Questions and Answers.pdf

This Questions and Answers document pertains to Request for Applications (RFA) #S-91400-00014184, issued by the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department (OHCS) for the Statewide Shelter Program. The RFA seeks up to 36 Regional Coordinators to coordinate shelter operations across Oregon regions of at least one county in size. The program aims to address Oregon's housing and homelessness crisis by maintaining and expanding shelter capacity, implementing low-barrier shelter practices, and increasing permanent housing placements. A pre-application conference was held on October 16, 2025, with applications due by November 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. The contract term runs for five years beginning July 1, 2026. Prospective applicants are directed to a Smartsheet link to view agency answers to submitted questions, with Mandee Wilding serving as the single point of contact at 971-720-8993 or mandee.m.wilding@hcs.oregon.gov.

Eligible applicants must be local government entities or nonprofit organizations physically located in Oregon. Applicants will be evaluated on a 100-point scale across six criteria: community engagement and coordination (24 points), shelter experience and strategies (24 points), fiscal administration and governance (16 points), subgrants and technical assistance (12 points), data management capabilities (12 points), and commitment to equity (12 points). The program requires at least 70% of shelter beds to maintain low-barrier status and emphasizes equity and reducing racial disparities in homelessness response systems. Funding allocations include up to 15% for administrative costs and at least 50% for shelter operations, with additional provisions for street outreach and housing-focused activities. Grantees must develop regional assessments and plans for two periods: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, and July 1, 2029 through June 30, 2031, with submissions due by March 31 of the preceding years. Funding is authorized by House Bills 3644 and 5011 (2025).