Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Program

Department of Health and Human Services
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT
507 F Street
Eureka, California 95501
cbeck@co.humboldt.ca.us
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT
Request for Proposals No. DHHS2026-01
Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program
Issued: August 20, 2026
Proposals Due: September 25, 2026 (received by 4:00 p.m.)
Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services
507 F Street
Eureka, California 95501

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO. DHHS2026-01
HOMELESS HOUSING, ASSISTANNCE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 DEFINITIONS: 1
1.1 Terms 1
1.2 Abbreviations 1
2.0 INTRODUCTION: 2
2.1 Statement of Purpose 2
2.2 Program Objectives and Local Funding Priorities 2
2.3 Overview of Selection Process 3
3.0 REQUIREMENTS STATEMENT: 4
3.1 Legal Requirements 4
3.2 Organizational Requirements 4
3.3 Administrative Requirements 4
3.4 Licensure, Certification and Accreditation Requirements 5
4.0 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 5
5.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION REGARDING PROPOSALS: 5
5.1 Proposal Submission 5
5.2 Withdrawal of Submitted Proposals 6
5.3 Proposal Modification 6
5.4 Proposer Investigations 6
5.5 Public Records and Trade Secrets 6
5.6 Conflict of Interest 6
5.7 Expenses Incurred in Preparing Proposals 7
5.8 Right to Reject Proposals 7
6.0 REQUIRED FORMAT OF PROPOSALS: 7
6.1 General Instructions and Information 7
6.2 Introductory Letter 8
6.3 Signature Affidavit 8
6.4 Table of Contents 8
6.5 Professional Profile 8
6.6 Project Description 10
6.7 Supplemental Documentation 12
6.8 Exceptions, Objections and Requested Changes 12
6.9 Required Attachments 13
7.0 MODIFICATION AND CORRECTION OF PROPOSALS: 13
7.1 Requests for Clarification or Correction 13
7.2 Addenda 13
8.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SELECTION PROCESS: 13
9.0 CONTRACT DEVELOPMENT: 14
9.1 Contract Negotiation Process 14
9.2 Scoping Meetings 14
RFP NO. DHHS2026-01 i

9.3 Award of HHAP Agreements 15
9.4 Contractual Requirements 15
10.0 CANCELLATION OF THE RFP PROCESS: 18
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Signature Affidavit 19
Attachment B - Proposed Budget 20
Attachment C - Humboldt County Housing First Principals 21
RFP NO. DHHS2026-01 ii

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - NO. DHHS2026-01
HOMELESS HOUSING, ASSISTANCE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM
1.0 DEFINITIONS:
1.1 Terms:
A. Addenda. As used herein, the term "Addenda" refers to an amendment or modification
to this Request for Proposals.
B. County. As used herein, the term "County" refers to the County of Humboldt, a political
subdivision of the State of California, acting through its Department of Health and Human
Services - Social Services Branch.
C. HHAP Agreements. As used herein, the term "HHAP Agreements" refers to the
professional services and other agreements between the County and the Successful
Proposers regarding the implementation of various homelessness assistance projects
as part of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program.
D. HHAP Statutes. As used herein, the term "HHAP Statutes" refers to Sections 50239, et
seq. of the California Health and Safety Code, as may be amended from time to time.
E. Proposal. As used herein, the term "Proposal" refers to an offer submitted in
accordance with this Request for Proposals to provide the implementation of various
homelessness assistance projects as part of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and
Prevention Program.
F. Proposer. As used herein, the term "Proposer" refers to any agency or organization
submitting a Proposal in response to this Request for Proposals.
G. Successful Proposer. As used herein, the term "Successful Proposer" refers to an
agency or organization that the County selects to enter into a final HHAP Agreement
with after the evaluation, review and selection processes set forth in this Request for
Proposals have been completed.
H. Target Population. As used herein, the term "Target Population" refers to individuals
and families who are homeless, as defined by Section 50216(h) of the California Health
and Safety Code and Section 578.3 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and
homeless youth, as defined by Section 50216(k) of the California Health and Safety Code
and Section 11434a(2) of the United States Code.
1.2 Abbreviations:
A. C.F.R. As used herein, the abbreviation "C.F.R." refers to the United States Code of
Federal Regulations.
B. HHAP. As used herein, the abbreviation "HHAP" refers to the Homeless Housing,
Assistance and Prevention Program.
C. RFP. As used herein, the abbreviation "RFP" refers to this Request for Proposals for the
implementation of various homelessness assistance projects as part of the Homeless
Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program.
RFP NO. DHHS2026-01 Page 1 of 22

2.0 INTRODUCTION:
2.1 Statement of Purpose:
The County of Humboldt ("County"), by and through its Department of Health and Human
Services, is issuing this Request for Proposals ("RFP") to solicit Proposals from qualified
community organizations interested in working collaboratively with the County to implement
various homelessness assistance projects as part of the sixth round of the Homeless Housing,
Assistance and Prevention Program ("HHAP"). This RFP is a non-binding solicitation and
may be canceled by the County at any time prior to the award of a HHAP Agreement.
2.2 Program Objectives and Local Funding Priorities:
On February 24, 2025, the California Department of Housing and Community Development
announced the availability of an additional Seven Hundred Sixty Million Dollars
($760,000,000.00) in noncompetitive block grant funds for HHAP to assist individuals and
families experiencing homelessness, as defined by Section 50230(k) of the California Health
and Safety Code and Section 578.3 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("C.F.R."),
and homeless youth, as defined by Section 50230(n) of the California Health and Safety Code
and Section 11434a(2) of the United States Code, ("Target Population").
The sixth round of HHAP funding is intended to expeditiously reduce unsheltered
homelessness through prevention activities and interim and permanent housing solutions. As
a result, HHAP funds awarded pursuant to this RFP process may be used for a variety of
purposes, including, without limitation:
* Permanent Housing solutions that are designed to prevent, or serve those
experiencing, unsheltered homelessness, which include, without limitation, all of the
following:
Rental subsidies, including, without limitation, to support placement of individuals
o
in CARE Court;
Landlord incentives, including, without limitation, security deposits, holding fees,
o
funding for needed repairs and recruitment and relationship management costs;
Move-in expenses;
o
Operating subsidies in new and existing affordable or supportive housing units,
o
including, without limitation, programs such as HomeKey, new or existing
residential care facilities, funded by the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure
Program or the Community Care Expansion Program;
Trauma-informed and harm reduction services for people in permanent housing,
o
including, without limitation, intensive case management, assertive community
treatment, critical time intervention, tenancy support, evidence-based employment,
mental health, substance abuse and primary care treatment coordination and other
evidence-based supportive services designed to increase housing retention;
Capital for permanent housing, including, without limitation, conversion of
o
underutilized buildings or existing interim or transitional housing into permanent
housing; and
RFP NO. DHHS2026-01 Page 2 of 22

Service coordination, including, without limitation, access to workforce, education
o
and training programs, or other services, needed to promote housing stability in
permanent supportive housing.
* Homelessness prevention solutions, which include, without limitation, all of the
following:
Rapid rehousing, rental assistance and other programs that prioritize households
o
with incomes at, or below, thirty percent (30%) of the area median income; and
Diversion support programs that are designed to prevent members of the Target
o
Population from entering unsheltered or sheltered homelessness.
* Interim Housing solutions that are designed to provide shelter to those experiencing
unsheltered homelessness, which include, without limitation, all of the following:
Operating expenses for congregate shelter sites;
o
Operating expenses for new or existing noncongretate shelter sites and transitional
o
housing for youth;
Motel or hotel vouchers;
o
Services provided to people in interim housing, including, without limitation, trauma-
o
informed and evidence-based intensive case management, housing navigation,
mental health and substance abuse treatment coordination, public benefits
advocacy and other supportive services that are designed to promote stability and
referral into permanent housing;
Youth-focused services in transitional housing; and
o
Improvements to existing emergency shelters to lower barriers and increase
o
privacy.
The County has allocated One Million Seven Hundred Sixty-Three Thousand Six Hundred
Fifty-Nine Dollars and Fifty-Three Cents ($1,763,659.53) in HHAP funding, after deducting
administrative costs, for the implementation of various homelessness assistance projects. A
minimum of One Hundred Ninety-One Thousand Seven Hundred Two Dollars and Thirteen
Cents ($191,702.13) is set aside for projects assisting youth experiencing homelessness. In
accordance with the applicable HHAP requirements, the County has identified priorities for
the expenditure of HHAP funding, including, without limitation: projects that are designed to
provide rental assistance, housing relocation and stabilization, outreach, coordination,
homelessness prevention and/or shelter diversion services that will allow members of the
Target Population experiencing unsheltered homelessness to access permanent housing;
and projects that include construction, acquisition and/or rehabilitation of structures that will
be used to provide permanent and/or interim housing to members of the Target Population.
2.3 Overview of Selection Process:
At the conclusion of the evaluation, review, selection, contract development and approval
processes set forth in this RFP, the professional services, construction, acquisition and other
agreements related to the implementation of the proposed homelessness assistance projects
RFP NO. DHHS2026-01 Page 3 of 22

("HHAP Agreements") will be awarded to each Successful Proposer. It should be noted that
HHAP funds will be offered on a one-time basis and may be used to fund proposed projects
in whole or in part. In addition, it is possible that Proposals for more projects than the County
will be able to fund will be submitted. Therefore, it is critical that Proposers submit only viable
projects that are fully intended to be brought to completion.
3.0 REQUIREMENTS STATEMENT:
3.1 Legal Requirements:
HHAP furthers the purpose of Sections 50239, et seq. of the California Health and Safety
Code ("HHAP Statutes"). Additional resources and new information, as it becomes available,
can be accessed online at: https://bcsh.ca.gov/calich/hhap_program.html. In order for a
Proposal to be considered for award of a HHAP Agreement pursuant to this RFP process,
Proposers must be able to comply with the purpose, and any and all applicable requirements,
of the HHAP Statutes, all as may be amended from time to time.
3.2 Organizational Requirements:
In order to be considered for award of an HHAP Agreement pursuant to this RFP process,
Proposers, and all proposed subcontractors, must be: a local governmental agency, including,
without limitation, federally designated Tribal governments; incorporated as a designated non-
profit organization; or an eligible for-profit organization, at the time of contract execution.
3.3 Administrative Requirements:
A. Administrative and Program Controls. In order to be considered for award of an
HHAP Agreement pursuant to this RFP process, Proposers must have all of the following
administrative and program controls in place at the time of contract execution:
1. Written policies, procedures and/or best practices which demonstrate the
Proposer's ability to address the needs of the Target Population.
2. Written policies, procedures and/or best practices which demonstrate the
Proposer's ability to adhere to the County's Housing First Principles, which are
attached hereto as Attachment C - Humboldt County Housing First Principles and
incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full.
3. Written conflict of interest, grievance, non-discrimination and accessibility policies
and procedures which demonstrate the Proposer's ability to comply with any and
all applicable local, state and federal, laws, regulations and standards.
4. Written fiscal and accounting policies, procedures and/or other evidence which
demonstrate the Proposer's ability to track the services provided, and any and all
costs and expenses incurred.
5. Written record retention policies, procedures and/or other evidence which
demonstrate the Proposer's ability to prepare and maintain project-related records
and reports, including, without limitation, participation in the County's Homeless
Management Information System in accordance with any and all applicable local,
state and federal laws, regulations and standards.
RFP NO. DHHS2026-01 Page 4 of 22

B. Performance Standards. In order to be considered for award of a HHAP Agreement
pursuant to this RFP process, Proposers must be capable of ensuring that the proposed
homelessness assistance services will be provided by qualified, efficient and discreet
employees in strict accordance with any and all applicable local, state and federal, laws,
regulations, policies, procedures and standards, including, without limitation, any and all
applicable confidentiality, privacy and data security requirements.
3.4 Licensure, Certification and Accreditation Requirements:
In order to be considered for award of a HHAP Agreement pursuant to this RFP process,
Proposers must be in compliance with any and all applicable local, state and federal licensure,
certification and accreditation requirements, including, without limitation, the business
licensure requirements set forth in Section 811-6(b) of the Humboldt County Code, at the time
of contract execution.
4.0 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
The following schedule of events represents the County's best estimate of the schedule that will
be followed with regard to this RFP process. Unless otherwise specified, the time of day for the
following events shall be between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The County hereby reserves the right,
in its sole discretion, to adjust this tentative schedule as it deems necessary, including, without
limitation, extending the deadline for submission of Proposals. Notification of any adjustment to
the following schedule of events shall be provided to all Proposers.
EVENT DATE
RFP Issued by County: August 20, 2026
Deadline for Submission of Written Questions: September 4, 2026
Deadline for Responses to Questions: September 11, 2026
Deadline to Submit Proposals: September 25, 2026
Completion of Proposal Evaluation Process: October 9, 2026
Recommendation of Award to Board of Supervisors: November 3, 2026
Contract Start Date: January 1, 2027
5.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION REGARDING PROPOSALS:
5.1 Proposal Submission:
Proposers shall prepare and submit one (1) electronic copy of their Proposal in PDF format via
email, by 4:00 p.m. September 25, 2026. Proposals must be transferred as an attachment
to, or via a file transfer link contained in, an email with the subject line of "RFP No. DHHS2026-
01" along with the name and address of the Proposer and the closing date and time for
submission of Proposals. Proposals that are unsigned, or signed by an individual not
authorized to bind the Proposer, will be rejected. Proposals submitted in response to this
request shall be sent to the County electronically at the following address:
COUNTY: Humboldt County DHHS - Contract Unit
Attention: Amanda Hinkle, Administrative Services Officer
Email: DHHS-ContractUnit@co.humboldt.ca.us
Proposals submitted to any other County office will be rejected and returned to the Proposer
unopened. Additionally, time is of the essence, and any Proposal received after the above-
RFP NO. DHHS2026-01 Page 5 of 22

referenced date and time for submittal will be rejected and returned to the Proposer unopened.
It is the sole responsibility of the Proposer to ensure that its Proposal is received before the
submittal deadline. However, nothing in this RFP precludes the County from extending the
deadline for submission of Proposals, or from requesting additional information at any time
during this RFP process.
5.2 Withdrawal of Submitted Proposals:
A Proposer may withdraw its Proposal at any time prior to the deadline for submission of
Proposals by submitting written notification of withdrawal signed by the Proposer's authorized
representative. Proposals will become the County's property after the submission deadline
has passed.
5.3 Proposal Modification:
Any Proposer who wishes to make modifications to a submitted Proposal must withdraw its
initial Proposal as required by this RFP. All handwritten modifications must be made in ink
and properly initialed by the Proposer's authorized representative. It is the responsibility of
the Proposer to ensure that modified Proposals are resubmitted before the submission
deadline in accordance with the terms and conditions of this RFP. Proposals may not be
changed or modified after the submission deadline.
5.4 Proposer Investigations:
Before submitting a Proposal, each Proposer shall make all investigations necessary to
ascertain its ability to comply with the requirements set forth in this RFP. In addition, each
Proposer shall verify any representations made by the County that the Proposer will rely
upon. Failure to make such investigations will not relieve the Successful Proposers from the
obligation to comply with all of the requirements set forth in this RFP. In addition, a Proposer's
lack of due diligence will not be accepted as a basis for any claim for monetary consideration
on the part of the Proposer.
5.5 Public Records and Trade Secrets:
Any and all Proposals and materials submitted in response to this RFP shall become the
County's property, and are subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act, California
Government Code Sections 7920.000, et seq. This RFP, and all Proposals submitted in
response hereto, are considered public information, except for specifically identified trade
secrets, which will be handled according to any and all applicable local, state and federal laws,
regulations and standards. Any portion of the Proposal that is deemed to be a trade secret
by the Proposer shall be clearly marked "Proprietary Information" at the top of the page in at
least one-half (0.5) inch letters. Specifically identified proprietary information, will not be
released, if the Proposer agrees, in writing, to indemnify and defend the County in any action
brought to disclose such information. By submitting such information, the Proposer agrees
that the County's failure to contact the Proposer prior to the release of proprietary information
contained therein will not be a basis for liability by the County, or any employee thereof.
5.6 Conflict of Interest:
By submitting a Proposal in response to this RFP, each Proposer warrants and covenants
that no official or employee of the County, nor any business entity in which an official or
employee of the County has an interest, has been employed or retained to solicit or assist in
RFP NO. DHHS2026-01 Page 6 of 22

procuring the final HHAP Agreement resulting from this RFP process, nor that any such
person will be employed in the performance of such HHAP Agreement without immediate
divulgence of such fact to the County.
5.7 Expenses Incurred in Preparing Proposals:
The County shall not accept any responsibility for, or pay any costs or expenses associated
with, a Proposer's participation in this RFP process, including, without limitation, the
preparation and presentation of a Proposal. Such expenses are to be borne exclusively by
the Proposer.
5.8 Right to Reject Proposals:
The County reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals or to waive, at its discretion, any
irregularity, which the County deems reasonably correctable or otherwise not warranting
rejection.
6.0 REQUIRED FORMAT OF PROPOSALS:
6.1 General Instructions and Information:
A. Content Requirements. In order for Proposals to be considered for award of a HHAP
Agreement pursuant to this RFP process, all of the following conditions must be satisfied:
1. Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the standards and specifications
set forth in this RFP and contain all required attachments.
2. Proposals must be submitted by a single Proposer. Collaborative and/or multi-
agency Proposals will not be considered for award of a HHAP Agreement.
3. Proposals must be complete and specific unto themselves. For example, "See
Enclosed Manual or Brochure" will not be considered an acceptable response.
4. Proposals must contain information which enables the County to adequately
evaluate the Proposer's ability to comply with the requirements set forth in this RFP.
5. All information, statements, letters and other documentation and attachments
required by this RFP must be included in the Proposal.
6. Receipt of all Addenda to this RFP must be acknowledged on the RFP Signature
Affidavit sheet attached to the Proposal.
B. Presentation Requirements. In order for Proposals to be considered for award of a
HHAP Agreement pursuant to this RFP process, all of the following conditions must be
satisfied:
1. Proposals must be uniformly typed in twelve (12) point font on standard eight and
one-half (8.5) by eleven (11) inch format, with each section and subsection clearly
titled, each page consecutively numbered, including any and all attachments, and
each page having one (1) inch margins.
/ / / /
RFP NO. DHHS2026-01 Page 7 of 22