Cold Weather Shelter

The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health is seeking proposals to designate a single lead agency in each Coordinated Access Network area to implement, coordinate, and oversee Cold Weather Shelter services. The solicitation aims to ensure a unified, equitable, and scalable approach to shelter operations by allocating funding based on documented needs from the prior year, establishing uniform cost-per-bed standards across the state, and setting clear operational expectations for all Cold Weather Shelter programs. The selected agency will be responsible for managing subcontractors and collaborating with other local organizations to guarantee comprehensive, well-coordinated services that meet state-mandated criteria and respond effectively to weather-related emergencies. Funding will be distributed proportionally according to historical need within each CAN region, and the structure allows for easy scaling if additional state funding becomes available through future legislative action. Only one organization per CAN will be awarded the contract, and individual shelter programs will not receive direct funding. The lead agency must demonstrate capacity to manage multiple service providers, enforce standardized protocols, and maintain accountability across all shelter activities. Proposals are due by September 1, 2026, and inquiries should be directed to Steve DiLella, the primary point of contact for the DAS Procurement office.