WCHCS seeks to contract with qualified providers to perform one or more of the following tasks to address winter sheltering needs in Whatcom County: A. Host and operate severe weather shelter(s) offering overnight stay(s) when winter temperatures and weather conditions reach levels that would endanger the lives of those who do not have adequate shelter (“Severe Weather Shelter”) in Whatcom County but outside the city of Bellingham; or B. Host and operate ongoing nightly winter shelter(s) that operate each night throughout the winter months (“Seasonal Winter Shelter”) in service to individuals residing in Whatcom County but outside of the city of Bellingham. Applicants intending to operate a seasonal model may also operate seasonally but with the ability to expand during periods of inclement weather (“Hybrid Model”); or C. Coordinate and support rural groups, agencies, and/or congregations in the establishment, management, and hosting of shelter(s), each with a minimum capacity of five beds and operating in Whatcom County’s small cities and/or rural areas.
