Data, Privacy, and Reporting
Alpha Project uses Clarity (distributed by Bitfocus) for its Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Clarity is a local web-based information technology system that San Diego’s Continuum of Care (CoC) uses to collect client-level data and data on housing and services to homeless individuals/families and persons at risk of homelessness.
With oversite from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Clarity is used by dozens of agencies countywide. It captures demographic data, services, housing, assessments, employment, and other data relevant to client progress. The program provides for longitudinal tracking of service utilization by each client and generates reports within a vast set of parameters.
The HMIS may only be accessed by affiliated organizations that have agreed to participate in HMIS and joined the HMIS Trust Network. The guidelines informing the roles and responsibilities of being an HMIS Participating Agency are extensive and may be found in the HMIS Policies and Procedures. Alpha Project has adopted the Regional Task Force on Homelessness’ HMIS Privacy and Security Policies entirely for all homeless service programs. All users must complete new user training before they may access HMIS, as well as ongoing training, including procedures on safeguarding personal information and privacy. Please view the Notice of Privacy Practices and the Multiparty Authorization to Use and/or Disclose Information.
Alpha Project measures client progress towards self-sufficiency against baseline assessments done at program entry and generates cumulative reports reflective of aggregate client success and program outcomes. Each program reports not less than annually to all relevant funding sources and oversight agencies, including the City of San Diego, the San Diego Housing Commission, the County of San Diego, and the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, among other public and private entities and funders.
