AUSTIN, Texas - The City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to partner with organizations that will provide resources to individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness or newly experiencing homelessness. The goal of this new contract is to pilot homeless diversion programs, which help individuals and families avoid homelessness or quickly exit homelessness with minimal or no financial aid. The contract is anticipated to run up to three years.

"Homeless diversion isn't merely a momentary intervention; it's a profound commitment to reshaping the life course of individuals and families,” said David Gray, City of Austin Homeless Strategy Officer. “In diverting individuals from the cycle of homelessness, we are investing in the restoration of hope, the cultivation of resilience, and the creation of a more inclusive and compassionate society.”
 
HSO is deeply committed to ending homelessness and has worked with community partners to assemble investments across the Homelessness Response System (HRS). An effective HRS implements diversion programming to quickly end experiences of homelessness for individuals and households. The goal is to help clients find safe alternative housing immediately, avert stays in shelters, and to prevent unsheltered homelessness.
 
Projects that are funded through this solicitation will be part of a demonstration project that will inform the future development of a local diversion program model. The performance of the program or programs awarded through this solicitation will be evaluated over the contract term for a variety of factors, including effectiveness in resolving situations of homelessness, impact of differing types of assistance, and cost efficiency.
 
The total funding available through this solicitation is $446,000. The agreement between HSO and the selected service provider or providers are anticipated to begin on August 1, 2024, and potentially extend through September 30, 2027.
 
Proposals must be submitted in the City of Austin’s PartnerGrants Database by 3 p.m. on June 4, 2024. Full eligibility requirements and application details are available through the PartnerGrants Database.  

To learn more about homelessness in Austin, please visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness.