Inclement Weather Surge Capacity Grant

The Inclement Weather Surge Capacity Grant is designed to support Homeless Service Providers in offering temporary emergency shelter beds during severe weather conditions. With an annual budget of $250,000, the City of Spokane seeks effective strategies to ensure safety by activating at least 10 beds in response to extreme temperatures or poor air quality. This funding aims to enhance existing programs and infrastructure rather than establish new shelters, promoting community collaboration to meet urgent sheltering needs.

We are actively seeking applications from Homeless Service Providers relating to the Fee for Service per night of providing temporary surge capacity of Emergency Shelter beds during inclement weather events. Community, Housing, and Human Services operates with $250,000 per year for inclement weather emergency shelter surge capacity, as such we are seeking cost effective strategies to ensure life safety sheltering is available during extreme weather. The City intends to contract with providers who have existing overnight staffing and are serving similar populations, to provide a minimum of 10 beds per location during inclement weather events in compliance with SMC which in summary means activation of beds in the following conditions:

• Temperatures are predicted to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit by the National Weather Service; and
• Temperatures are predicted to be above 95 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 or more consecutive days by the National Weather Service; and
• The air quality is forecasted to reach 201 or higher by the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.

These contracts are anticipated to fund flat rate fee for service per night, as such we are requesting only those with existing infrastructure and services submit responses to this RFP. Funding required for standup/new shelter centers for emergent weather is not viable. Seeking expanded capacity in existing programs is intended to be cost effective, draw upon local partner expertise, and request the community support the broad needs of inclement sheltering. The City seeks to fund per bed rates between $55-$75 per bed per night. The City will consider one time startup costs associated with surge capacity as part of the funding decisions and will fund those separate from the fee for service per night rate.
Please note facilities do not have to be existing emergency shelters, any program serving homeless or formerly homeless individuals and families with appropriate space and existing overnight staffing are encouraged to submit information.