Safe Option Support (SOS) Program: Overnight Teams

The Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued to solicit applications for funding to support three (3) Safe Options Support (SOS) Overnight Outreach Teams operating in New York City (NYC) and 1 SOS Overnight Coordinator to manage deployment and referrals for all three teams. One award will be made for the operation of all three teams and the overnight coordinator. These teams will provide overnight outreach services in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. Each team will be responsible for providing services in two boroughs, as assigned by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). The SOS Overnight Outreach Teams will provide nightly outreach throughout the assigned catchment areas and will collaborate with the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to identify high-volume locations where individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness are known to congregate. Each SOS Overnight Outreach Team will be comprised of a multidisciplinary team consisting of mental health peer specialists, case managers, licensed clinicians or individuals with a master¿s degree in a related field. The SOS Overnight Coordinator will serve as the central point of coordination for referrals and interagency communication. The coordinator will manage referrals, monitor team deployment and coordinate with partner agencies to ensure consistent service delivery. The teams will provide coordinated, person-centered outreach during overnight hours when traditional services are unavailable. Staff will focus on identifying, engaging, and building rapport with individuals residing on streets, in subway stations, hospital emergency departments, and other public locations in their catchment area. Teams will facilitate immediate access to emergency shelter, stabilization beds, Safe Haven, crisis services, and immediate needs from food to clothing to personal hygiene based on each individual¿s needs and preferences. The awarded provider will work closely with OMH, the NYC SOS Hub, DHS, MTA, hospitals, local governments, law enforcement, and community-based organizations to coordinate outreach efforts, avoid duplication of services, and ensure individuals receive continuous support. Providers must also establish clear handoff procedures with daytime SOS teams to ensure smooth transitions for ongoing outreach, case management, housing support, and long-term engagement. Notice: Notification of intent to apply should be made to the Local Governmental Unit (county director of community services) for each county to be served under the program application, as defined in Section 41 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law. Proof of this notification is required to be uploaded in SFS and should not be sent directly to the procurement unit. Please see RFP document for full details and funding information.