Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Strategic Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Consulting for Winter Shelter Operations for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $180,000 in Previously Allocated General Funds
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Housing and Homelessness
SUMMARY
The San Leandro Winter Warming Shelter will provide essential support for community members experiencing homelessness during the winter season, prioritizing safety, warmth, and well-being. The City has historically partnered with First United Methodist Church of San Leandro and nonprofit April Showers, alongside a nonprofit shelter provider, to deliver winter warming services. This season, the shelter will offer overnight respite, warm meals, and access to resource referrals and housing navigation services. Staff recommends Strategic Emergency Medical Services Consulting as the operator for the shelter during the 2024-2025 season.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Strategic Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Consulting for the operation of Winter Shelter services at a total cost not to exceed $180,000 in previously allocated General Funds.
BACKGROND
Winter Shelter Overview
The San Leandro Winter Warming Shelter is a critical resource for community members experiencing homelessness. Historically, the City of San Leandro has partnered with First United Methodist Church of San Leandro and nonprofit April Showers to deliver essential winter shelter services. This collaboration has provided individuals with access to overnight shelter, warm meals, and support services in a compassionate, structured environment.
The shelter not only offers a safe place to rest but also facilitates connections to vital resources. Guests are provided with resource referrals, case management, and housing navigation services to support long-term stability and reduce barriers to accessing housing. This winter, the shelter will continue to serve as a warm and welcoming space, addressing the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness while fostering pathways to permanent housing solutions.
Winter Shelter 2024-2025: Operator and Venue Selection
A Request for Information (RFI) for a shelter location was issued on June 4, 2024. Staff shared this RFI with 28 faith-based organizations and widely publicized this opportunity through social media and other outreach efforts. First United Methodist Church of San Leandro was the selected venue to continue partnering with, due to their interest and willingness to partner and facility setup.
An RFI for an operator was released on August 16, 2024. Staff reached out to four shelter providers and widely publicized this opportunity through social media and other outreach efforts. Strategic EMS Consulting was chosen as the recommended provider due to their extensive experience in homelessness services and community partnerships within Alameda County. A total of three providers submitted responses to the RFI, each being a new provider that the City has not yet contracted with.
Analysis
Strategic EMS Consulting brings over 40 years of experience in emergency medical response and service provision for unsheltered individuals. Their expertise spans 911 response, hospital systems, and direct homeless services, enabling them to create safe, professionally managed environments that meet high-stakes needs with compassion and operational excellence.
As the operator of Alameda County’s Safe Parking program, Strategic EMS Consulting has successfully implemented trauma-informed care practices, comprehensive case management, and resource navigation to support individuals facing housing insecurity. This background uniquely positions them to oversee the San Leandro Winter Warming Shelter, where their approach emphasizes safety, structured support, and rapid response to any incidents. Additionally, their familiarity with Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) and case tracking ensures efficient service delivery and transparent reporting, which is crucial for coordinating with local agencies and maintaining compliance.
Staff recommend Strategic Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Consulting as the operator for the San Leandro Winter Warming Shelter due to their extensive experience and established success in homeless services and crisis response. With over 40 years in emergency services, including managing safe parking programs in Alameda County, Strategic EMS Consulting is equipped to operate the shelter safely and efficiently, offering structured support like meals, case management, and housing navigation. Their partnerships with local organizations will enhance resource referrals for shelter guests, and their commitment to safety and professionalism will ensure a secure, supportive environment. Strategic EMS Consulting’s expertise aligns with the City’s goals for the 2024-2025 Winter Warming Shelter season, making them the recommended operator.
Following Council approval of this item, the Winter Warming Shelter will be open early December 2024 through April 2025, with overnight services available every Tuesday and additional nights based on inclement weather conditions, including temperatures below 42°F or a 48% or higher chance of rain.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
Human Services staff consulted nonprofit organizations to review prior Winter Shelter operations and gather feedback. Staff also worked closely with First United Methodist Church and April Showers to align program goals for the 2024-2025 season.
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved all associated documents and agreements as to form.
Financial Impacts
Sufficient funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (FY24-25) General Fund budget for Winter Shelter services:
General Fund-Administration, Account 010-63-014-5120: $180,000.00
This Council action will not impact fund balance because there are funds available in the FY24-25 adopted budget.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A: Resolution
PREPARED BY: Deveon Remaker, Program Coordinator, Human Services Department