Topic outline

  • Living Situations

    • Living Situations

      In this tutorial we'll cover Living Situations.   You'll be able to understand the difference between "Current" and "Prior" living situations and why that's important

      Please note - This module is accessible without logging in.  However, to attempt quizzes, you'll have to log in.  To receive login information, please email us at hims@changinghomelessness.org


      Prior Living Situations

      Let's take a quick look again at an important part of the Universal Data Assessment: "Prior Living Situations".   What that actually means is we need to define:

      1.  A client's housing status

      2.  A client's living situation


      Determining a Client's Housing Status


      Let's start with a client's housing status. How can we know if a client is homeless? How simple is it to define housing status? For example, is living in an RV a homeless situation? Well, the answer is “it depends on additional criteria.” So, as you can see, it’s worth practicing. With the tools presented in this section, you’ll start to get a clear idea of how to define housing status.

      Below is a diagram (Diagram 2.6) of how to determine whether a client is "Literally Homeless" or "At Imminent Risk of Homelessness".   You'll want to reference the diagram for quiz 2.6.  


      Diagram 2.6 - Definitions of Homelessness

      Clicking on the image takes you to a PDF version in which you can download/save/print for future reference. 



      Once you've studied over the diagram, go ahead and take Quiz 2.6.  Remember, you can take the quiz as many times as needed to pass.  This course is not designed to "fail" you.  It's designed to prepare you.  So take your time and do your best.  

         


      Client's "Living Situation" 


       So now we can use our ability to define homelessness and look at how we select a "Prior Living Situation" in a typical program entry enrollment.  

       


      Current Living Situation in HMIS


      After a "Prior Living Situation (after an initial intake), we're going to need to manage/update "Living Situations" all the way through a client's exit from a program.  So let's take a look at the subtle yet important differences between "prior" and "current" living situations.  Click on the button below and study it's information to get started. 

        

      Now let's check our understanding   Go ahead and click the Quiz button below to get started. 

       


      We at the HMIS team hope this helped you understand why collecting these data points are so critical.  We're really telling our client's story.  If you need more assistance on this topic or any other topic, please visit our FAQ found at https://chiedconnect.net/mod/glossary/view.php?id=289, and reach out to us at hmis@changinghomelessness.org.