Title
Authorization to Enter into Contract with Community Bridges, Inc. for Heat Related Respite Operator and Supportive Services (Ordinance S-51723) - Districts 1, 4, 7, 8 and Citywide
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into contract with Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) to operate heat relief and cooling centers and to connect people experiencing homelessness to services. The total contract value will not exceed $2,900,000. Additionally, CBI is a vendor on the Emergency Shelter/Heat Related Respite Operator and Supportive Services Qualified Vendor List (QVL) and pursuant to City Council Ordinance S-50419, section 2, staff is seeking Council approval. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item for the life of the contract. Funding is available in the Human Services budget.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) provides support and services for persons experiencing homelessness and is committed to ending homelessness through a comprehensive, regional approach to housing and services. The City of Phoenix remains committed to supporting annual heat relief activities for individuals experiencing homelessness. This commitment includes ensuring people experiencing homelessness have access to adequate hydration and cooling through temporary, emergency heat respite and cooling centers throughout Phoenix during the hot summer months.
OHS contracted with CBI for these services for summer of 2024. OHS seeks to contract with CBI to operate four centers during the 2025 summer heat season, as well as provide navigation services which include but are not limited to supportive services, connecting people experiencing homelessness with housing resources, mental and behavioral health services, and other resources. The four centers consist of three cooling centers operated within Phoenix Public Library facilities and one leased, 24/7 heat respite site:
- Cholla Library - 10050 N. Metro Parkway East (cooling center);
- Harmon Library - 1325 S. 5th Avenue (cooling center);
- Yucca Library - 5648 N. 15th Avenue (cooling center);
- 24/7 Heat Respite Location - 20 W. Jackson Street (daytime and overnight respite).
Contract Term
The term of the contract will begin on or about May 1, 2025, for a term of at least five but no more than 14 months, as determined by the City Manager or designee in light of available funding and operational need.
Financial Impact
The total cost of the contract will not exceed $2,900,000. Funding is available in the Human Services budget.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
- On January 25, 2023, the City Council approved the QVL with Ordinance S-49352.
- On May 15, 2023, the City Council approved additional $10.5 million in funding with Ordinance S-50884.
- On June 28, 2023, the City Council approved an additional $13.3 million in funding with Ordinance S-49924.
- On December 13, 2023, the City Council approved an additional $6,752,847 in funding with Ordinance S-50419.
- On March 20, 2024, the City Council approved an additional $1,388,933 in funding with Ordinance S-50706.
- On January 15, 2025, the City Council approved an additional $15,000,000 in funding with Ordinance S-51541.
Locations
Cholla Library, 10050 N. Metro Parkway East
Harmon Library, 1325 S. 5th Avenue
Yucca Library, 5648 N. 15th Avenue
24/7 Heat Respite Location, 20 W. Jackson Street
Council Districts: 1, 4, 7, 8 and Citywide
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions and the Human Services Department.