City of Austin Issues Solicitation for Cold Weather Shelter Operations

The City of Austin's Homeless Strategies & Operations (HSO) today announced the release of a Request for Applications (RFA) seeking a qualified service provider to operate and staff the City's Cold Weather Shelter program, including operating three City-owned facilities during weather-related shelter activations.

The solicitation represents the City's continued commitment to protecting vulnerable residents during periods of extreme cold and ensuring emergency shelter services can be deployed quickly and effectively when hazardous weather conditions arise.

Through the competitive procurement process, HSO will contract with an experienced operator to deliver comprehensive overnight cold weather shelter services that prioritize guest safety and well-being. The selected provider will oversee facility management, staffing, client support, and emergency response activities to ensure seamless shelter operations during weather activations. The City has allocated up to $900,000 for the contract. 

"Preparing for severe weather before it arrives is essential to protecting lives and ensuring our most vulnerable neighbors have access to safety and support when conditions become dangerous," said Homeless Strategies & Operations Director, David Gray. "This solicitation is an important step in strengthening the City’s emergency shelter system by securing an experienced partner capable of providing safe, dignified, and reliable overnight shelter during cold weather events. By planning ahead and investing in coordinated operations, we can respond quickly when activations occur and ensure residents have access to warmth, essential services, and a place to shelter from life-threatening conditions."

Key solicitation dates include:
• RFA Release Date: June 9, 2026
• Proposal Submission Deadline: July 7, 2026, at 3 p.m. CST
• Anticipated Contract Start Date: Oct. 1, 2026

Organizations with demonstrated experience in emergency shelter operations, homelessness response services, emergency management, or related human services are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply
Interested applicants can access the full RFA and submission information on the HSO webpage: https://www.austintexas.gov/homeless-strategies/hso-request-application-rfa-2026-002-cold-weather-shelter