Research using UHMIS data shows that the SPDAT and VI-SPDAT in UHMIS are not valid or reliable tools.
Research Article, published May 2025:
Assessing the Reliability of SPDAT Homelessness Vulnerability Tools and the Impact of Assessor Consistency and Changes to Homeless Vulnerability Over Time
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10511482.2025.2500094#d1e494
Summary from National Low Income Housing Coalition, published June 2025:
Research Identifies Limitations to Reliability of Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tools (SPDATs) Used to Assess Vulnerability of People Experiencing Homelessness
OrgCode no longer supports the VI-SPDAT and SPDAT assessment tools.
All supporting materials for the VI-SPDAT and SPDAT have been removed from their website to help them refocus on other tools.
OrgCode VI-SPDAT Blog Post from January 2021.
Training
Despite the tools’ failings, some communities in Utah still use them for Coordinated Entry prioritization.
Training for the VI-SPDAT and SPDAT tools are hosted by local LHC leadership, often the tools have been modified to address some of the concerns identified in the tools.
Please contact your local LHC or Coordinated Entry lead for training options and resources regarding how they are currently using the VI-SPDAT and SPDAT tools.
You can find contact information on the End Homelessness Utah website.
Utah HMIS 