Outcome and Process Metrics Developed for Seattle's Homeless Services Contracts - Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab

Introduction

As part of our contract recommendations to Seattle’s Human Services Department (HSD), the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL) developed outcome and process metrics for homeless services. These metrics are described in this brief and may be helpful to other jurisdictions that are seeking to adopt a data-driven approach to managing their homeless services contracts. Actionable data can support performance-focused, active contract management whereby the funder and the provider regularly meet to review data, spot problems and opportunities for improvement, and then swiftly operationalize changes to drive better performance during the course of a contract. Metrics can also inform key programmatic, funding, and policy decisions to drive better outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.