The City of Wichita has opened the bidding process for the operation of an emergency winter shelter for the homeless. The shelter will be set up at the former Park Elementary School at 1025 North Main, which was recently purchased by the city from the Wichita school district.
Bids will be accepted until 10 a.m. on Friday, October 4th. Prospective bidders will be able to attend a pre-proposal meeting at 1 p.m. on September 23rd through Microsoft Teams.
The City has allocated $600,000 for the operation of the 2024-2025 winter shelter. A successful proposal will have to be made by a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3), (c)(4) corporation or governmental entity. The shelter must be able to be operated on a 24/7 basis during the contract period and allow entry day or night, serving both men and women, those with disabilities and other various guest needs.
The City expects the winter shelter to be open from November 28, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
The project is expected to go to the City Council sometime in late October or early November for consideration.
