City and partners issue winter shelter RFP with $700,000 identified; advocates press for permanent warming shelters
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Summary
Kalamazoo County, the city, Continuum of Care and United Way issued an RFP for winter shelter services with $700,000 identified (city contributing $300,000). Proposals are due Oct. 9; awards Oct. 27 with contract start Nov. 1. Public speakers urged broader warming‑shelter plans and easier access.
City manager Jim Risma told the commission that Kalamazoo County, the City of Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Continuum of Care and United Way issued an RFP for winter shelter services. The combined partners identified $700,000 to support proposals; the city’s share is $300,000 drawn from funds the commission had authorized earlier in the year.
The RFP requests proposals to provide a combination of day shelter services, overnight shelter and shelter access coordination. Proposals are due Oct. 9 at 5 p.m.; award notifications are expected Oct. 27 and contracts would start Nov. 1 and run through March 31, 2026. Eligible applicants include non‑profit organizations, governmental entities and community service providers.
Several public commenters urged the commission and staff to expand warming‑shelter capacity and lower barriers to access. Speakers who work with or represent houseless residents highlighted the risk of cold weather deaths and urged partnerships with schools and other public facilities for winter temporary shelter. Commissioners and Metro’s chair acknowledged the requests and said staff would follow up with details; the RFP and timeline are intended to identify providers for the coming season.
