Seniors, Community and Social Services - Request for Expression of…

Call for Interested Operators

Purpose

The Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS) is assessing the availability and interest of organizations in operating new, temporary, 24/7 emergency shelter services in Slave Lake for the general adult population experiencing homelessness.

Responses to this Call will inform SCSS about:
•        which agencies are interested in providing temporary shelter services (short-term funding for temporarily available spaces e.g., only in winter)
•        their state of readiness and ability to operate within specific budget parameters
•        the availability of appropriate shelter locations.

The information will help determine immediate next steps for identifying suitable partner agencies to provide these new shelter services.

Project Specific Information

Number of spaces:
•        Agencies can indicate the number of shelter spaces they are interested in operating.
o        The number of spaces can range from 10-20 (typically congregate) spaces for overnight occupancy.
Locations:
•        All services must be located within Slave Lake.

Timing:
•        The objective is to have spaces available by December 2024.

Budget:
•        Up to a maximum total of $500,000 for the maximum 20 spaces.
o        Note: this budget figure is for reference only and reflects maximums. All budget figures are subject to the discretion of the Government of Alberta and comprehensive consideration of proposals prior to entering into a grant agreement with any selected provider.

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
•        comply with reporting requirements as outlined in the Grant Funding Agreement
•        identify a service location
o        work with the local municipality to obtain zoning/development and business permits for the shelter location and ensure compliance with Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health requirements
o        ensure site is easily accessible for individuals with low/limited mobility
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)
•        offer culturally appropriate and culturally safe services
•        establish and strengthen collaborative partnerships with existing homeless serving agencies and relevant community agencies e.g., municipalities, police, corrections, businesses, income supports 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 10-20) 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.        Timing
•        Recognizing the objective to have the shelter operational by December 2024, indicate approximate start date.

5.        Budget
•        Indicate your agency’s ability to operate within the budget parameter i.e., up to a maximum total of $500,000 for the maximum 20 spaces (pro-rated accordingly)
•        A detailed budget is not currently required.
•        Indicate if other potential sources of operating funding or other financial or in-kind contributions may be available in addition to the SCSS contribution.
Deadline for Submissions

•        The deadline for submissions is November 6, 2024 (close of business)
•        Submissions should be emailed to: christa.gilroy@gov.ab.ca , Brett.Case@gov.ab.ca
o        Include in the subject line: “Call for Shelter Operators Slave Lake”
•        Information can be provided in a Word or PDF document

Background

•        As part of the Action Plan on Homelessness, a need to support Albertans experiencing homelessness in rural communities was identified. The Government of Alberta has funded temporary shelter spaces in rural communities since winter 2022. This funding has provided over 100 shelter spaces over the last two winters.
•        This Call is specific to emergency shelter spaces in Slave Lake. For context, SCSS will provide $108 million in 2024-2025 in grant funding to adult emergency shelter operators in Calgary, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Wetaskiwin, Lloydminster and Edmonton.

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Contract duration

Trade agreements