December 22, 2017 (Hagåtña) — Guam Housing Corporation published a request for proposal for a project that would house Guam’s homeless population and those in need of shelter in the evenings.
“I want to encourage landlords to work with us to provide this service that we hope will be a piece of the solution to the homelessness issue on our island,” Governor Calvo stated. “Our initial goal is to ensure there’s a safe place for people, especially the women, children, or elderly to have a safe place to sleep for the night.”
GHC, at the governor’s direction, is trying to find private sector landlords with property in central Guam to lease an apartment building or commercial building. The goal is to find an apartment complex with 15 units or more for the following purpose:
• Provide safe evening shelter and place to shower in the evening.
• Facility users would check into the facility in the evening and check out in the morning. The facility is not intended to serve as a long-term housing solution.
• The shelter would also allow police officers to drop off those who have taken shelter in public places in the evening- such as parks and local businesses.
• The facility would also serve as a hub for faith-based organizations, NGO’s and social services to assist clients in getting back on their feet.
• It would also serve as a pickup point for daily job opportunities as well as employment programs.
“In speaking with people who are homeless, we know this is a complex issue,” Lt. Governor Tenorio said. “We would like this facility to evolve into a hub where we can connect these folks with education and job opportunities, along with housing and health services, so they can get back on their feet.”
“The RFP calls on the private sector to submit proposals for semifinished complex or commercial property in central Guam that includes utilities. If you are a property owner or realtor with a facility, we encourage you to submit an proposal,” Guam Housing President Chris Duenas said.
For more information about the RFP, call GHC at 647-4143 or 647-4146.
