To handle homelessness more effectively, the Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas tri-county region has opted to update its data management system. As reported by Clackamas County's official website, the county has teamed up with Bitfocus, a tech firm specializing in homelessness response systems. Replacing the outdated Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), the new provider promises improvements in regional information sharing and service efficiency.
With this initiative, the counties aim for a more informed and accountable approach to addressing homelessness. Bitfocus will introduce several features, from a streamlined process of tracking shelter availability to mobile-friendly data entry solutions for street workers. Before this development, the HMIS database, which dates back to 2006, was primarily a tool for compliance reporting, not designed for the expanded scope of services provided today.
The selected system is expected to provide more accurate and comprehensive reports and boost service provision on the frontline. According to the Gartner Consulting analysis from 2023, which Multnomah County had engaged to look into its existing systems, and a subsequent Multnomah County Auditor's report in 2024, the need for a robust data system upgrade became evident. The latter report highlighted certain accuracy issues in the then-current HMIS, underscoring the urgency of the shift.
Collaboration was key in choosing Bitfocus. Over 82 staff members representing around 40 organizations, including community groups and governmental bodies, were swept into the selection process. Bitfocus emerged as a top choice because of its modern interface, capabilities in analytics tools, and experience in similar initiatives in cities like Los Angeles and King County. "By building a smarter and more connected data system," Metro Interim Housing Director Liam Frost said, "we’re not just improving efficiency — we’re making it easier for outreach teams and other frontline workers to offer people living on our streets the right help at the right time," as mentioned on the county's website.
