The successful proposer should be experienced in dealing with the homeless population of Ulster County or providing housing in a group setting to vulnerable populations. Experience in providing overnight shelter services or supportive housing or residential treatment facility services are preferred.
The awarded vendor will identify a suitable site for the warming center, and must ensure that any zoning or code compliance requirements are met. The center will be provided by the awarded vendor or through a third-party relationship with the awarded vendor. The County of Ulster will not be providing the location.
The awarded vendor will be required to adequately staff the warming center to maintain the safety and security of the persons seeking shelter. The awarded vendor will also be required to provide cots, bedding, blankets, and three (3) meals a day to individuals seeking services.
The warming center will be open on a continual basis, beginning on December 1 through March 31. Should the temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit in November or April, the center may be activated at the direction of the County and remain open for limited periods or shifts until the temperature rises.
The awarded vendor should be prepared to serve at least forty (40) individual adults, aged 18 or over, regardless of race or gender, at any given time.
The awarded vendor should perform an intake of each occupant when they report to the warming center to seek services and assess each individual for alcohol or substance use or impairment, weapons, contraband, and serious mental and/or physical illness or condition, so that the individual’s needs may be adequately met at the warming center.
The successful proposer should describe what information will be provided to the County effectively capturing required data. Attach samples of all reports to be used.
The awarded vendor is responsible for resolving any disputes or issues which may occur during the time the warming center is open, including being prepared to address and prevent the issues of loitering and public disturbances.
The awarded vendor should offer information about additional available community resources to warming center occupants, but shall not require participation in ancillary programs as a condition of seeking or receiving services at the warming center.
