Strengthening the Social Service Community through Information Systems, Training, and Advocacy

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

MAACLink is a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) developed and maintained by Mid America Assistance Coalition. The system contains vital information regarding services provided to individuals throughout the MAAC network. Access to this information helps service agencies manage limited resources more efficiently by:

• Minimizing duplication of service
• Capturing information about unmet community needs
• Identifying households that could benefit from more comprehensive case management or support services

TRAINING

MAAC provides Strengths Based Case Management training - a "best practice" in working with homeless populations. This takes an approach of looking at the person's strengths and building on those.

Each year, MAAC also hosts an Annual Training Conference designed to provide education and information to over 200 service providers and agencies.

ADVOCACY

MAAC is involved in advocacy efforts for homeless and low-income people and families, including utility assistance and homeless services. The MAAC Fund Management Program distributes more than $600,000 in privately donated utility assistance each year.

MAAC's Back to School Clothing Project seeks to raise the self-esteem of homeless youth in the Kansas City area by providing new clothing at the beginning of the school year. The project is a fund raiser working with Community partners to donate money so Case Managers can shop for the children.