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Department of Health Services

Homelessness Services

Request for Qualifications for Indoor Outdoor Shelter Site(s) and Services Now Available

Responses can be submitted starting on January 10th and must be received no later than 2:00 P.M. on January 27th, 2020.

Published: January 07, 2020

Download and apply for the Indoor-Outdoor Shelter RFQ/P 

On December 17, 2019, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors declared a Homeless Emergency to address the public crisis involving homelessness in the County and in particular the more than 200 homeless individuals occupying the Joe Rodota Trail. During a special Board meeting on December 23, 2019, the Board approved several response options including funding to establish multiple indoor-outdoor shelters. The Board has directed the Departments of Health Services and the Community Development Commission to establish multiple shelters within 180 days.
Shelters are needed to address the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness on the Joe Rodota Trail and other parts of the county. The ultimate goal is to meet homeless individuals where they are and to support them in successfully transitioning into permanent supportive housing and/or permanent housing. While specific arrangements may take a variety of shapes, shelters in general would:

  • Provide a Navigation Center to coordinate and refer individuals to the County ACCESS IMDT to successfully transition individuals to permanent housing.
  • Include a combination of on-site structures, RV hook-ups, and safe parking
  • Provide indoor and/or outdoor living options
  • Be an extension of the existing shelter system
  • Provide those services necessary to support the health, well-being and safety of those residing in the shelter (e.g, crisis response, sanitation, security, and food services)
  • Accommodate individuals, families, groups, and pets.

The Request for Qualifications/Proposals purpose is to develop a list of pre-qualified shelter operators and/or services providers and locations. At County’s sole discretion depending on program directions and other considerations, the County may begin negotiations with respondents and may enter into agreements for delivery of indoor-outdoor shelter site(s).