The Social Services and Behavioral Health Services solicitation will support organizations behavioral health and support services for low to moderate income and persons who are precariously housed. Services needs include:

* Supportive Housing and Case Management for Persons who have a Behavioral Health Diagnosis and are Experiencing Homelessness or are Precariously Housed. Up to $480,000 is available for the provision of supportive housing and case management for persons who are homeless or precariously housed and have a behavioral health diagnosis to a minimum of thirty (30) households. Case management shall include an array of wrap around services as appropriate to client needs identified in individual service plans, to be provided by the applicant or in partnership with other agencies. Services should include, but not be limited to: intensive case management; individual and group therapeutic treatment; life skills training; vocational assistance where appropriate; access to medical and psychiatric health care as well as medication when appropriate; access to public benefits; supporting clients with criminal justice related issues and court navigation; and support in maintaining stable housing.

* Support Services for the Persons Experiencing Homelessness. A total of $58,440 will be allocated for services that will provide morning, afternoon and evening meals for persons experiencing homelessness or other very low-income populations. Services under this contract may include, but not be limited to, (1) outreach services to ensure that persons experiencing homelessness are aware of the availability of meals at specific location(s); (2) actual provision of meals to persons experiencing homelessness or other very low-income persons; and (3) ensure access and availability of information regarding other services for persons experiencing homelessness onsite if the proposal is for meal provision.

* Crisis Services to Children who have been Abused, Neglected, and Abandoned. A total of $96,830 will be allocated for the provision of innovative, promising and evidence-based services that are not Medicaid reimbursable in full, to children, from birth to age 18, and families who have experienced abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. Services in this program should include, but not be limited to, (1) providing crisis services to children who have been abused, neglected, and abandoned, (2) providing support and counseling to children and their families in cases of suspected sexual abuse or severe physical abuse, and (3) providing case management to families experiencing abuse and neglect.

* Food Distribution Services to Persons Experiencing Homelessness and/or of Low to Moderate Income. A total of $22,680 will be allocated for food distribution services, measured in pounds, to persons experiencing homelessness, other very low- to moderate-income persons, or to organizations that provide meals and food packages to the aforementioned populations in Albuquerque. Services may include, but not be limited to, (1) food delivery to emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, daycare centers, and emergency shelters serving persons experiencing homelessness and/or of low to moderate income, and (2) food delivery directly to the person(s) experiencing homelessness and/or of low to moderate Income.

* Provide Behavioral Health Services to the Urban Native American Indian Population. A total of $203,800 will be allocated for culturally relevant behavioral health services to low- and moderate-income “Urban Native American Indians.” Behavioral Health Services provided should include, but not be limited to, (1) administering an evidenced based behavioral health assessment, (2) group and individual counseling; (3) family education and counseling; (4) case management; and (5) referral to supportive services.

* School-Based Substance Use Outpatient Treatment Services for Middle School-Age Youth. Up to $187,500 will be allocated for school-based substance use outpatient treatment services for middle school-age youth. Services in this program should include, but not be limited to: (1) administering an evidenced based substance use/behavioral health assessment, (2) referral to other treatment services; (3) group and individual counseling; (4) family education and counseling; (5) case management; and (6) referral to supportive services.

* Case Management for Persons who have a Behavioral Health Diagnosis and are Experiencing Homelessness or are Precariously Housed specific to the City/County Community Connections Program. Up to $135,000 will be allocated for the provision of case management for persons who are homeless or precariously housed AND have a behavioral health diagnosis who are criminally justice involved, to approximately thirty (30) persons, depending on availability of housing vouchers managed through another entity. Successful respondents will be part of the Community Connections program which is a unique collaboration between the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. Case Management services should include, but not be limited intensive case management in range of 1 – 10 to 15; individual and group therapeutic treatment; life skills training; vocational assistance where appropriate; access to medical and psychiatric health care as well as medication when appropriate; access to public benefits; and support in maintaining stable housing

In order to effectively address these service needs, offerors must clearly explain a connection between the proposed activities and outputs to the identified outcomes. The priority is to fund projects that lead to improved outcomes in the below areas.

1) Increased Behavioral Health Stability: People who have otherwise experienced substance use and/or mental health disorders are actively engaged in services that address their identified needs and have reduced or eliminated the utilization of crisis services, are able to maintain employment and have increased daily functioning in the community and at home. Indicators of progress during the service period may include:

• Progress on individual treatment plans

• Progress and completion of education and/or training

• Increase of stable employment and income

• Obtainment of supportive housing with case management

• Reduction of crisis events and utilization of crisis services (metrics include 911 calls, emergency and inpatient hospital use, detox services, or interactions with the criminal justice system).

2) Increased Housing Stability: People who have otherwise been precariously housed or experienced homelessness maintain residence in a safe and affordable dwelling. Indicators of progress during the service period may include:

• Successful placement in housing

• Retention of housing for 6, 12 and 18 months after placement

• Retention in a housing program and/or exit to permanent housing

• Obtainment of affordable housing (e.g., 30% or less of total household income)

• Reduction of homeless events as measured by data collection systems and use of emergency shelters.

3) Increased Public Safety: Through engaging in prevention and intervention programs, participants gain skills, knowledge and support in order to reduce the incidence of violence and adult and/or juvenile criminal justice system involvement. Indicators of progress during the service period may include:

• Reduced involvement with the criminal justice system for participants otherwise arrested, incarcerated or court involved

• Increase in compliance with juvenile time waivers, adult probation and/or parole

• Reduced perpetration of violence

• Increase in skills for constructive conflict resolution practices in lieu of violence

• Increase skills and knowledge around gun safety

• Reduction in the number of suspensions/expulsions from school

• Reduction in the number of youth dropping out of school

• Increase in employment and educational attainment

4) Increasing Individual and Family Resilience: Individuals and families are actively engaged in activities and services that enhance their health, education and skills; and when necessary, to gain strength and resourcefulness to better withstand and rebound from disruptive life challenges. Indicators of progress during the service period may include:

• Increase in family employment and income

• Increase in food security

• Increase in pay equity

• Reduction of domestic/family violence or maltreatment

• Increase of community services such as out-of-school-time enrichment activities

• Young parents engage with programs that increase parenting skills

• Continued or increased enrollment in health insurance including Medicaid

• Increased linkages to and engagement with health services

• Individuals gain employment and training experience

• Individuals complete high school or equivalence

• Youth are linked to programming and complete services adapted to their learning needs

• Families and individuals increase engagement with out-of-school-time enrichment activities and other community services

• Adults, youth and children increase skills and knowledge around gun safety

5) Seniors are Able to Age with Dignity: Vulnerable seniors access and utilize the appropriate care and support resources of their choice so they are can age in place and maintain health, safety, independence and dignity. Seniors maintain connection to their community and access services that support their health and well-being. Indicators of progress during the service period may include:

• Increase/maintain access to home-based services and supports to age in place

• Reduce/maintain nutritional risk score

• Engage with community services, social events and educational opportunities

Amount: Total amouts available per service area are detailed above. Individual award amounts are not specified.

Eligibility: State or local government and/or an agency currently incorporated as a nonprofit corporation, duly registered and in good standing with the State of New Mexico Secretary of State, which has not-for-profit status under 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code and which has demonstrated capability in providing the services for which it is applying.

Link: https://www.cabq.gov/family/partner-resources/request-for-proposals