We know that no single person or agency can prevent homelessness—it takes a collective of agencies working together to create a city where everyone thrives.
But what binds agencies together? Data.
Data underpins our sector’s ability to support Calgary’s most vulnerable people. Data is the difference between a fragmented system and a strong network of agencies; a lifetime on the streets and a place called home.
Our Role in Data Sharing
Since 2008, Calgary Homeless Foundation has collected and analyzed data from agencies in the city and across Canada using an electronic database called the HMIS or Homeless Management Information System.
Each data point is someone’s story. Data shows us who needs what. It enables us to help agencies enhance programs for people experiencing homelessness and to close gaps.
But data collection doesn’t just support people experiencing homelessness. It connects agencies to one another, forming a united system of care.
The Benefits of Data Sharing
Here are four ways data-sharing creates a stronger system of care:
1. Tracking
When agencies share data through the HMIS, everyone is better informed about the people in the system and its overall state. We can track who is accessing which program and see their successes over time.
2. Highlighting gaps
Data highlights where people’s needs are not being met. In 2017, three agencies created a program to help people move from housing with supports to independent, affordable housing. Thanks to data, the agencies knew this was an unmet need, and they joined forces to provide a solution.
3. Real-time information
Data is collected in real-time through the HMIS. That means we always know the number of people experiencing homelessness in Calgary; the length and causes, and their personal characteristics. This allows agencies to provide a quicker, more tailored response to people’s needs.
4. Promoting research and policy
The shared data in the HMIS provides a base for research that yields practical results, including proposals to government to create social change.
Additional Information
For more information, see The Role of Data in the Fight to End Homelessness.
To find out how data sharing can change people’s lives and fuel practical research, please visit How Data is Utilized and How Research is Utilized?
Interesting links
Here are some interesting links for you! Enjoy your stay :)Pages
- #DonateEssentialsYYC
- 2018 Trail Blazer Breakfast
- 2019 Trail Blazer Breakfast
- 2024 DTMAD Presenter Form
- 2024 Senior Leadership Forum Form
- 25th 1
- 25th 2
- 25th 3
- 25th 4
- Accreditation
- Agencies
- Agencies/Programs
- Alan Norris, 2019 Trail Blazer Legacy Award Recipient
- Allocate Resources
- Art Smith
- Art Smith Awards
- Art Smith Awards: Employee Nominations
- Art Smith Awards: Front-Line Employee Award
- Art Smith Awards: Front-Line Project Award
- Art Smith Awards: Front-Line Project Award
- Art Smith Awards: Leadership Award
- Art Smith Awards: Leadership Award Nominations
- Art Smith Awards: Project Nominations
- Board Members
- Causes of Homelessness
- CCEWR Infographic: Winter 2022 – 2023
- CCEWR Resource List
- CCEWR Resource List: Chinese
- CCEWR Resource List: French
- CCEWR Resource List: Punjabi
- CCEWR Resource List: Tagalog
- Chronicity and Complexity
- City of Calgary Emergency Shelter Shuttle Information
- Client Action Committee
- Community Led Fundraising
- Contact
- Contact Us
- Coordinated Access & Assessment
- Coordinated Community Extreme Weather Response (CCEWR)
- Data
- Data Dashboard
- Data Sharing
- Discover & Learn
- Donate
- Donate Monthly
- Donate One-Time
- Ecosystem Integration
- Executive Leadership Team
- Exhibit Alley RSVP
- Frameworks and Resource Guides
- Functional Zero: How We Measure Success
- History
- Home Page
- Homelessness 101
- Homelessness in Calgary
- Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS)
- How Do I Create a Community-Led Fundraising Event?
- How We Are Funded
- How We Define Success
- How We Fund
- How We Use Data
- Jenny Belzberg, 2018 Trail Blazer Legacy Award Recipient
- Job Listings
- Learn About Homelessness
- Lived Experience
- Meet Us
- Myths About Homelessness
- Need Help?
- News Release – December 16, 2022
- Our Approach to Fighting Homelessness
- Our Beginning
- Our Benefits
- Our Culture
- Our Organization
- Our Published Papers
- Our Purpose & Ambition
- Our Report to Community
- Partnering With Us
- Past Reports to Community and MD&As
- Plans
- Point in Time Count
- Point in Time Count
- Pre-Event Leadership Session
- Press Release – September 28, 2022
- Privacy Policy
- Report to Community
- Research & Data
- Resources
- Salvation Army Mobile Warming Station Schedule
- SDL
- SDL- Sponsor Info
- Sidewalks to Door Locks | About
- Sidewalks to Door Locks | Awards
- Sidewalks to Door Locks | Program
- Sidewalks to Door Locks | Sponsorships
- Sidewalks to Door Locks | Tickets
- Sidewalks to Door Locks Complimentary Ticket
- Sidewalks to Door Locks Complimentary Ticket Registration
- Sidewalks to Door Locks Full Table Dinner Menu Selection
- Sidewalks to Door Locks Guest Menu Selection
- Site Map
- Submit Your Resume
- Success Stories
- Support Us
- System Planning
- Terms of Use
- Tim J. Hearn, 2021 Trail Blazer Award Recipient
- Trail Blazer Breakfast Sponsor Packages
- What Else Can You Do?
- What We Do
- Who Experiences Homelessness?
- Who We Are
- Work for Us
- Youth Advisory Table
Categories
- Arthur R. Smith Awards
- Calgary Collaborative Capital Campaign (formerly RESOLVE)
- Client Action Committee
- Coordinated Community Winter Response
- Data Sharing
- Featured
- Fund Development
- Government
- Health
- ihearthomeyyc
- Informational Video
- Making a Difference
- News
- Partners
- Research
- RESOLVE Campaign
- Uncategorized