The Steuben County Department of Social Services is requesting proposals to open and operate a warming center, centrally located near Bath, NY, to accommodate the Code Blue Season, November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026 per 18 NYCRR Social Services Law 304.1. Due to the date of the issuance of the RFP, the dates of operation will be December 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026. The program will be designed to accept homeless individuals, situational homeless or transient populations when Counties are required to activate their Code Blue response plan to accommodate their immediate needs. Hours of operation: Daily 5 PM through 9 AM. Services provided will include but not limited to: Cots, shower facilities, laundry access, snacks, light meals, access to microwave, running water, sink, coffee pot, etc. A solid transportation service plan must provide transportation to the shelter and to necessary services upon day of release. Additional accessibility to bus routes should also be included. Security must also be addressed in the proposal. Shelter capacity – 20 adults (no children) Staffing is required to provide supervision and accessibility to the shelter during hours of operation. Staff can provide referrals to ancillary services to assist them with needs outside the walls of the warming station. Agency must accept all individuals referred by the Department, without exception, unless the warming center is at capacity or upon mutual agreement between Agency and the Department. Agency will coordinate with the Department to accept walk ins. Agency will maintain timely communication with the Department and will report numbers served by 10 am each day. Agency agrees to report any serious incidents immediately to designated department staff. Agency will complete the needs assessment for each individual to allow for accurate reporting in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Confidentiality: All individual identifying information, including client names, received by or in the possession of either party in the course of this Agreement shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the terms of this Agreement, or allowed or mandated by applicable law. Use culturally sensitive practices, trauma-informed principles, and solution focused techniques when working with individuals.
