26-0449-RFP Rapid Rehousing Fiscal Administration & Service Provider Collaborative Program

Pinellas County Human Services is seeking proposals to operate a Rapid Rehousing (RRH) Program. The RRH model requires two distinct but coordinated roles: (1) Rapid Rehousing Service Provider responsible for direct client engagement, housing navigation, case management, and service coordination; and (2) a Fiscal Administrator responsible for managing and dispersing financial assistance on behalf of the program. Provider(s) shall work together to provide effective service delivery to clientele and fiscal administration overseeing payment processing, while maintaining clear separation of roles and responsibilities. Contract awards for the RRH Service Provider and Fiscal Administrator may be awarded to 1 or more organizations.

Successful candidate(s) will work directly with the local Coordinated Entry system to facilitate RRH in accordance with best practices and locally established guidelines. Pinellas County will oversee the provider agreement(s), deliverables, and outcomes reporting; however, the candidate(s) will be expected to coordinate with the Pinellas County Continuum of Care (COC), as appropriate, to ensure alignment with system goals and evolving system activities.

Intent:

Pinellas County Human Services is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to deliver Rapid Rehousing services that support households experiencing homelessness in securing and maintaining stable housing. Through this solicitation, the County seeks providers with demonstrated experience in housing navigation, landlord engagement, service coordination, and financial administration necessary to support the timely delivery of rental assistance and stabilization services.

The RRH model requires two distinct but coordinated roles: (1) Rapid Rehousing Service Provider responsible for direct client engagement, housing navigation, case management, and service coordination; and (2) a Fiscal Administrator responsible for managing and dispersing financial assistance on behalf of the program. Provider(s) shall work together to provide effective service delivery to clientele and fiscal administration overseeing payment processing, while maintaining clear separation of roles and responsibilities. Contract awards for the RRH Service Provider and Fiscal Administrator may be awarded to 1 or more organizations.

Rapid Rehousing (RRH) is a key component of Pinellas County’s system of care for individuals and families with minor age children experiencing homelessness. The program provides short- to medium-term rental assistance and individualized case management designed to help households quickly exit homelessness and achieve housing stability. Through coordinated partnerships with community providers and landlords, RRH assists households in identifying and securing housing opportunities, navigating the rental market, and addressing barriers to housing placement. This housing-focused intervention supports the priorities of the Pinellas Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC) and the Board of County Commissioners’ strategic focus on reducing homelessness by shortening the length of time residents remain unhoused while promoting long-term housing stability through connection to community-based services.

Pinellas County has supported Rapid Rehousing initiatives for several years as part of the community’s broader response to homelessness. Through partnerships with experienced service providers and fiscal administrators, the County has worked to deliver rental assistance and housing stabilization services to households in need. These efforts have been implemented in coordination with the local Coordinated Entry system and in alignment with the priorities of the CoC.

As the community’s homelessness response system continues to evolve, the County remains committed to strengthening partnerships and exploring opportunities to leverage additional public or community investments that support housing stabilization efforts. Responding organizations should demonstrate the capacity to effectively administer program services and adapt to potential increases in program resources or partnerships that may enhance service delivery. The County seeks to invest in providers and partnerships that deliver responsive and effective Rapid Rehousing services for Pinellas County residents experiencing homelessness.