Inclement Weather Grant Program

The City of St. Louis Department of Human Services is offering funding through a Request for Proposals to support Code Blue emergency shelter and services during the inclement weather season. This initiative is part of the City’s broader effort to address homelessness and ensure that unhoused individuals and families have access to safe, warm shelter during extreme winter conditions. The program builds on prior Code Blue operations, which were expanded following increased housing instability caused by severe weather events, including a major tornado in 2026. The City has committed significant resources to continue and improve this initiative, focusing on expanding shelter capacity and enhancing coordination among service providers. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to secure a network of service providers capable of delivering emergency shelter, transportation, and data coordination services during winter weather events. The funding supports multiple project types, including overnight emergency shelters, daytime shelters, transportation services, and data solutions aimed at improving coordination and reporting. The program is designed to operate based on temperature thresholds defined in the Code Blue framework, with escalating levels triggering additional shelter capacity and transportation services. The goal is to ensure that no individual seeking shelter during extreme cold is turned away. Funding for this program totals approximately 2200000 dollars, derived from City general funds and public safety allocations. Awards will be made to selected organizations based on their ability to provide cost effective services, expand bed capacity, and align with the operational thresholds of the Code Blue system. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, meaning organizations must initially cover expenses and submit documentation for reimbursement. In limited cases, a one time cash advance may be available. Administrative costs are capped at 7 percent of the total budget, and applicants may receive additional evaluation points if they provide a minimum 7 percent match contribution to their project. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, faith based groups, and other entities with the operational and financial capacity to deliver shelter or related services. Organizations may apply individually or as part of a collaborative partnership. Applicants must meet various compliance requirements, including registration in federal systems, tax compliance, and adherence to local licensing and inspection standards. The program emphasizes inclusivity and encourages applications from organizations that can serve diverse populations, including families, individuals with behavioral health needs, and LGBTQ plus individuals. Facilities must meet health and safety standards and undergo inspection prior to contract execution. The application process requires submission of a proposal that includes a cover sheet, scope of work, detailed budget, and supporting documentation. Proposals must be submitted electronically via email by the specified deadline. Applicants are also required to participate in data reporting through the City’s designated systems and demonstrate their ability to manage operations such as staffing, security, food provision, and intake procedures. Evaluation of proposals is conducted by a selection committee based on criteria including organizational capacity, project design, cost effectiveness, and compliance with program requirements. Key timeline milestones include a release date of July 13 2026 and a proposal submission deadline of August 10 2026 at 4 pm. A bidder conference is scheduled to provide additional guidance, and written questions must be submitted in advance of a specified deadline. Following submission, proposals are reviewed, and selected applicants are notified. Contracts are expected to be executed by early November, with project operations beginning in mid November and continuing through mid March, aligned with seasonal weather conditions. The selection process emphasizes fairness, transparency, and performance accountability. Proposals are evaluated on completeness, technical quality, operational feasibility, and alignment with program priorities such as increasing shelter capacity and ensuring geographic coverage. The City reserves the right to modify or terminate the solicitation process and requires all applicants to comply with public records laws and other regulatory requirements. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a coordinated effort to address emergency shelter needs during critical winter periods while strengthening the City’s homelessness response infrastructure.

Ensure proposals clearly demonstrate capacity to increase shelter beds cost effectively and align with Code Blue thresholds; provide complete documentation and strong operational plans