This initiative is designed to protect vulnerable individuals from severe environmental conditions—particularly extreme cold—and to support their progression toward stable, permanent housing. Selected service providers will work closely with the City to ensure timely, safe, and effective emergency response operations during such weather events. The City will activate Warming Centers during the winter months when temperatures fall below 10°F. The City anticipates serving approximately 200 individuals, the proposer is expected to provide the following services: Safe, indoor overnight shelter Hot meals served on-site and distributed through the mobile food program Blankets, hats, gloves, and other essential warming items Personal hygiene and care products Laundry services In addition, selected service providers must have the capacity to deploy community outreach workers to: Conduct street outreach to engage individuals and families living encampments Support staffing and operations of the Warming Centers to ensure efficient, safe, and compassionate service delivery Provide food, supplies, and supportive engagement to individuals who choose to remain in encampments Commit to using coordinated entry program, VESTA * Train outreach workers and others Assist with intake processing and provide wrap-around services focused on rehousing and reconnecting individuals and families Conduct triage, promote health and safety, make referrals, and coordinate services for individuals with mental health or substance use challenges The Contractor will check in regularly with the Homelessness Initiatives Coordinator, and/or Community Development Director based on an agreed upon schedule to ensure ongoing communication is maintained, and to discuss progress on the efforts of the Innovative Homelessness Solutions activities and progress reports. The Homelessness Initiatives Coordinator actively participates in a variety of coalitions/groups at the local, regional and state levels to help support and further its work. It convenes partners to work collaboratively to improve the health and welfare of the community in the broadest possible sense with the goal to reduce duplication and support innovation that ensures equitable and inclusive access to housing and social services in this region. The Contractor will be required to participate in and support this group’s efforts, as well as to work collaboratively with other member organizations and/or groups for the purpose of supporting and expanding initiatives that reduce homelessness for Lawrence residents. Successful respondent(s) must be familiar with the city, immigrant life and culture as it relates broadly to health. He/She/They must have a proven track record of successfully working with cities with large immigrant populations.
