LEWISTON — The city will issue a request for proposals this week for the development of a permanent, low-barrier adult shelter.
The City Council on Tuesday signed off on the RFP, which will kick off a very quick turnaround for agencies to respond. Due to a late September deadline for state grant funding that officials hope can cover much of the capital expense of the shelter, the turnaround for proposals is just one week.
Despite some concerns over the timeline, the City Council unanimously supported issuing the RFP Tuesday.
Craig Saddlemire, co-chairperson of the ad hoc shelter committee, said more than a dozen agencies had already been notified by the committee once a draft RFP was posted, meaning interested parties will have had at least three weeks notice.
The shelter project outlined in the RFP would be for between 40-60 guests in a facility between 6,000-10,000 square feet. The RFP outlines staffing needs, safety protocols, services needed and an estimated budget — if at full capacity, roughly $2 million annually.
So far, one organization has expressed interest, Saddlemire said.
Saddlemire said the document is a qualifications-based RFP, meaning the city will score proposals based on items like a provider’s experience working in Androscoggin County, experience with shelters, real estate development experience, and more.
He said applications would be due by Aug. 27, and the City Council will be asked to select the winning proposal — which could be a collaboration from several organizations — by Sept. 3.
“I think we’ll get worthy proposals, but I agree it’s short,” he said in response to questions about the timeline.
The timeline was set this way because the city plans to apply for MaineHousing’s “long term solutions to homelessness” grant, which is due by Sept. 30.
Saddlemire described it as “not the only funding source, but would be a really important one to secure.”
If the grant and other funding is secured, development could occur as early as March, with the operation beginning in September of 2025.
“I cannot express how grateful I am for this committee,” said Councilor David Chittim. “I’m thankful that people are stepping up and addressing this serious issue in Lewiston.”
Eryn Soule-Leclair, who voted to support the RFP, questioned why the shelter would be considered low-barrier.
Saddlemire said it refers to a shelter that does not deny entry for reasons like being under the influence, participation in religious services, or a lack of identification. However, the shelter would have behavioral and safety guidelines, like no weapons, alcohol or illegal substances.
Councilor Josh Nagine questioned the scoring methods, and asked whether the RFP was written in a way that favors particular applicants. He was concerned with the item surrounding experience in Androscoggin County.
Saddlemire responded that there are agencies based in other counties that have a presence in Androscoggin County. He said the language was not meant to “bias the process,” but to emphasize that relationships can be used to leverage a successful operation.
Lewiston resident Matt Agren said the city needs time to evaluate proposals like these, and “a week is not enough time.”
Councilor Michael Roy, who served on the committee, said the process outlined would give the city “the best bang for our buck.”
“This timeline is best for the money we’d get to provide for that shelter,” he said.
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