Seniors, Community and Social Services - Request for Expression of Interest - Call for Interested Operators of Permanent Emergency Shelter Services for Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Red Deer

Call for Interested Operators Purpose The Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS) is assessing the availability and interest of organizations in operating a new emergency shelter planned for Red Deer supporting the general adult population experiencing homelessness in that community. Responses to this Call will inform SCSS about: • which agencies are interested in operating a permanent (annually funded) shelter in Red Deer • their state of readiness and ability to operate a shelter in Red Deer. The information will help to identify interested operators and inform the construction of a new, purpose built, shelter in the community. The information will also be used to determine immediate next steps for identifying a suitable partner agency to provide the shelter services. Project Specific Information Number of spaces: • The proposed operating model will need to include operation of between 150 and 200 co-ed spaces for overnight occupancy. • Responses to this initial call for interested operators will determine next steps for identifying suitable operational grant recipients to provide the services listed above and allow the municipality to identify an appropriate location for the new shelter build. At this time, no location has been zoned for the shelter. SCSS Expectations of Shelter Operators SCSS funding to support homeless shelter operations in the province is administered via grant funding agreements between the Government of Alberta and shelter operators. Recipients of Operational Grant Funding are expected to: • enter into a Grant Funding Agreement with the Government of Alberta that include Shelter Accommodation Expectations • comply with reporting requirements as outlined in the Grant Funding Agreement Service Delivery Expectations • provide 24/7 shelter services including basic needs supports such as sleeping space, meals, laundry, showers, hygiene supplies, and storage of belongings • recruit and retain appropriate and qualified staff • offer a low barrier environment (i.e., there are minimal eligibility requirements for people to access shelter supports) • ensure safety and security of the shelter for clients and staff • offer culturally appropriate and culturally safe services • incorporate a housing-focused approach to service delivery (which prioritizes making homelessness and shelter usage as brief as possible and re-attaching individuals to housing as quickly as possible) • incorporate a Recovery Oriented System of Care approach to service delivery • establish and strengthen collaborative partnerships with existing homeless serving agencies and relevant community agencies e.g., municipality, law enforcement, corrections, businesses, mental health and addictions supports, provincial government services and the health sector. Submission Requirements Interested organizations are asked to provide the following: 1. Agency information • Key contact person’s name, telephone number, and email address • Business legal name and operating name (if different from legal name) • Information on Legal status • Brief agency information demonstrating track record in providing services to vulnerable populations and/or particularly people experiencing homelessness 2. Number of Spaces • Identify the total estimated number (between 150-200) of congregate shelter spaces for overnight occupancy your organization is interested in providing. 3. Location • Provide address and information on available or potentially available buildings or locations owned or leased by your organization • If unknown, describe potential steps that would be taken to secure a location 4. Budget • A budget is not currently required. 5. Operational information • Provide your agency’s vision for shelter services in the community. • Identify a service delivery model and services that could be integrated into the shelter to support clients experiencing homelessness. • Outline how your agency would integrate into the community and build/maintain relationships with community stakeholders, including good neighbor agreements and partnerships with the municipality and police to manage impacts to community in the surrounding area. Deadline for Submissions • The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2024 (close of business) • Submissions should be emailed to: christa.gilroy@gov.ab.ca and brett.case@gov.ab.ca o Include in the subject line: “Call for Shelter Operators – Red Deer” • Information can be provided in a Word or PDF document.