Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an agreement with Family Endeavors, Inc. d/b/a Endeavors to maintain year-round operational readiness during cold weather shelter activations and inclement weather events and operationalize three City-owned facilities to provide emergency lodging and shelter to unsheltered individuals during cold weather activations for an initial 12-month term beginning October 1, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $900,000, with two 12-month extension options, each in an amount not to exceed $900,000, for a total agreement amount not to exceed $2,700,000. Funding: $900,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Social Services Budget of Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
De
Lead Department
Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $900,000 is included in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Social Services Budget of Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
For More Information:
David Gray, Director, 512-974-7836; Christopher Anderson, Deputy Director, 512-978-1454; Kelechukwu Anyanwu Jr., Program Manager III, 512-972-5136; Estella Kirscht, Department Executive Assistant, 512-972-4423.
Additional Backup Information:
This action will authorize Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations to negotiate and execute an agreement with Family Endeavors, Inc. d/b/a Endeavors beginning October 1, 2026, with two 12-month extension options, for a total agreement amount not to exceed $2,700,000 to maintain year-round operational readiness during cold weather shelter (CWS) activations and inclement weather events and operationalize three City-owned facilities during activations. Inclement weather readiness will be determined on an as needed basis.
Funding will support Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations provision of emergency lodging and shelter to unsheltered individuals during cold weather activations, triggered when local temperatures are below 35ºF. Family Endeavors, Inc. d/b/a Endeavors will operate in safe, sanitary, and warm locations so people experiencing homelessness can receive relief during cold weather-related events. In the event an activation becomes a multi-day activation, operators will provide housing and resource navigation services to help transition individuals out of homelessness.
The agreement will be monitored through a variety of performance metrics, including the unduplicated number of community resource navigations sessions provided per activation, as well as other project-specific outputs and outcomes.
This agreement was awarded through the Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations RFA 2026-002 Cold Weather Shelter Solicitation. Over 650 vendors were solicited, four applications were submitted, and one was recommended for award for a 12-month term, with up to two twelve-month extension options. The RFA evaluation process uses set criteria for uniform review of all applications by a separate and independent panel. An evaluation panel comprised of individuals with education and expertise in the issue area rated the application. Evaluators agreed upon strengths and weaknesses and scored the application. The criteria for evaluation included the following: fiscal and administrative capacity, experience, and cultural competence and racial equity, program design and performance metrics, data-informed program management, and cost effectiveness.