Amends a contract with The Salvation Army Connection Center to add $1,615,427.00 for a new total of $3,236,638.00 and to add one year for a new end date of 12-31-2026 to provide immediate access to family shelter, rapid resolution services, housing assessment and cold weather support to families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. Additionally, this program will serve as an access point to homelessness/eviction prevention, shelter, and Coordinated Entry, citywide (HOST-202159210/HOST-202581663-04).

This resolution approves a Fourth Amendatory Agreement with The Salvation Army Connection Center, adding $1,615,427.00 for a new total contract amount of $3,236,638.00. The contract term is extended by one year, with a new end date of December 31, 2026. Funded by the Homelessness Resolution Fund, this agreement ensures continued citywide services for families experiencing housing instability and homelessness.

The Connection Center serves as a crucial access point for immediate family shelter, rapid resolution services, housing assessment, and cold weather support. It also acts as a coordinated entry point for homelessness/eviction prevention and shelter. Services include screening for diversion, rapid resolution, emergency shelter placement, case management for families on the shelter waitlist (currently over 240 households), and providing vouchers and transportation during severe weather events.

For 2026, the program's scope will become more focused on families, transitioning from a general call center to a dedicated access point for family shelter and rapid resolution. Staff will increase, and on-site presence during severe weather activations will improve screening and reduce erroneous cold weather vouchers. This is critical as family homelessness has increased by 150% from 2022-2025.

This contract amendment ensures continued and improved access to vital services for families experiencing or at risk of homelessness citywide. It provides a centralized point for shelter, rapid resolution, and cold weather support, helping hundreds of families avoid or exit homelessness and secure stable housing.

high