CHHS board seeks $137,000 from general fund to cover inclement-weather contracts; new shelter operator picked for Morning Star site

A City of Spokane human-services update at the Dec. 8 committee meeting included a requested $137,000 addition to existing inclement-weather contracts and selection of an additional shelter operator.

Ariel and CHHS staff explained the money is intended to ensure enough contract funds if the city experiences a winter surge, noting the funds would be pulled from the general fund. The staff estimate assumed a surge-through-December scenario and that contracts are set to expire Dec. 31.

The CHHS program re-opened an RFP for shelter operators and received a response from Jules Helping Hands. Two potential sites were identified; staff advanced Morning Star for consideration and the CHHS human-services RFP committee approved the selection. Staff said inclement-weather beds tied to Morning Star will open Jan. 1.

Council members thanked CHHS staff for fast contracting and asked for transparency on funding sources; staff confirmed the additional allocation will be from general funds designated for inclement-weather responses.

No formal council action was recorded at the committee; staff confirmed the award and additional funding request will come forward through the council's regular agenda process for authorization as needed.