HSO 2026-002 Cold Weather Shelter
🏛 Texas City of Austin - Homeless Strategies and Operations
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and contractors seeking to operate cold weather shelter facilities in Austin, Texas. Applicants must be qualified shelter operators capable of maintaining year-round operational readiness. The City seeks proposals to manage three city-owned facilities during cold weather activation periods. Organizations must demonstrate capacity to rapidly operationalize shelters when weather conditions trigger activation.
Program description
The City of Austin (COA) seeks proposals from qualified operators to maintain year-round operational readiness for Cold Weather Shelter (CWS) events and operationalize three City-owned facilities during activations. Date Issued: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Application Due Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 3 PM CST Anticipated Start date of contract: October 1, 2026 Questions regarding the RFA are due on or before: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 3 PM CST Technical Assistance regarding submission of the RFA in Partnergrants are due on or before: Monday, July 6, 2026, at 2 PM CST Questions must be submitted in writing to the Authorized Contact Person or through Partnergrants Authorized Contact Person: Homeless Strategies and Operations E-Mail: HSDCompetitions@austintexas.gov Questions and Answers will be available: In Partnergrants and on the solicitation website. Optional Pre-Bid Meeting Date(s) and Time(s): Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 1 PM CST Registration Required with this link: Eventbrite Registration
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proposal narrative describing operational approach and capacity
- Organizational background and qualifications
- Evidence of prior shelter operations experience
- Staffing and management plan
- Budget and cost structure (format TBD in RFA details)
Program contact
- 👤 Chinazo Anya
- 📧 Chinazo.Anya@austintexas.gov
- 📞 (512) 974-6065
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Qualified shelter operators and organizations with capacity to manage multiple facilities. You must demonstrate experience operating emergency shelter services.
When is the application deadline?
July 7, 2026 at 3 PM CST. Questions about the RFA must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
What activities does this funding support?
Maintaining operational readiness and activating three city-owned cold weather shelter facilities during winter months.
Is there a pre-bid meeting?
Yes, a pre-bid meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026 at 1 PM CST. Registration is required via Eventbrite.
When would the contract start?
The anticipated start date is October 1, 2026. This is a municipal services contract rather than a traditional grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Attend the optional pre-bid meeting on June 11 to clarify expectations and facility details. Register in advance.
- Contact the City immediately with questions by the June 30 deadline. This ensures timely responses before your proposal is due.
- Clearly describe your operational capacity for rapid shelter activation during cold weather events.
- Demonstrate experience managing multiple facilities and coordinating staff during emergency situations.
- Review all submission requirements in Partnergrants carefully to avoid technical disqualification.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to attend the pre-bid meeting and missing key operational expectations. Submitting questions too close to the June 30 deadline. Not clearly demonstrating prior experience operating emergency or temporary shelters.
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