Golden Rule of Data Entry in HMIS

Enter data in HMIS ServicePoint using the sequential order of the tabs.


No data should be entered in a tab until all data points in the previous tabs are complete (sequentially).

It is recommended Family Programs start with the Head of Household (HoH), and then the remaining members of the Household.


Client Profile Tab

  • Client Demographics 
    1. Complete for ALL Household members.
  • Universal Data Elements
    1. Complete for all Household members who are 18+ years or older.


Households Tab

  • There should only be ONE current Household.
    1. Unless the client journey reflects an individual being part of 2 different households serviced by your program at the same time.
  • There must be only ONE Head of Household (HoH), and their ‘Relationship to HoH’ must indicate ‘self’.
    1. Ensure the ‘Relationship to HoH’ is complete for remaining Household members. 
  • All data collected in the Housing First Assessments is client centric from the HoH perspective.


ROI Tab

  • All Household members are required to have a valid ROI.


*Select checkbox next to current Household ID to auto-apply ROI to all Household members.


Entry/Exit Tab

  • All Household members are required to have a program entry and program exit.
  • When exiting a client, ensure the Exit Assessment is completed first (only for HoH).


*Select checkbox next to current Household ID to auto-apply entry and/or exit to all Household members.


**If a non-HoH family member leaves the household, remove them from the household and exit that client individually from the program. Make a Client Note under the Client Profile Tab indicating the Household ID the client is leaving.


***Only the HoH is required to have an Exit Assessment completed.


Case Managers Tab

  • Use of this tab is not mandated by CHF; use per Agency policy.


*Selecting the Case Manager will allow you to add Case Managers in the Case Plans Tab.


Case Plans Tab

  • Use of this tab is not mandated by CHF; use per Agency policy.


Assessments Tab

  • Only the HoH will be assessed. 
  • Housing First Assessments are client centric and include:
    1. Housing First Move-in Assessment – FAMILIES
    2. Housing First Follow-up Quarterly Assessment – FAMILIES
    3. Housing First Exit Interview
  • CHF Housing Assessment is program-centric and must be completed anytime:
    1. The HF Move-in Assessment is completed
    2. In the HF QFU Assessment, in the Housing History Section, a client answers YES to the question: Were you rehoused within the last 3 months?


Service Transactions Tab

  • Only the HoH requires referrals.
    1. Do not refer the whole household.



Please note this is one article of the Household Tab Series. For more information, please review the following articles:

1. Family Data Entry Overview - current article

2. Understanding the Households Tab

3. How to Start a New Household

4. Manage Household

5. How to Change a Head of Household