North Carolina's Balance of State Homeless Management Information System
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PATH
The Carolina Homeless Information Network (CHIN) provided 15 laptop computers outfitted with broadband wireless Internet to PATH workers across North Carolina. PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) workers provide service delivery to homeless individuals, or those at risk of becoming homeless, with serious mental illnesses and/or substance abuse disorders. Equipped with broadband wireless technology, case managers and peer support specialist are able to immediately log clients into CHIN, access resources such as bed lists or service providers, and enroll them into needed services.
Yolanda Holley, a case manager with Forsyth County PATH, says that CHIN is a great asset. “I used to have to meet with clients twice before I could start providing services. With CHIN, I can start providing services at our first meeting, as soon as I realize they’re eligible,” Ms. Holley said. “It has cut down on paper work tremendously. And the information we need is so accessible. Through CHIN we can easily direct clients where they need to go,” she continued.
PATH team members include case managers and peer support specialists. Peer support specialists focus their efforts at the street level, building relationships with homeless persons in order to enroll them in programs that will help them find jobs, homes, mental health and substance abuse services, and address other needs.