The City of Santa Fe is expanding its Micro Community model, previously known as Safe Outdoor Spaces (SOS), to establish small-scale, non-congregate shelters. The City is promoting two key opportunities for community involvement.
1. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Property Owners Extended
The City has extended the deadline for its RFQ seeking privately owned (OPERATOR)properties to host new Micro Communities. Each site can contain up to 50 shelters and will include on-site social services. Proposals are now due by Oct. 18, 2024. The RFQ, titled "Non-Congregate Solutions to Unsheltered Homelessness – Safe Outdoor Space Site (OWNER)," can be found under RFQ number 25010 on the City’s MUNIS Self-Service site.
2. Request for Proposals (RFP) for Service Providers Released
Additionally, the City has issued an RFP for qualified organizations to operate these Micro Communities. Operators will provide services such as housing navigation, job support, nutritious meals, case management, and 24/7 oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and the surrounding community. Interested organizations must submit their proposals by October 18, 2024. The RFP is available under "Non-Congregate Solutions to Unsheltered Homelessness – Safe Outdoor Space Service Provider(s) (OPERATOR)" with RFP number 25021 on the City’s MUNIS Self-Service site.
About Micro Communities
Micro Communities, formerly Safe Outdoor Spaces, are designated sites offering temporary shelter and essential services to unhoused individuals. Each site provides a safe environment with amenities like community centers, restrooms, and private living spaces. Living structures manufactured by Pallet, LLC, are owned by the City and include climate control, LED lighting, and secure locking doors. They have safety features such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.
The target population for these Micro Communities includes individuals who are currently living in encampments and are unable or unwilling to use traditional shelters due to reasons such as behavioral health challenges, substance use, the need to stay with pets, or a preference to share space with a partner. Unlike most shelters, there isn’t a time limit for guests to stay, allowing guests the time to transition into a permanent housing option in a safe and trauma-informed way.
In partnership with Christ Lutheran Church and The Life Link, the City successfully launched a Micro-Community pilot on March 28, 2024, housing 10 residents and five pets. Building on this success, the City is committed to creating additional scattered sites across Santa Fe to provide shelter and connect individuals with essential support services.