The Shelter Survey is reserved for which group of people?

• A. People who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• B. People seeking temporary shelter in a shelter.
• C. Any client seeking housing assistance.
• D. Only people in permanent housing programs.

Answer: (C)

Data coverage in HMIS focuses on recording information from anyone who seeks housing assistance, not just a subset. The Shelter Survey is the intake instrument used whenever someone enters a pathway that could lead to housing assistance—whether they are unsheltered, seeking a shelter bed, or pursuing housing programs. This broad use ensures consistent data collection across all entry points and services, supports eligibility decisions, and aids planning and HUD reporting. It isn’t limited to unsheltered individuals, shelter residents only, or people in permanent housing programs.