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[HUDX-231-AD] LSA Quick Guide

Learn how to run the LSA export in Clarity Human Services, choose the right version, test project descriptors, and prepare files for HDX 2.0 upload.

Table of Contents

Purpose

The Longitudinal System Analysis (LSA) export is a HUD requirement that replaces the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR). This article explains how to run each export version and prepare it for upload to the Homelessness Data Exchange (HDX) 2.0.

 Note: The LSA export from Clarity Human Services is not designed to be used as-is to inform communities. HUD intends to have a reporting end product available from HDX following upload to HDX 2.0. Find the most recent LSA Report Tools on HUD Exchange. 

Here are the available reports for the LSA:

  • [HUDX-231-AD] LSA Export [FY 2026] - This systemwide version is the one you upload to HDX 2.0. Jump to Running the Systemwide Export.
  • [HUDX-231] LSA Export [FY 2026] - This project-based version can be used by agencies to check their data. Jump to Running the Project-Based Export.

  • [HUDX-236-AD] LSA - Project Descriptor HDX Upload Test [FY 2026] and [HUDX-236] LSA - Project Descriptor HDX Upload Test [FY 2026] -  This report prepares you for the HDX upload without running client data. It identifies project descriptor issues. Jump to Running the Project Descriptor HDX Upload Test.

Running the Report

The reports displayed to you depend on the Report Library configuration established by the System Administrator. System Administrators also select which users have access to reports based on Access Role.

Report Location

Find the reports in the following locations in the Report Library:

  • Reports > Report Library > Administrator Reports > [HUDX-231-AD] LSA Export 
  • Reports > Report Library > HUD Reports > [HUDX-231] LSA Export - Project-Focused LSA 
  • Reports > Report Library > Administrator Reports > [HUDX-236-AD] LSA - Project Descriptor HDX Upload Test
  • Reports > Report Library > HUD Reports > [HUDX-236] LSA - Project Descriptor HDX Upload Test 

Running the Systemwide Export

  • Navigate to Reports > Report Library > Administrator Reports > [HUDX-231-AD] LSA Export and click Run.
  • Complete the parameters in the table below.
  • Click Submit. When the report finishes, Clarity delivers it as a zipped set of CSV files.

Systemwide Export Parameters

Parameter

Description

LSAScope

Select Systemwide to generate the LSA export.

The HIC option generates the export for Housing Inventory Count (HIC) uploads, per the LSA Programming Specifications. It uses slightly different logic. HDX does not accept it for LSA submissions.

CoC

Choose the Continuum of Care (CoC) to include. The report includes programs that have the selected CoC.

If an expected program is missing, edit the program in Clarity and add the appropriate CoC code(s).

Client ID Selection

Select Clarity Unique Identifier (default) or HUD Unduplicated Personal ID. To learn more about the impact of this parameter, refer to Parameter Spotlight: Client ID Selection.

Report Date Range

Enter the reporting period. 

Note: Due to the substantial size of the Systemwide LSA Export, which requires considerable processing power, the export may take 2-3 hours to complete for larger Continuums of Care (CoCs) and approximately 30-40 minutes for smaller CoCs. 

Running the Project-Based Export

Navigate to Reports > Report Library > HUD Reports > [HUDX-231] LSA Export - Project-Focused LSA and click Run.

  • Complete the parameters in the table below.
  • Click Submit. When the report finishes, Clarity delivers it as a zipped set of CSV files.

Project-Based Export Parameters

Parameter

Description

LSAScope

Select Project-Focused LSA to generate the LSA export. 

The HIC option generates the export for HIC uploads, per the LSA Programming Specifications. It uses slightly different logic. HDX does not accept it for LSA submissions.

CoC

Choose the CoC to include. The report includes programs that have the selected CoC.

If an expected program is missing, edit the program in Clarity and add the appropriate CoC code(s).

Agency Status

Choose whether to include inactive agencies.

Agencies

Choose the agencies to include. The agencies available depend on the access level of the user running the export.

Program Status

Choose whether to include inactive programs.

Project(s) Type

Select the type(s) of projects to include in the export.

Programs

Choose the programs to include.

Client ID Selection

Select Clarity Unique Identifier (default) or HUD Unduplicated Personal ID. To learn more about the impact of this parameter, refer to Parameter Spotlight: Client ID Selection.

Report Date Range

Enter the reporting period. 

Running the Project Descriptor HDX Upload Test

Navigate to Reports > Report Library > HUD Reports > [HUDX-236-AD] LSA - Project Descriptor HDX Upload Test and click Run.

  • Run the report for the selected CoC.

  • Upload to HDX per instructions received from HUD.
    • An error report will be returned in HDX:
      • Ignore the missing_files error; this is intentional because client data was excluded.
      • Review and repair any project descriptor errors that are reported in the error report

Uploading to HDX 2.0

Only the Systemwide LSA is to be uploaded to HDX 2.0 for LSA submissions. 

The zipped CSV files that will be uploaded to HDX 2.0 should never be modified.

  • Only the zip file name can be modified.
  • If the CSV files are manually changed, problems are likely to be created.
  • Review and repair any project descriptor errors that are reported in the error report.

For details about submitting the LSA export to HDX 2.0, review Overview of the LSA Submission Process. 

Export Format

The LSA export is similar to the standard HUD HMIS CSV export. Clarity delivers the output as a zipped set of CSV files.

The export contains 12 files. Seven mirror the HMIS CSV export. Five are specific to the LSA export:

  • LSAReport
  • LSAPerson
  • LSAHousehold
  • LSAExit
  • LSACalculated

Data Quality Cleanup Dashboards

The following dashboards have been created to assist with LSA preparation. Click on a dashboard name below for full dashboard details.

Additional Resources

The following are links to additional Help Center resources:

The following are links to additional HUD Exchange resources:

 

Updated: 11/02/2026