REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
PHIL SKEI, Assistant Director,
Planning and Development Department
BY: CRYSTAL SILVA, Senior Management Analyst
Homeless Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a Service Agreement with Turning Point of Central California, Inc. (TPOCC) to operate Bridge Point Triage Center offering 30 units serving individuals experiencing homelessness, located at 1642 L. Street, through June 30, 2026, in the total amount of $890,168.78 funded with Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding. (Council District 3) (Bid File. 12500851)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council approve the service agreement with TPOCC for emergency shelter operations in the total amount of $890,168.78 under a one-year agreement and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to sign all implementing agreements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno (City) is seeking to award funding for emergency shelter operations in alignment with the requirements of the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program. A Request for Qualification (RFQ) was issued on October 18, 2024, resulting in the submission of five proposals and all five were determined to be qualified. Based on the evaluation of the response from TPOCC, staff recommends awarding TPOCC a total amount of $890,168.78 to oversee the operation and coordination of services at Bridge Point Triage Center under a one-year agreement.
BACKGROUND
In February 2020, The City was awarded HHAP funding in the amount of $6,158,246.18 from the California Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council to address Homelessness, in September 2021 the City received $2,911,171 in a second round of HHAP allocations, In January 2023 received a total of $7,524,257.15 in a third round of HHAP allocations, July 2023 received $11,265,425.10 in a fourth round of HHAP allocation and in October 2024 the City received notification of $13,096,671.82 allocation in a fifth round of HHAP allocation. Health and Safety Code Section 50220.5(d) allows program recipients to use their allocation for operating subsidies in new and existing emergency shelters, as well as for services coordination for homeless populations.
To utilize this funding, staff issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on October 18, 2024, soliciting proposals for the operation of triage centers/emergency shelters and coordination of services. The City received five proposals by the December 17, 2024, deadline. A selection panel, comprising representatives from the City’s Housing and Community Development, Homeless Services, and Homeless Assistance Response Team (HART) divisions within the Planning and Development Department, along with a representative from the San Jose Housing Authority, evaluated the proposals. The evaluation criteria included the ability to meet service requirements, conformance with RFQ terms and conditions, cost efficiency, past performance, and related qualifications.
Following a thorough review, the panel determined that TPOCC’s proposal was both qualified and most responsive to operate the Bridge Point Triage Center, with a proposed award of $890,168.78. Based on the evaluation, staff recommends awarding TPOCC as the operator of the Bridge Point Triage Center.
Turning Point of Central California: Bridge Point Triage Center
The Chief Executive Officer of Turning Point of Central California, Inc., a private non-profit corporation, is Ryan Banks.
TPOCC ensures a low-barrier, housing-first model without prerequisites, allowing participants to remain on-site during the day without mandatory substance testing. Personal belongings are welcomed, and each client is assigned storage areas to maintain organization and safety. The shelter follows an inclusive access policy, ensuring beds are available regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, participants may be absent for up to 72 hours without losing their bed, with exceptions made for extenuating circumstances.
Case managers conduct assessments to determine the most suitable housing options for participants. These options may include affordable housing, senior living facilities, boarding care, and rental opportunities, with or without subsidies. By tailoring recommendations to individual needs, case managers help ensure stable and appropriate housing placements.
Support continues even after participants exit the program through ongoing case management. This includes assessment and planning to identify barriers to safety and housing, as well as linking individuals to essential resources such as counseling, legal aid, job training, and housing assistance.
Regular check-ins are conducted through weekly case management sessions and 30-day plan evaluations to monitor progress and address challenges. A well-structured exit strategy ensures a coordinated transition into permanent housing, while extended support services, including community case management and relocation assistance, help maintain long-term stability.
Services provided to clients include:
• Housing & Employment Support - Assistance in obtaining necessary documents.
• Mainstream Benefits Linkages - Support in accessing public benefits and resources.
• Healthcare & Treatment - Referrals for medical care, mental health services, and substance use treatment.
• Job Readiness & Training - Resume building, job search strategies, and workplace skills development.
• Financial Literacy - Budgeting, saving, and debt management guidance.
• Transportation Assistance - Support for accessing essential services and housing-related appointments.
• Personalized Housing Plans - Case management staff work closely with participants to develop individualized plans.
The proposed agreement, totaling $890,168.78 with Turning Point of Central California, complies with Health and Safety Code Section 50220.5(d) and will provide 30 beds to serve the homeless community.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable because of the use of state funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The agreement will be funded through HHAP allocations.
Attachment:
TPOCC-Bridgepoint agreement