Benton County offers funding to support establishment of inclement weather center

Benton County Public Health is seeking proposals to help provide overnight emergency shelter for people experiencing houselessness during severe weather.

Up to $300,000 in funding could be available to support the provision and operation of a local inclement weather center to be activated on nights when hot, cold, or otherwise extreme weather meets designated thresholds. The County is utilizing $50,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the center and hopes to provide an additional $250,000, contingent upon receiving additional grant funds through the City of Corvallis, a decision that is currently pending.

“We are grateful to provide this funding opportunity that could help individuals with inadequate shelter from being exposed to potentially life-threatening weather, With cold weather and winter storms just around the corner, the County is prepared to work quickly to expedite the review process for projects that qualify for funding under this opportunity.”

John Pegg, Public Health Preparedness and Response Coordinator

The County will apply an equity lens when determining placement and establishment of a potential inclement weather center and will award points based on service delivery for diverse populations, trauma-informed care, and client-oriented focus, among other categories.

Interested organizations should review the Request for Proposals on the County website. Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m., November 14, 2022. Applications will be reviewed by a Benton County Health Department evaluation committee with a funding recommendation forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for final approval.

For more information on this request for proposals, contact Public Health Preparedness and Response Coordinator, John Pegg, at 541-766-0210 or john.pegg@co.benton.or.us.