At the Homeless Trust meeting, staff summarized the results of a major request‑for‑applications (RFA) for food, beverage and shelter services and the board approved staff recommendations and several related ratifications. The board also approved a selection committee recommendation to engage a fiscal agent to consolidate and manage multiple HUD grant rental assistance streams.

The RFA: Staff said the May 12 solicitation drew 41 responses and — if the board approved the selection committee’s recommendations — would add 82 beds across service types: 11 youth beds, 15 family beds for households with minors and 46 single‑adult beds (including gender splits noted in the selection document). Proposed per‑bed daily rates were reported at $32 to $35 per day. Staff told the board that one state grant line had been moved to the Salvation Army and combined with a Jackson Health System pilot to create 38 higher‑level beds for hospitalized individuals who intersect with both systems.

Funding and non‑competed items: Staff reported the RFA was issued against roughly $10 million in existing dollars but said approval would raise the food and beverage allocation to approximately $13.7 million — an increase of more than $3 million to maintain and expand services. The board ratified a set of non‑competed contracts that were budgeted in the approved county budget, including operations funding for Verde Gardens (145 units operated by Camillus House), a senior site operated under the former Mia Casa arrangement, a match commitment for Citrus Health Network’s continuum‑of‑care work, and continuing operating support for New Hope Corps at Villages at Old Cutler. Staff also cited continuing funding for outreach teams, Camillus House prevention services, a 120‑voucher advocate program, landlord risk‑mitigation funds, and an indoor meal program at the Miami Rescue Mission.

Fiscal agent selection: Separately, the board approved moving forward with MDG Associates as the recommended fiscal agent from a June 10 RFA. Staff said the selection committee recommended MDG to help consolidate several HUD rental assistance streams and to right‑size rental assistance allocations so available funds could serve more households. The portfolio in scope was described as roughly $18.5 million in HUD grants; the selection committee recommended technical assistance and a contracting path that will require execution with the county attorney and final signature before the Board of County Commissioners.

Votes: Board members moved and seconded the items and adopted the recommendations; staff said there were no protest letters or bidder objections filed in connection with the RFA or the fiscal agent selection.

Why it matters: Contract awards and the fiscal agent selection affect daily shelter operations, bed rates paid to providers, and how HUD rental assistance dollars are managed and distributed to landlords and service providers.