Low Barrier Family Shelter

Pierce County (hereafter referred to as “the County”) is seeking proposals to provide low-barrier emergency shelter for families with minor children experiencing homelessness. Funding will support emergency shelter operations, including congregate, non-congregate, hotel/motel shelter models, and day center, as well as housing assistance designed to help families quickly exit shelter and return to permanent housing. Approximately $2.5 million is available for this procurement. At this time, the County anticipates allocating approximately $1.25 million for shelter operations and approximately $1.25 million for housing assistance to rapidly exit families from shelter and decrease barriers to permanent housing solutions. Projects must serve households with minor children who meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of experiencing homelessness. The County is particularly interested in proposals that expand family shelter capacity in geographically underserved areas of Pierce County, especially outside the City of Tacoma. Funded providers will be required to coordinate with the Shelter Access Hub, connect shelter participants to Coordinated Entry, participate in the annual Point-in-Time Count, and coordinate with Pierce County Human Services during inclement weather activations. This funding opportunity supports Pierce County's efforts to ensure that families experiencing homelessness have immediate access to shelter and pathways to permanent housing.