Shelter Development, Management, and Operation

Tompkins County is seeking qualified service providers to serve as an integral member of the Tompkins County team in the design of the purpose-built emergency shelter, application for available New York State Housing and Homelessness Assistance Program (HHAP) funding, and to manage and operate the shelter to meet the needs of the target population.

The emergency shelter is anticipated to be approximately 30,000 square feet, house up to 100 beds, include space for co-located service providers, laundry, shower, toilet and other basic facilities, and may include overflow space to be utilized for Code Blue/winter congregate sheltering.

The anticipated development timeline is as follows:

Design Development and Funding Application Preparation                                    April 2025 – July 2025

Construction Start                                                                                                        July 2026

Construction Completion                                                                                            September 2027

Licensing and Set Up                                                                                                   October-November 2027

Opening                                                                                                                       December 2027

The purpose of this RFQ is to solicit responses from organizations that have experience in managing low-barrier shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring the provision of emergency shelter services, and meeting the county’s goals of providing safe, clean, supportive, and responsive shelter options. Additionally, there is an expectation to collaborate with the County's Continuum of Care to ensure a coordinated and effective response to homelessness.