County to issue RFP for cold-weather shelter funds after state awards $330,000 for two years

Kara told commissioners the county applied through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and, via Governor and Council, was awarded $330,000 split over two years specifically for cold-weather shelters. She said the county will use the same competitive RFP process to distribute those funds to local providers. Kara described last season's expenditures and successes, saying counties used funds for hotels and motel stays, furnace repairs, cots and blankets, security cameras, industrial coffee machines, lockers, and some personnel and cleaning services. She said the state commended the county for having spent down funds efficiently and that she had requested the remaining about $4,000 be added to this season's allocation. Staff said the RFP will run for services between November and April. Kara said the county included $15,000 to cover indirect costs for county administrative time related to the program; she said the state did not object to including that indirect charge. The board approved issuing the RFP by voice vote; final award recommendations will return to the board after the grant team review.