The city of Portland will issue a Request for Expression of Interest (RFE) # 26105) on Thursday, June 25 to identify qualified partners interested in collaborating to operate a low-barrier winter warming shelter during the 2026-2027 season.
The City is seeking interest from nonprofit organizations, service providers, faith communities, health facilities and property owners to ensure this vital life-saving resource is available to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness during the coldest months of the year.
The proposed shelter is intended to operate nightly from December 1, 2026 through April 1, 2027. Unlike a full-service emergency shelter, this initiative is envisioned as a focused overnight warming intervention. Because the city does not currently have the internal staffing capacity or facility to operate the envisioned emergency winter warming shelter on a nightly basis, it is looking to form strategy partnerships with community stakeholders to support operations and facility needs.
“A winter warming shelter is an important part of ensuring that no one in our community is left without protection from severe weather. We are seeking partners who share our commitment to community well-being and who are interested in working collaboratively to make this initiative a reality,” said Maggie McLoughlin, the City’s Health & Human Service Department Director. “We welcome innovative ideas, strong partnerships and a willingness to help create a safe and dignified option for those in need this winter.”
The City is interested in hearing from entities that can fulfill one or more of the following roles:
SHELTER Operations and Service Delivery: Qualified providers to manage overnight staffing, intake, transportation coordination, de-escalation and safety monitoring. FACILITY and Property Partnerships: Propergy owners or institutions willing to donate or lease space that meets specific requirements, including open floor plans, ADA compliance and proximity to the Portland peninsula. COLLABORATIVE Roles: Organizations interesed in supporting specific needs such as custodial oversight, outreach coordination or security. IDEAL facility locations will be able to accommodate between 50 and 100 individuals and must comply with all applicaable fire, health and safety codes.
This RFE is intended for planing and partnership development purposes. Interested parties are encouraged to submit a response that outlines their relevent experience, proposed roles and any preliminary operational concepts or facility space.
While no operating funding has been secured at this time, the City anticipates applying for or supporting partner applications for Maine Sate Housing Authority (MSMA) winter shelter funding in the fall of 2026.
Prospective applicants must obtain official proposal forms from the City Purchasing Office to ensure they are registered for any subsequent addenda or update. To receive the proposal forms, please email purchasing@portandmaine.gov or call 207 – 874-8654. The deadline to submit expressions of interest is Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 3:30 pm.