Emergency Residence and Safe Haven

Added: Jul 12, 2016 5:54 pm Performance Work Statement

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this project is to obtain a qualified contractor to provide short-term Contracted Residential Services (Emergency Housing and/or Low Demand Safe Haven) for homeless Veterans in safe community-based residences who are in need of an immediate housing placement as they seek permanent housing and/or additional care and services. Emphasis is placed on referral and placement in permanent housing utilizing VA or community resources. Veterans may apply directly to the contracted provider for services or be referred from other programs, both within and outside the Veterans' Healthcare Administration (VHA). HCHV program staff will determine eligibility and the contracted provider will evaluate the suitability and appropriateness of the level of Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Residential Care.

Veterans cannot be denied entry to HCHV Contracted Residential Services based solely upon length of current abstinence from alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substances, the number of previous treatment episodes, the time interval since the last program entry, the use of prescribed controlled substances, or legal history. The screening process must consider each of these special circumstances and determine whether the program can meet the individual Veteran's needs while maintaining the program's safety, security, and integrity.

HCHV-funded programs must maintain and adjust environments to support the safety, security privacy and services for women Veterans. Special emphasis on privacy and security should be noted in mixed-gender facilities. Veteran residents have a right to be treated with dignity in a humane environment that affords them both reasonable protections from harm and appropriate privacy with regard to their personal needs. The living environments of HCHV Contract Residential Services should include residential room and board in an environment that promotes a lifestyle free of sexual discrimination.

Program entries will be prioritized through requirements set forth by the Veterans Administration and requires final approval of Contract Bed Liaison or designee.



Contractors shall be able to provide Emergency Housing Services and/or Low Demand Safe Haven Services:

Emergency Housing:

" Time limited services up to 60 days

" Targets homeless Veterans

" Provision of transportation

" Provision of case management services

" Emphasis is placed on placement in permanent housing





Low Demand Safe Haven:

" Time limited services up to 180 days

" Targets chronically homeless with mental illness and substance use problems

" Does not require sobriety or compliance with treatment as condition of admission or continued stay

" Demands kept to a minimum

" Must have private or semi-private accommodations

" Provision of transportation

" Provision of Case Management Services

" Provision of Clinical Services. Participating in services is not a condition of admission or continued stay

" Emphasis is placed on placement in permanent housing

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance for this contract will be for a Base Year plus four (4) Option Years based on funding availability.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Performance will occur at the Contractor's location unless otherwise required by work requirements listed in this Performance Work Statement.

1. CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS:

o Adhere to program standards as found in VHA Handbook 1162.09 (Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)).

o Contractor shall have existing programs and facilities in Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, or Polk Counties that are fully operational and can start providing services as required in this Performance Work Statement within 30 days of contract award.

o Ability to place a Veteran on the same day of a referral.

o Possess the ability to respond appropriately to a Veteran in crisis.

o Create an environment conducive to social interaction, supportive of recovery models, and the fullest development of the resident's rehabilitative potential regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

o Provide separate and secure bathroom arrangements for male/female veterans to ensure an acceptable level of privacy for personal hygiene and grooming.

o Provide facility laundry room for Veteran to do their own laundry.

o Suitable bedroom space and furnishings allowing for adequate storage and security of belongings.

o Provide food preparation areas for Veteran's to prepare meals.

o Provision of office space for Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Liaison to occupy and work from

o The facility shall not accept food stamps, welfare, or money from or on behalf of Veterans.

o Facility must pass all fire/safety requirements as determined by Local, State, and Federal guidelines.