Low Barrier Family Shelter

Pierce County is requesting proposals for low-barrier emergency shelter operations and housing assistance for families with minor children experiencing homelessness, with proposals due September 16, 2026 and approximately $2.5 million in total funding available.

The County particularly seeks proposals that expand family shelter capacity in geographically underserved areas of Pierce County outside the City of Tacoma. Eligible service models include congregate, non-congregate, and hotel/motel shelter configurations. Families must meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development definition of experiencing homelessness. The scope encompasses emergency shelter operations and housing assistance programs designed to facilitate rapid family exit from shelter and transition to permanent housing.

Funding is anticipated to split approximately $1.25 million for shelter operations and $1.25 million for housing assistance. The County anticipates contract terms of 1–5 years with potential renewal options at the County's discretion, subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. Subrecipients must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including commercial general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence) and cyber liability ($2,000,000 minimum), submit monthly invoices within 15 calendar days of each billing period's end, and comply with federal Uniform Administrative Requirements (2 CFR 200).

Funded providers are required to coordinate with the Shelter Access Hub, connect shelter participants to Coordinated Entry, participate in the annual Point-in-Time Count, and coordinate with Pierce County Human Services during inclement weather activations. All subrecipients must maintain detailed financial records with separate identification of funding sources and submit to regular monitoring by county representatives and potential auditors. Addendum #1 Revision, posted August 20, 2026, modifies the original solicitation; prospective bidders must review it in conjunction with the original RFP to ensure compliance with updated requirements.