Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
www.hrsdc.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
HIFIS Data Analysis Framework
Introduction: The Benefits of Quality Data
To understand the scope and nature of homelessness, it is critical to collect the most accurate and representative information on individuals and families who experience homelessness. Finding solutions to homelessness requires that this data be easily collected and analyzed. In addition, precise data and numbers are essential in identifying critical housing and homelessness issues in communities across Canada.
Improved community planning and decision making
In support of the community planning process of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) data, at a local and regional level, can be used to identify the number of individuals and families using the emergency and transitional shelters, and assess their needs. Clarifying the issues, priorities and objectives can help guide service providers or community planners in the design and implementation of projects. Establishing a data collection mechanism on site or at the community level is critical to the success of any measurement strategy. Indicators are used to measure progress in meeting objectives and targets, to monitor results and provide credible reports.
Improved homelessness services
Data is the foundation of solid arguments to address priorities and gaps in homelessness services. The analysis of data collected over time can help guide the community in setting priorities and objectives based on the immediate needs of homeless people and those at risk of homelessness who are overrepresented, unattended or who require specialized services.
Better communication
HIFIS is the best option to represent reality as it relates to homeless people. It is the only free software option that can record the most accurate, consistent and timely information about the scope and nature of homelessness. It is a user-friendly, robust software application that enables service providers to share information and develop partnerships within the private and public sectors and at the local, municipal, provincial/territorial and federal levels. The implementation of HIFIS within additional shelters and communities and improvement in local reporting will enhance the ability of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy HPS to produce a more comprehensive national picture of homelessness. Future national reports will benefit from an increase in the number of higher quality local reports.
Use of HIFIS numbers leads to better public understanding and enables communities to promote change, to tackle the causes of homelessness and to ease the negative effects on individuals and families who experience homelessness. It can help build a rationale for continued strategic investments by all levels of government to ensure efficient and sustainable programs that will help prevent and reduce homelessness.
Partnership development support
Since funding agencies and all levels of government struggle with competing budget priorities, demonstrated positive change in the communities is the impetus for policy development to combat poverty, social exclusion and homelessness. Solid data analysis is critical in building credibility because it holds the key to understanding the lives of people affected by homelessness. Evidence-based reporting is more consistent now that a growing number of HIFIS users share the same definitions (HIFIS data fields dictionary). Provinces and territories as well as non-governmental agencies often use other data collection systems to accurately measure the effectiveness of their homelessness programs and to decide on future investments. When systems are compatible with HIFIS, data sharing at the community level enhances reporting on activities being implemented under the HPS.
Avoiding duplication
The HIFIS network contributes to the development of a national database that assists in the identification of national trends to inform policies and help design better programs. When a strong coordination is in place among HIFIS users and other housing and homelessness stakeholders, it becomes possible to identify patterns in the use of shelters and changes in housing status. The HIFIS database avoids the duplication that occurs when data is collected by private agencies and various levels of government. It provides an accurate overall picture of homelessness, of the size and needs of specific homeless populations, of their utilization of homeless services and of their ability to access mainstream resources.
