Shelter Exit Services (SES)

Background
The Bureau of Refugee Services (BRS) of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) issues this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit applications from eligible grant applicants to administer the Shelter Exit Services for Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Eligible Populations (SES) program.

The SES program aims to assist ORR eligible households currently residing in public shelter systems in New York State to locate and retain permanent, affordable housing. OTDA anticipates distributing up to $10,000,000 in ORR Refugee Support Services (RSS) funds for 18-month contracts under this procurement, with all funds subject to continued availability and state appropriation.

Work Details
The SES program will provide services including:
- Facilitating the relocation of eligible individuals and families from public shelter to permanent affordable housing.
- Providing rental assistance for up to one year.
- Making referrals for case management and employment services.
- Securing appropriate permanent housing opportunities.
- Developing landlord relationships.
- Ensuring housing units meet basic habitability standards.
- Providing multi-lingual and culturally appropriate services.
- Determining eligibility for households screened and managing referrals.
- Coordinating transportation and logistics for occupancy.
- Facilitating post-relocation community orientations.
- Determining appropriate rental subsidy amounts and client contributions.
- Providing data reporting to OTDA/BRS.

Contractors will also be responsible for conducting habitability inspections, coordinating lease signing, providing essential furnishings, food allowances, clothing, and referrals for various support services.

Period of Performance
The contract term is from May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed across all counties in New York State.