Monroe, LA — Northeast Delta Human Services Authority is seeking a provider to help house the homeless and connect them with critical services in northeastern Louisiana. The request for proposals (RFP) process includes a schedule that starts with public notice about this process on Jan. 6 and ends with the selection of a successful bidder and the awarding of the contract on or about February 15.
“In northeast Louisiana, nearly 2,000 people are homeless each year. Some are homeless for a short period of time. Others are consistently homeless, in jail, on the street or in shelters,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, Northeast Delta’s executive director. “This transitional housing proposal will ensure that we are providing the best treatment opportunities and shelter options for our friends and neighbors who find themselves homeless for whatever reason.”
“As Northeast Delta launches a broad search for a provider to assist us with building a robust transitional housing continuum of care for the homeless in northeastern Louisiana, we are particularly interested in an organizational partner who recognizes the importance of having housing options for all,” added Sizer. “We want a partner who recognizes housing as a healthy social determinant. We want a partner with a strong history – and a record of demonstrated success – providing regional transitional housing options. While housing the homeless is not our core business, we see a need and seek to build a more robust housing continuum for this region’s vulnerable homeless and marginally housed populations.”
Sizer said the continuum must begin with crisis sheltering, continue with transitional homeless housing then end with permanent, supportive housing. “With our RFP, we seek to work with regional leaders to help strengthen a much-needed housing continuum,” he said.
Existing transitional housing clients supported by Northeast Delta will not be negatively affected during this RFP process. Additionally, current clients will receive priority placement opportunities should a new vendor be selected.
Sizer noted that Northeast Delta provides an innovative service delivery model of collaborations, coalitions and partnerships, including transitional housing as a part of its integrated services model. “We provide clinical and other critical services and we count on professional partnerships with contractors and others to help us meet the comprehensive needs of those we serve,” he said. “The housing RFP is an important part of this effort.”
The complete schedule for the RFP process is on the agency’s website. The grant is provided with federal funds from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and through the Louisiana Department of Health. One of the recovery principles for SAMHSA is stable housing for those experiencing mental health and substance abuse issues.
Those bidding must be for-profit, non-profit or faith-based organizations with demonstrated knowledge, training and experience in providing housing for homeless populations. All bidders must be able to demonstrate the ability to provide inpatient and outpatient treatment support as well as employment and providing housing endorsements or referrals. Among other things, all proposers must be active with the Homeless Management Information System or show that they are capable of becoming an active participant. The proposal form, requirements and specifications can be found on the agency’s website at https://www.nedeltahsa.org. Questions can be addressed by reaching out to Corporate Compliance Director Melinda Robinson at 318-362-5482, or by faxing 318-362-3268. Sealed proposals will be opened at the Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, 2513 Ferrand Street, Monroe, Louisiana, 71201 at 4:30 PM CST on January 28, 2019.
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About Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HAS)
Northeast Delta HSA manages the operation of community-based programs to improve the quality of life for individuals with major mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders. Northeast Delta accomplishes this by utilizing a nationally-recognized and integrative approach that identifies and addresses behavioral and primary health care needs.
Our agency operates through collaboration with regional partners in business, prevention, education, and care in 12 parishes (Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Ouachita, Lincoln, Madison, Franklin, Morehouse, Jackson, Tensas, Richland, and Union). Northeast Delta is devoted to delivering programs and services that encourage citizens of northeast Louisiana to reach their full human potential. Three tenets guide these efforts: excellent customer service, greater access to services, and competent, quality care.
Northeast Delta HSA Media Contact:
Will Sutton
Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Office: (318) 362-4538
Email: will.sutton@la.gov
NE Delta HSA Press & Media
www.nedeltahsa.org
