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Upcoming: Seeking RFEI for Emergency Housing Shelter Operator Organization

In their press release announcing a set of steps to be taken to set up the Emergency Shelter, Dutchess County announced it will be soon issuing a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) “seeking a highly regarded organization, experienced in shelter operations, that understands and appreciates the County's needs regarding the Emergency Housing Facility and the desire to implement a new, innovative model with qualified and established program management staff.”

The Operator will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the emergency housing facility including, among others:

  • Development of facility operational and security plans, and policies and procedures, in accordance with Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) regulations, and in partnership with and approval by the County’s Department of Community and Family Services.

  • Responsibility for intakes and discharges.

  • 24-hour on-site security, including screening with a metal detector and x-ray machine.

  • Offering a variety of activities that are available at the facility to help engage with guests and provide meaningful activities throughout the day.

  • Preliminary health screenings of guests.

  • Provision of three meals per day, prepared in a facility approved by the County’s health department.

According to the press release: “The RFEI is expected to be publicly posted in the coming weeks, and all eligible community providers are invited to express their interest. The RFEI incorporated comments and feedback from a public meeting convened by the administration in December 2022 to discuss the emergency shelter project with community members and local stakeholders. The RFEI also includes feedback from the Community Stakeholder Committee formed by the Dutchess County Legislature. The Committee’s recommendations were sent to the County Executive, in keeping with the resolution regarding the shelter project passed by the Legislature in 2022.”