Tulsa homeless providers to connect with database of client information

? The business of caring for the homeless has become more advanced than just passing out blankets and food.

By the end of the year, information about people who are homeless in the Tulsa area will go into a computer system that tracks their medical, housing and food needs. The new software, called Share Link, will connect homeless providers to one database.

People who are homeless will no longer have to repeat their personal information each time they see a case manager, said Jim Lyall of the Homeless Services Network.

With Share Link, the most vital information can be accessed by mental health providers and shelter staff.

Clients must choose to become part of the system and sign a permission form. Extreme care and consideration are going into the wording of the form, Lyall said.

“We want to make sure they totally understand what it is that will be put into the system about them,” he said. “A lot of thought is going into it.”

If a client is treated by the Family & Children’s Services’ COPES (mental health mobile crisis team), their information will be entered into the database. Then, if they go to the Salvation Army for shelter, their case manager can pull up the information instantly.

“One of the things that the homeless complain about is having to re-explain their case history and personal information to different providers,” Lyall said. “This eliminates the need for them to do so.”

Homeless clients complied when tracking tuberculosis became necessary so officials hope Share Link eventually will be embraced. All clients are supposed to carry a TB testing card, but because of Share Link, that may no longer be needed.

“We’re hoping that they see that this is a better service for them and go along with it,” Lyall said.

Share Link was paid for through donations from a private foundation and grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services.

The system is expected to be fully operational by early 2004.