City Revises Homeless Outreach Contract Requirements Amid Criticism

The City of Winnipeg has revised its requirements for the upcoming homeless outreach services contract, easing restrictions on criminal records after receiving backlash from potential applicants. This change comes as the city actively seeks a new service provider for its mobile outreach support program, with a contract budget of $387,275.

An addendum to the request for proposals (RFP) was issued on January 30, 2024, which removed previous stipulations requiring security clearances for individuals with criminal records or pending charges. According to city communications officer Kalen Qually, the amendment aims to provide greater flexibility for service providers in hiring individuals with lived experience, allowing them to affirm the ability to perform their roles safely and effectively.

Initially, the RFP barred applicants from submitting proposals if they did not present a clean criminal record. This included restrictions on any convictions or pending charges related to property offences or crimes against persons. The city has allocated $96,820 for outreach services east of the Red River and $290,455 for services west of the river.

Marion Willis, executive director of St. Boniface Street Links, expressed concerns that the original requirement would have excluded her organization from bidding. She emphasized the importance of hiring individuals with lived experience, many of whom have previously interacted with the criminal justice system. “I’m wondering if council read the RFP before it was posted,” Willis remarked, highlighting that her organization has effectively delivered services for over three years without such stringent requirements.

With the amendments, the city no longer mandates a clean criminal record. Yet, if a record check reveals prior convictions or pending charges, bidders must confirm that such issues would not compromise safety or efficiency in their work. Factors such as the time elapsed since the conviction, ongoing rehabilitation, and whether the individual has obtained a pardon will be considered.

Individuals whose vulnerable sector checks indicate past convictions or pending charges will remain ineligible to work on the contract. The successful bidder will bear full responsibility for any actions or inactions performed under the contract.

Willis previously suggested that the city should create a more sensible RFP. She noted that the funding allocated for outreach services east of the Red River, $96,820, would only cover approximately 2.5 workers, insufficient for a 24-hour service operation. For context, her organization’s annual outreach budget totals nearly $500,000, and the previous year’s contract with Main Street Project was valued at $275,000.

The new contract is set to commence on April 1, 2024, and will run until December 31, 2024. Bids for the contract will be accepted until February 10, 2024. As the city reevaluates its approach to homeless outreach, it faces the challenge of balancing safety, efficiency, and the inclusion of individuals with valuable lived experiences.