Cold Weather Shelter Partnerships

Hillsborough County is seeking qualified organizations through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ-26-00101) to establish Cold Weather Shelter Partnerships during the 2026 cold weather season. The county aims to partner with registered 501(c)(3) organizations, faith-based organizations, shelters, or community service providers to provide emergency shelter when temperatures drop to 40 degrees or below with wind chill for two consecutive hours between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. EST. Participating organizations must operate either congregate shelters with a minimum capacity of 10 persons or non-congregate shelters (motels) within Hillsborough County, and be available for activation potentially within 24 hours during holidays. Required services include providing heated facilities with utilities, male and female restrooms, food services with hot meals and beverages, staffing for logistics and registration, secure belongings storage, overnight supervision, and facility cleanup. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Euna Procurement by January 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST, with the contract period running through May 31, 2026.

The procurement is specifically restricted to organizations in good standing with the State of Florida, with priority consideration given to facilities with prior experience in shelter operations. Organizations must maintain proof of insurance, provide security plans, facility inspection reports, and for non-congregate shelters, appropriate operational licenses. The estimated total project budget is $175,000, with the county reserving the right to award one or more contracts not exceeding this amount. Congregate shelter stipends will range from $4,000 for shelters with capacity up to 10 people to $12,000 for shelters with capacity of 61-80 people, distributed as 50% upon execution and 50% at season end. Non-congregate shelter administrative fees will range from $3,000 for up to 25 motel rooms to $7,500 for 51-75 rooms per activation. Additional financial support includes reimbursable security costs up to $300 per activation with matching funding. All facilities must pass annual inspections by Hillsborough County Code Enforcement or submit equivalent state regulatory agency inspection reports.