CONNECT AC

Catalog description

Students will work as part of the Connect AC team under faculty guidance. They will be responsible for entering data into HMIS (Homelessness Management Information System - https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/hmis/) which, like its name suggests, includes data on homelessness. HMIS can track the use of social service agencies for housing, food pantries, soup kitchens, food stamps, physical health, substance abuse counseling, mental health, employment, job training, as well as when people touch criminal justice agencies such as police departments and corrections agencies. Currently agencies in Atlantic County collect data, but they don't all collect data and upload it to the HMIS system. This is a problem because there is no way to track services. Having data in one main place, like HMIS, means the county (and the state) can get a better, clearer picture of what services are needed and utilized. Having better data also means that we can identify individuals in greatest need (those seeking daily services or services from many agencies) and figure out the root cause of their need. In essence, Connecting AC means we can better serve those in Atlantic County. This course does not have regularly scheduled class meetings but students do need to have time to meet with agencies and work in the community. Students must provide their own transportation.