Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: February 14, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Isabelle Klier-Graham, Manager, Mental Health and Homelessness Division
PHONE: 407-836-3187
SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Y25-2217, Housing Connection Services
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2217, Housing Connection Services, with Housing Connector, Inc. in the estimated contract award amount of $3,400,000 for a four-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Mental Health and Homelessness Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
The purpose of this contract is to provide oversight, management, and delivery of housing services aimed at reducing housing barriers and increasing housing stability for individuals and families in Orange County, Florida. The project will involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including property owners, nonprofit service providers, and local government agencies for the performance period of April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2029.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-2501-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Mental Health and Homelessness Division concurs with this request.
REMARKS:
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Part I, Chapter 17, Article III, Section 17-286 - Application and exclusions, agreements between the Board and nonprofit organizations are excluded from competitive procurement requirements.
This organization will help private market housing providers end homelessness in America. They provide greater access to housing for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness by reducing barriers in the application process and ensuring long-term stability for residents once they are housed.
The program will provide a range of housing services for approximately 270 people per year, including emergency rental assistance, damage mitigation funding, and other flexible financial supports to reduce housing barriers and promote long-term stability.
Housing Connector, Inc. has a proven track record of increasing housing access and stability for those most in need. The organization has successfully housed over 8,200 individuals since 2019 and has distributed $10,000,000 in mitigation and rental funds across multiple markets. Housing Connector Inc.'s innovative, tech-driven approach leverages existing housing infrastructure to provide scalable and sustainable solutions to housing access and housing stability.
Housing Connector, Inc. shall provide the following services:
• Build partnerships with property managers/owners and onboard to Housing Connector to provide units with reduced screening criteria to homeless service providers working across Orange County, FL.
• Centralize unit availability for all properties partnered with Housing Connector managed in real time, in partnership with Zillow.
• Provide flexible financial support for property partners designed to support their business, incentivize housing households exiting homelessness, and keep households stable once in their Housing Connector unit.
• Deliver stability support services that provide immediate solutions to households experiencing instability in a Housing Connector unit.
Contract Year Estimated Amount
Year 1 $400,000
Year 2 $700,000
Year 3 $1,000,000
Year 4 $1,300,000
Estimated Four- $3,400,000
Year Total