Gaps Analysis: Returns to Homelessness

The IA BoS CoC Impact Task Group recently completed a gaps analysis. After evaluating several topics, the group chose to focus on returns to homelessness with support from staff at Institute for Community Alliances.  

Looking at Prior Destinations & Length of Time To Return for those who existed in 2023 and returned within 2023-2025, Impact found that the greatest number of returns happened within the first 30 days, particularly clients who exited to permanent destinations with friends or family. 

Impact noted that there may be confusion when determining whether a client's exit destination should be entered as temporary or permanent.  

For situations where the friend/family is unable to take in the client long-term, or there is an agreed upon date that the client needs to move out, temporary is usually the appropriate option.  

Stable situations with no set end date and where the client is expected to stay a minimum of 90 days should be entered as permanent.  

Impact highly encourages communities to review this data on the agency and project levels and consider how exits are being asked about and entered. In the future, Impact hopes to incorporate this within CoC case management trainings and collaborate with Lived Experience Advisory Boards to evaluate this data.  

You can view our one-page report here.

You can download the HMIS exit checklist here. This is also available on the helper docs on the "New User" training on the LMS.

This post has been authored by Sydney, CoC Engagement Specialist.