STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Livable
AGENDA DATE: September 24, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Office of Homeless Solutions
EXECUTIVE: Alina Ciocan
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to exercise the first of two, one-year renewal options with Bridge Steps dba The Bridge to the service contract for immediate housing solutions, including the assistance of homeless persons by providing rental assistance in conjunction with supportive services through the Rapid Rehousing Program at the Bridge Homeless Recovery Center for the Office of Homeless Solutions, approved as to form by the City Attorney, for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 - Not to exceed $125,899.00 - Financing: FY 2025-26 Emergency Solutions Grant Fund (subject to annual appropriations)
Body
BACKGROUND
On May 2, 2024, the Office of Homeless Solutions issued a Notice of Funding Availability (“NOFA”) (OHS-2024-00024798) for Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Rapid Re-Housing Services. The NOFA closed on May 31, 2024. As part of this formal solicitation process, the Office of Homeless Solutions received nine responses, and Bridge Steps dba The Bridge (“The Bridge”) was selected based on experience, approach/methodology and financial capacity.
The ESG Rapid Rehousing Services contract will provide homeless persons with access to housing quickly and provide the supportive services needed to assist them in maintaining housing stability. This contract is in support of the following key priorities: preventing homelessness, protecting persons experiencing homelessness, promoting affordable housing solutions, and partnering to maximize resources. The services will be provided at the City’s homeless shelter located at 1818 Corsicana Street (Homeless Recovery Center). The contract will be managed by the Office of Homeless Solutions. Services include short-term and medium-term rental assistance, housing stability case management and essential supportive services for clients, which utilize best practices specified by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
As the only low barrier shelter and entry point for all adult males and females experiencing homelessness in the City, this agreement is vital to keeping guests sheltered and safe while also helping them exit homelessness. The Bridge is equipped with the required experience and capabilities to successfully provide these services at the City’s homeless shelter and will assist persons experiencing homelessness with innovative solutions to overcome their housing crisis and provide substantial case management services.
Since opening in 2008, Bridge Steps dba The Bridge has been an integral part of the City’s homeless response system through the provision of day shelter, night shelter, and housing attainment services. Day services include meal service (three meals per day, 365 days per year), peer support services, showers, laundry facilities, storage of client belongings, and case management. Service offerings have evolved over the years. Other services include kennel services for pets of overnight shelter guests and the creation of a street outreach team.
Collaboration with the Office of Homeless Solutions, the local Continuum of Care via lead agency Housing Forward, other social service agencies and homeless service providers is essential to the continued success of the City’s partnership with Bridge Steps. Currently, the following agencies provide services at the location, Parkland Hospital, MetroCare Services, and the Veteran’s Administration. Other services include a library, barber shop, computer lab, and telephone service for guests and residents.
Effective October 1, 2025, the Office of Community Care and Empowerment, the Office of Homeless Solutions, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and the Department of Housing and Community Development will merge and become the new Office of Housing and Community Empowerment.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 28, 2024, the City Council authorized to exercise a service contract of one-year with two, one-year renewal options with Bridge Steps dba The Bridge, for the immediate housing solutions including the assistance of homeless persons by providing rental assistance in conjunction with supportive services through the Rapid Rehousing Program, in the amount not to exceed $149,010.44 (sourced from ESG Fund) by Resolution No. 24-1190.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2025 |
FY 2026 |
Future Years |
|
FY 2025-26 Emergency Solutions Grant Fund |
$0.00 |
$125,899.00 |
$0.00 |