The Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking qualified agencies to operate a comprehensive, trauma informed emergency shelter program that ensures the immediate safety, stabilization, and well be...

The City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services is soliciting proposals to operate a comprehensive, trauma-informed emergency shelter program for dependent males, females, and transgender and gender non-conforming youth ages 12–21 in crisis, with proposals due August 17, 2026, and a pre-proposal meeting on July 23, 2026.

Eligible applicants must be non-governmental agencies capable of delivering services in Pennsylvania and must maintain Pennsylvania Department of Human Services licensure for their facilities. The City reserves the right to select one or multiple service providers.

The scope is 24-hour, 7-day-a-week residential placement care, short-term not to exceed 30 days, designed to address immediate safety, stabilization, and well-being while facilitating reunification with family or kin placement. Services must include intake screening, evidence-based interventions, mental health services, education, and transportation, with trauma-informed, family-driven, and community-based approaches. Minimum staffing includes a Program Director with a Master's degree and program administration experience, Program Supervisors with Master's degrees and supervision experience, Provider Workers with Bachelor's degrees, and Direct Care Managers with Associate's degrees. Performance metrics include youth served, discharge disposition, planning meetings within 72 hours of entry, and staffing ratios.

The contract term runs September 22, 2026, to September 21, 2027, with the option for up to four additional one-year renewal terms at the City's sole discretion. The fixed-price contract maximum is $1.5 million for the initial term, with monthly invoicing.

Applicants must demonstrate local impact if valued at $1 million or more, comply with Philadelphia's 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard and political contribution disclosure requirements, and obtain a Philadelphia Tax and Regulatory Status and Clearance Statement. Questions are due July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., with answers posted August 5. Applicant interviews and presentations are scheduled for the week of August 24, site visits for the week of August 31, applicant selection by September 8, and contract execution September 22.