Street Outreach Case Managers

Request for Proposals [on behalf of the Fairfield County Coordinated Access Networks] Announcement:

Funding available for staffing supporting unsheltered households

RFP SUMMARY: We are looking for 3 street outreach case managers with a focus on providing immediate access to coordinated entry, basic needs and other services for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Each position will service a different region throughout the Coordinated Access Network including Greater Bridgeport, Greater Danbury, and Greater Norwalk/Stamford. Priority for this position will go to agencies with demonstrated experience in providing outreach services and a proven track record in serving households through Coordinated Entry.

RFP #: CT0403

RFP ISSUE DATE: Wednesday, June 3, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: The deadline for questions is June 17, 2026. Questions and/or inquiries must be submitted in writing to Jessica Kubicki, Chief Initiative Officer, at jessica@thehousingcollective.org

PROPOSAL DUE DATE: Tuesday June 23, 2026

NOTIFICATION OF AWARD: Tuesday July 7, 2026

CONTRACT TERM: 
August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026 
Will renew for October 1, 2026 
Ongoing funding is contingent on HUD contracting

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROCESS:
All applications must be submitted in Word format to:
Lauren Zimmermann, Chief Operating and Strategic Officer, at the following address: lauren@thehousingcollective.org

RFP WEBSITE:
https://odi.thehousingcollective.org/funding/rfp-grants

A. BACKGROUND

a. The Housing Collective has released a funding opportunity made available through HUD CoC.

b. The Housing Collective is seeking nonprofit organization(s) to staff 3 Street Outreach Case Managers with a focus on providing immediate access to coordinated entry, basic needs and other services for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Each position will service a different region throughout the Coordinated Access Network including Greater Bridgeport, Greater Danbury, and Greater Norwalk/Stamford. Priority for this position will go to agencies with a proven track record in serving households through Coordinated Entry.

B. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

a. Provide targeted street outreach case management and support to unsheltered households located in places not meant for human habitation and are unlikely or unable to connect with the traditional homeless response system. This position will spend 70% of time canvassing in the community, with a maximum 20% allowable for in-reach.

C. POSITION DESCRIPTION

a. The Street Outreach Case Manager will:

Outreach and Engagement:

• Conduct regular and targeted street outreach to locations frequented by people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Employ engagement strategies that are sensitive to the unique needs of the population, including those who may be hesitant to seek assistance or distrustful of traditional service providers.
• Actively connect with people through community-based settings and ensure they are informed of available housing and services.
• Provide immediate support and intervention, including crisis counseling.
• Offer practical assistance, such as meals, blankets, clothing and toiletries.
• Publicize the availability of services provided within the CAN/ CoC.

Coordinated Entry and Service Navigation:

• Facilitate immediate access to coordinated entry appointments.
• Assist people in navigating the homeless service system, including referrals to CAN Navigators to support their understanding of eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
• Provide information and referrals to relevant homeless and mainstream programs, including housing, healthcare, mental health, substance abuse, employment, and education programs.

Documentation and Recording

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all outreach activities and interactions with clients, including documentation of homeless status using written observations, referrals or self-certification.
• Collect data on the number and characteristics of those served and the causes of their homelessness.
• Ensure documentation practices adhere to privacy standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Document barriers to employment that unsheltered households are facing, including history of incarceration or detention for criminal activity.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work closely with the CAN team, including other outreach staff, case managers, and service providers.
• Collaborate with other community organizations and agencies that serve people experiencing homelessness, including schools, libraries and other local institutions.
• Provide bi-weekly client roster to CAN staff to ensure coordination and program enrollment.
• Participate in the FC CAN entry and outreach team meetings to share information, coordinate service delivery, and problem-solve complex cases

Other Duties:

• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities, including trainings on relevant local, state and federal rules and regulations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of outreach strategies and program improvements.

D. FUNDING

a. The Housing Collective is in receipt of the following funds for the purpose of funding the position described herein:

i. Agencies may propose a one-time startup budget of up to $25,000 to support program implementation during the initial contract term (8/1/26 - 9/30/26).

ii. Applicants must also submit a separate budget for the annual award amount of $85,000.00 per FTE for the period of 10/01/2026-09/30/2027.

iii. Administrative costs for the $85,000 annual award amount cannot exceed $6,800 per FTE

b. Total Funding Proposed for Project: $255,000.00.  Organizations can apply for 1 to 3 FTEs.

E. PROPOSAL ELIGIBILITY

a. Threshold requirements under this RFP:

i. Organization must provide activities limited to the jurisdiction established by both Opening Doors Fairfield County and the Fairfield County Coordinated Access Networks.

A. Organizations eligible to apply for this funding must be located within this designated jurisdiction or have demonstrated success in serving populations residing in this area.

B. The position must be based in and primarily in service of Greater Bridgeport, Greater Danbury, and/or Greater Norwalk/Stamford.

ii. Applicants must have experience with providing services to the CAN.

iii. Demonstrated ability to serve individuals and families at risk of homelessness with an emphasis on households who have substance use disorders.

iv. This position will be primarily community based, with a minimum of 75% of all client engagement outside of the agency office.

v. Funding is limited to increasing the staffing infrastructure to the CAN and cannot replace other funding for CAN activities already in place. Funds are identified for use to increase the existing staffing infrastructure only; use of funds for financial assistance is not permissible.

vi. Sub-contractors must provide a minimum level of staffing and service activities to ensure that this project is implemented appropriately and efficiently under the criteria established through this RFP.

vii. The Housing Collective reserves the right to reject the submission of any respondent in default of a current or prior contract.

b. Applicants will be expected to illustrate proficiency in the following as it relates to the target population:

i. Strong organization skills and ability to coordinate and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.

ii. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including telephone communication.

iii. Ability to work independently and with a group and maintain good working relationships with organizational staff and partners.

iv. Driver’s license and daily use of a reliable and properly registered and insured motor vehicle.

v. Strong computer skills.

vi. Must adhere to all professional standards and ethical practices, including creating and maintaining healthy boundaries and professional relationships with clients, co-workers, and others

c. Master’s degree in social work or equivalent degree. Years of experience can substitute education requirements.

F. STAFFING AND SERVICE EXPECTATIONS

a. Contractor awarded will be expected to hire staff capable of performing housing services duties detailed herein as soon as possible.  Priority will be given to organizations that can demonstrate an immediate start upon execution of a subcontract.

b. It is expected that leveraging services and resources from other front-line activities already in place within an applicant organization will be viewed as opportunities to capitalize on resources and may offer additional points when scored.

c. NOTE: no activities already in place, funded by DOH, the CoC, or the CAN can be replaced by these funds. 

G. REPORTING EXPECTATIONS

a. It is expected that the selected organization will work with the Housing Collective to meet all reporting requirements as to be defined by Opening Doors Fairfield County (ODFC) in a timely and accurate manner.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

A. APPLICATION

a. A responsive proposal must describe how the respondent will work collaboratively throughout the CAN region with community partners and other CAN partners and stakeholders to perform the activities required by this RFP.  Competitive applications will be concise and must be limited to 3 pages.

b. Agency Name:

i. Contact Information:

1. Name:
2. Phone Number:
3. E-mail Address:
4. Address of principal place of business:

c. Service Capacity. Describe your agency’s capacity to carry out the services described in the Position Description section of this RFP.

i. Include: an assurance that staff will be in place and available no later than 9/1/2026.

ii. Describe the experience of the applicant and partners over the past three (3) years in the specified region, emphasizing experience with:

1. Case management, housing coordination, landlord mediation, system navigation and household stabilization services.
2. Community collaboration specific to housing and/or homelessness.
3. Activities regarding assessment, creation, and execution of an individualized service plan focused on recovery-informed care.
4. Ensuring clients are referred to and successfully linked to all appropriate resources as quickly as possible.

d. Project Budget

i. Applicants must submit two separate budgets:

1. Startup Budget (8/1/26-9/30/26) for the initial contract term. Up to $25,000 per agency.
2. Annual Award Budget based on the $85,000 per FTE for the 10/1/26-9/30/27 period. Organizations may apply for 1 to 3 FTEs (maximum $255,000).

ii. For both budgets, include:

1. Cost Breakdown (Revenue and Expenses, itemized)
2. Hourly Rate & Total Personnel Cost
3. Administrative Costs. (Cannot exceed $6,800 per FTE.)

iii. NOTE: priority will be given to proposals with competitive, equitable salaries and reasonable overhead rates.