On behalf of the District of Columbia’s Department of Human Services (DHS), The Government of the District of Columbia Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking multifamily properties to lease in order to provide bridge housing to meet the need for families experiencing housing emergency. As the District advances the reform of its system of care for families who experience homelessness, there is a need for overflow capacity beyond the city’s inventory of short term housing. Families in need of temporary housing are District residents who need assistance to obtain permanent housing. DHS seeks to identify sites in the Washington, DC area which can immediately provide 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and/or 3 bedroom apartment style living units that are move- in ready for families experiencing an episode of homelessness. Innovative solutions such as renovation, restoration or transformation of an existing space which will address the critical needs are welcomed.

DHS will use the offered properties as housing units for families. A “Focused Housing” model which will create temporary housing facilities (ideally targeted to no more than 50 and no less than 15 contiguous units per site) is being implemented. However, the District is able to entertain some flexibility in that target number. A portion of the building’s footprint should be available to be utilized for program support spaces, which may be provided in the form of additional apartment units. Supportive services will be provided on site and will be geared toward supporting families to achieve housing stability, improving quality of life and working to sustain self-sufficiency. Ideally, such program support spaces may include amenities such as a community room (450 sq. ft.), administrative area (5 offices, 130 to 150 sq. ft. each), on-site laundry facility (315 sq. ft. – approximately 4 washers/4 dryers is preferred), and parking for the staff. Such amenities are desired but not required for this Solicitation. Property owners will provide property management of the property. Partially occupied buildings will not be accepted. However, sites/properties which include multiple buildings may be considered.