
• Families may now be considered chronically homeless.
• The definition of homeless individuals is expanded to include how other Federal agencies define homelessness including the Department of Education.
  
  

For a fully summary of the Hearth Act we recommend downloading this white paper by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Of particular importance is that the primary selection criteria for future HUD funding will be based on performance.  Although the performance measures will not be finalized until the regulations are issued, they are likely to include:

• Reductions in the length of time people are homeless
• Reductions in homelessness recidivism
• Thoroughness in reaching homeless people
• Reductions in the number of homeless people
• Increases in jobs and income
• Reductions in the number of people who become homeless
   

Most HMIS Systems on the market today are designed almost exclusively for counting.  Counting is critical for completion of the APR, AHAR and QPR, however it is no longer sufficient.  HUD and other stakeholders want to know how well you are serving clients, not just the numbers of clients being served.  ETO Software has always been designed to measure the relationship between the efforts you provide homeless individuals and families and the intended outcomes.  Measuring performance and counting go hand in hand – our HMIS system is designed to allow you to count and measure at the same time.  You’ll be able to successfully meet both your standard APR and other reporting requirements while extending your work to measuring.

Measuring performance is a win for everyone – you’re able to provide outcome results to HUD and other funders while learning how to better serve your clients. 
 

If you have a current HMIS system and are concerned about the difficulties of conversion, we are here to make that transition as painless as possible.  We know Continuum staff and members are worried about the migration of existing data and the costs and challenges of retraining.  We’ve converted the Boston and Cambridge continuums in Massachusetts and have recently won the contract to convert the entire Balance of State.  We have converted agencies from Bowman Servicepoint and Foothold Awards.  Our experience has allowed us to create a repeatable process that will ensure a swift transition.

Call us today at 866.732.3560 or email us at moreinfo@socialsolutions.com to schedule a free demonstration. 

Social Solutions is the leading provider of performance management software for human services, connecting efforts to outcomes, people to social services, and service providers and communities to funders.  The company’s ETO software goes beyond case management, enabling public, private, and nonprofit organizations, such as Harlem Children’s Zone®, Catholic Charities, Annie E. Casey Foundation, HUD, and cities such as Boston and Hartford to collaborate, save time, and improve quality and effectiveness.

ETO™ is a trademark of Social Solutions, Global, Inc. Harlem Children's Zone® and HCZ® are registered trademarks of HCZ, Inc.