An important opportunity for our region!
Please see below and attached for information about an RFR from DPH for low-threshold permanent housing and support services. More information is available on COMMBUYS here: https://www.commbuys.com/bso/external/bidDetail.sdo?docId=BD-21-1031-ADMIN-ADM07-62215&external=true&parentUrl=close
The COVID-19 Pandemic has created an extraordinary public health challenge in Massachusetts, further complicating the ongoing opioid crisis, contributing to homelessness, and exacerbating risk of HIV transmission among people who use substances. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services and Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences seek to reduce homelessness, improve health outcomes, and advance health equity for residents who are experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder, and may be at high risk for HIV acquisition, or who are living with HIV, and co-occurring conditions, in the following geographic areas: Northeast/Merrimack Valley, Central Massachusetts (Worcester), and Western Massachusetts (Springfield).
The goal of this procurement is to provide low-threshold permanent housing for unaccompanied adults experiencing homelessness along with services that help people maintain their housing. Sobriety would not be a requirement of accessing or maintaining housing, as this service is a Housing First model.
Eligible vendors should have experience providing low-threshold/Housing First models and harm reduction services in the Northeast/Merrimack Valley, Central Massachusetts, or Western Massachusetts, as well as experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders, individuals living with, or at high risk for, HIV and other and co-occurring conditions. Eligible vendors should also have the ability to demonstrate site control or the ability to obtain units with private landlords.
The estimated available funding for this initiative is $2,500,000/year, which is based on the expectation of providing housing and services to at least 75 individuals (total; across vendors) in year one. MDPH intends to fund 3-6 agencies; contracts will be negotiated to adjust the number of clients in order for agencies to reach a total of 75 individuals (combined) over the contract period. Proposed budgets can be scaled based on estimated number to be served.
