The HMIS Data Standards were first published by HUD in 2004 as the HMIS Data and Technical Standards. HUD, in collaboration with its federal partners, has continued to update the HMIS Data Standards regularly thereafter.

The FY 2024 HMIS Data Standards have an effective date of October 1, 2023. In the FY 2024 Data Standards update, there were new data elements added (e.g., 2.09 CE Participation) and existing data elements retired (e.g., C1 Well-being).

The Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG) HMIS Manual is intended to support data collection and reporting efforts of Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Lead Agencies and ESG recipients and subrecipients.

The PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) Program HMIS Manual is intended to support data collection and reporting efforts of Continuums of Care (CoCs), Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Leads and System Administrators, State PATH Contacts (SPCs), and PATH Program grantees. PATH Program participation in HMIS provides for client care coordination and the generation of the PATH Annual Report, in addition to other benefits to clients and PATH Program grantees.

The VA Programs HMIS Manual is intended to support data collection and reporting efforts of Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Lead Agencies and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) program grantees.

A Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a community-based application that collects and reports on the characteristics and needs of people who are served by programs intended to prevent and end homelessness in a particular geographic area or Continuum of Care (CoC). U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to HMIS participation by VA-funded homeless assistance providers to support community-based service planning and coordination for Veterans and others experiencing homelessness or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.