Archive for the ‘Housing Software’ Category

What You Need to Know About the HMIS System

Aug 4

HMIS System

The HMIS system or homeless management information system was created by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) after they were directed by Congress to gather homeless data in the early years of the 21st century.  Times have changed, however.

For individuals and organizations who work with the homeless, a solid understanding of the purpose and function of HMIS systems can be critical to success. Read on to learn more about how the proper homeless management information system can help your organization. Read the rest of this entry »

How One Organization Used Mental Health Software to Measure Efforts and Improve Outcomes

Oct 10

Since it was first incorporated in 1960, The Mental Health Association (MHA) has been advocating for the disabled and the mentally handicapped.

It’s only been in recent years, however, that the Massachusetts-based non-profit has put mental health software to use in its efforts to improve the lives of the participants for which it provides its many mental health advocacy services.

In many respects, the MHA is like other organizations in that, while it does a lot to make sure its mental health support services participants get whatever they need in order to improve on their lives, there is always more that can be done to make the program’s services more effective.

It’s important to remember that non-profits like the MHA have obligations not just to the people they intend to help through the mental health recovery services that they provide, but they also have a responsibility to train their employees in ways to better deliver services and measure efforts.

Likewise, non-profit mental health agencies have reporting obligations to funders and organizations that provide oversight in the non-profit world.

So, let’s take a look at the mental health resources used by the MHA and you will get a clear idea how it can streamline a non-profit’s operation.  Mental health agencies will run much more smoothly and improve the lives of participants while appeasing funders and making better providers of program employees.

About the MHA

The Mental Health Association primary goal has been to provide residential and support services and to enhance the quality of life for those challenged with mental impairments enrolled in mental health services.

Part of the MHA’S mission stems from the fact that they believe the disabled deserve affordable, quality housing along with the opportunity to be part of their communities.

Since the organization’s inception, it has diversified itself by offering services to the homeless, as well as other demographics like transitional youth.

Regardless of whom the MHA is helping, however, the mental health software that it has employed in its practices has made the job of providing life improving services both easier and more efficient. Read the rest of this entry »

Choice Neighborhoods will people choose to live there?

Sep 3

Choices?  We all have them right?  Or do we?  Do we choose the circumstances we’re born into?  As children, do we choose our neighborhoods?

It’s an interesting concept…and also an interesting selection of language for a new place-based federal funding initiative – Choice Neighborhoods.   A $250 million HUD initiative intended “to transform neighborhoods of extreme poverty into functioning, sustainable mixed-income neighborhoods with well-functioning services, schools, public assets, transportation, and access to jobs,”  Choice Neighborhoods represents a major commitment to redeveloping the infrastructure of communities on behalf of the Federal Government. And it is a much-needed commitment, with 17% of children in poverty lacking health insurance (as of 2008), 66% of those in low-income housing living in homes that cost more than 30% of income, and nearly 80% of those living in impoverished communities testing below proficient on their 4th grade reading exam—according to Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT 2010, the most recent report published as part of their work to improve public policy outcomes for children. Read the rest of this entry »