Polk County approves contract with River of Life House for men's transitional housing

The Polk County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 10 approved a fiscal-year contract with River of Life House in Dallas to provide transitional housing for men, county staff said.

County staff recommended the contract after saying River of Life House is the only local provider available. "This is the only game in town," said Mister Hanson, who presented the item to the board. The contract is listed at $2,700 per month, or $32,400 annually, and includes a 30-day termination option, staff said.

Board members asked for more performance information before renewal. The board chair said it would be "standard practice" to request data on how many people have been served and what outcomes the provider has produced before approving or renewing a contract. Hanson told the board he was not aware of any major issues with the provider and that the program is "almost always full." He also said the provider once had two houses but reduced to one because of low occupancy.

Commissioners moved and seconded approval during the meeting; the motion passed unanimously. Commissioners noted the limitation that the service is currently available only to men and that the county has pursued other providers without success. Hanson said the county has used the River of Life House relationship for roughly five to seven years.

The board did not attach new performance conditions at the time of approval but directed staff discussion and questions during the meeting about getting service metrics and outcomes for future contract review. The contract takes effect for the fiscal year as presented.