This article will review the Project Start Date data element.
Basic Components of the Project Start Date
What is it?
Determines the beginning of a client's participation in a project. It is when the most data elements are collected through an Project Start Assessment (aka Entry or Intake) to establish the client's initial status and start program services. It can be thought of a "snapshot" of the client on their first day.
Who needs it?
All clients need this to demonstrate service delivery in projects using Entries and Exits.
*Service Transaction Only Workflow projects may not use this. Reach out to the Data Center if you have questions.
Where is it added in HMIS?
The Project Start Date is created in HMIS on the Entry/Exit tab by setting the correct Back Date and Enter Data As mode in the system and selecting Add Entry/Exit for the correct HMIS project. The Start Assessment window will then pop up with the additional data elements to be added at this time. A row will be added to the Entry/Exit table for each Project Start Date created for that client.
Data Collection Notes:
The Project Start Date tracks different information depending on Project Type. So please be aware of that for your projects. The data collected at the Project Start Date should reflect the client's status on day 1 of their entry into a project. Once a Project Start is created and data is entered for the assessment, changes in client situations should be recorded through an Update or Annual Assessment.
Except:
- Street Outreach - please see that workflow for more detail.
- Corrections - if something was inaccurately entered, you may need to backdate to the Project Start to replace that bad or missing data.
Project Start Date by Project Type
As mentioned previously each Project Type actually has a different date that should be considered the official Project Start Date so please use the appropriate date for the project your are currently collecting data for.
Street Outreach (SO) Projects
For Street Outreach Projects the Project Start Date is the date of first contact between client and outreach worker. The entire start assessment usually is not completed at this time though. Please see the Street Outreach specific workflows for more information on how to enter data correctly for that project type.
Emergency Shelter (ES) and Transitional Housing (TH) Projects
For Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing Projects the Project Start Date is the first night the client sleeps in a bed. The entire start assessment is completed at this time.
Rapid Re-Housing (RRH), Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and Other Permanent Housing (OPH) Projects
For Rapid Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing, and Other Permanent Housing Projects, the Project Start Date is the date when an eligible client accepts the offer of available services. The entire start assessment is usually completed at this time. Some times the Project Start Date is mistaken for the Housing Move-in Date in these project types, they are not the same.
Coordinated Entry (CE), Prevention (HP) and Support Services Only (SO) Projects
For Coordinated Entry, Prevention and Support Services Only Projects the Project Start Date is the date that the first services are delivered to the client. The entire start assessment is usually completed at this time.
Summary Table
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