The Summit County Continuum of Care engages local organizations in a collaborative response to prevent and end homelessness for all individuals and families in Summit County.

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HMIS

Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS)

The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a local data platform used to collect and manage information on the delivery of housing and assistance services to people who lack stable housing or who are at risk of losing their housing. HMIS supports HUD’s requirements for consistent, accurate, and timely data across the Continuum of Care (CoC). The HMIS provides the foundation for measuring systemwide performance, identifying gaps in housing efforts, and informing planned decisions that address housing instability in Summit County.

System Management

United Way of Summit & Medina Counties serves as the HMIS Lead Agency for the Akron/Summit County CoC. The Lead Agency oversees daily operations, maintenance, training, and compliance activities to ensure the system meets all HUD data collection and reporting rules. The Continuum of Care provides oversight to ensure the HMIS functions effectively as a systemwide tool for performance tracking and coordinated housing efforts.

Data Governance & Compliance

HMIS operates under HUD’s HMIS Data Standards and the local CoC Data Governance Plan. These policies set consistent requirements for data privacy, security, quality, and confidentiality. Partner agencies entering data into the HMIS must meet established benchmarks for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. The CoC reviews data quality on a recurring basis and provides guidance to strengthen reporting for System Performance Measures (SPMs), the Longitudinal Systems Analysis (LSA), and the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR).

Committees & Workgroups

The CoC’s HMIS structure includes several groups responsible for system operation, training, and process improvement:

  • HMIS Advisory Committee – A group of senior HMIS representatives from participating agencies responsible for applying data rules, reviewing evaluation criteria, and ensuring accurate reporting. The group reviews submissions to HUD, including SPMs, AHAR/LSA, PIT, and HIC reports. Meetings occur twice per year or as needed.
  • HMIS Agency Administrators Group –This group includes designated system administrators from each agency, responsible for maintaining agency-level data accuracy, resolving system issues, and supporting system users. Members work jointly on updates and improvements related to reporting requirements and compliance.
  • HMIS User Group – Front-line HMIS users review changes in data collection and reporting rules, provide practical input on usability, and help shape system updates and training materials. Involvement from all partner agencies is required.
  • HMIS Data Committee – The Data Committee supports decision-making across the CoC by reviewing HMIS and non-HMIS information to identify gaps and strengthen outcomes. Members include data-focused professionals and local volunteers who assist in advancing the CoC’s planned housing goals through analysis and system review.

Funding & Support

HMIS operations are funded through HUD CoC Program grants administered by the Summit County Continuum of Care, supplemented by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from local municipalities such as the City of Akron and the City of Cuyahoga Falls. These combined resources ensure the system’s long-lasting capacity, technical support, and continued system improvements.

Contact & Access

Agencies receiving HUD or CoC funding must take part in HMIS data collection and reporting.
For information about becoming an HMIS agency or accessing system training, contact United Way of Summit & Medina Counties, the HMIS Lead Agency, at info@summitcoc.org or visit www.summitcoc.org.