Program Description
The City of Fort Wayne is excited to invite qualified nonprofit organizations to submit proposals to operate a new Homeless Services Center. This center will bring several important programs together under one roof in Fort Wayne, including Day Shelter services and Safe Parking.
While these programs will share the same facility, they will serve different groups and maintain separate records to best meet each population’s unique needs. The City will continue to own the building and is encouraging collaborative proposals that clearly outline how partners will work together to provide services.
To support a strong start, the City will work with the selected organization to identify potential funding sources to help cover the first three years of operating costs.
Request for Proposals
Homeless Services Center Programming
Currently, Fort Wayne lacks a true low-barrier day shelter that operates daily and serves individuals experiencing homelessness. This new low-barrier Day Shelter will operate seven days a week 24 hours a day and will primarily serve unsheltered men and women.
Core services will include:
- Access to food
- Showers and laundry facilities
- Phone access
- Housing navigation support
- Assistance in obtaining vital documents
- All guests will be required to develop and maintain a Housing Plan in collaboration with a Housing Stability Coordinator.
- The program will work closely with community partners to provide supportive services and referrals tailored to each guest's needs.
- All participants must be active on the Coordinated Entry (CE) List or complete a CE assessment to become eligible.
Currently, Fort Wayne does not have any designated Safe Parking areas, despite clear evidence that some individuals are living in their vehicles. This program will offer a safer, more dignified alternative by providing access to hygiene facilities, laundry, and a secure place to park overnight. The facility will offer designated parking spaces for a Safe Parking Program, serving individuals living in their vehicles. The program will operate nightly from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM and provide a secure, managed environment for overnight parking.
The selected organization will manage the center’s daily operations, lead staff and volunteers, and work closely with community partners. They’ll also take part in regional planning efforts and help advance the Everyone Home Community Plan to End Homelessness and the Region 3 Planning Council on Homelessness.
Evaluation Criteria
