by John Glidden | glid24@protonmail.com | November 6, 2025
VALLEJO – The city has begun accepting proposals from third parties to operate a seasonal warming center to shelter the unhoused during the upcoming winter months, according to an official request for proposals (RFPs) placed on the city’s website.
“The Warming Shelter will offer overnight shelter to the local homeless population
during the winter months as defined herein. Operations are expected to begin in December 2025,” the RFP states. “Qualified applicants must have access to a secure facility and staffing for a Warming Shelter at the time of opening to accommodate a minimum of 20 individuals.”
The city anticipates the warming center will be open from December 2025 to March 2026, seven days a week.
“Hours of operation are 7:00 pm to 7:00 am,” the RFP states. “Each applicant, as part of their response to this RFP may provide alternative hours of operation, which would be subject to negotiation. Hours of operation may be adjusted based on program need, weather conditions, and/or budget.”
Eligible applicants include private and/or non-profit (including faith-based) organizations, faith-based organizations and churches (may not restrict client participation based on religion affiliation or activities), those experienced with working with vulnerable populations and/or those experiencing homelessness is required.
The RFP further states that the center must be “heated to a minimum of 68 degrees (20 degrees Celsius), provide a clean blanket (or sleeping bag) for each individual.”
“This blanket may be collected upon exit and stored for their return. The Applicant is responsible for clearly marking each blanket and storing it in a secure location if planning on re-issuing the same blanket, according to the RFP. “Blankets may be cleaned on a daily basis and then distributed to each individual who stay at the Warming Shelter.”
The unsheltered will be able to bring in service animals under the American Disabilities Act (ADA). The city will allow non-service animals “in an effort to maintain low barriers for homeless individuals.”
Requirements for those animals include not showing aggression (i.e., uncontrolled barking, growling at or jumping on participants or staff, or running away from owner), and always being under control of the owner, according to the RFP.
There are currently two prospective bidders: Defense Block Security from Windsor, Calif. and the Vallejo-based LDRB Construction & Planning Management, according to bid information.
The city will accept proposals until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18.
The lack of suitable housing continues to be a major issue in the city. In September, the Vallejo Sun reported that 714 students out of the 9,653 students enrolled in the Vallejo City Unified School District experienced some form of homelessness during last school year.
Angela Kelley-Santos, the district liaison with homeless and foster students, told the Vallejo Sun that the lack of shelters was a factor.
“We don’t have a lot of shelters or resources for our minors in Solano County,” said Kelley-Santos to the Vallejo Sun. “I’m not sure the reasoning behind it.”
Vallejo has expanded opened additional shelter options in recent years, but the demand outpaces the supply.
The city opened the 51-unit Blue Oak Landing in 2023, and a 125-bed homelessness Navigation Center in June 2025.
Vallejo continues to struggle with a 47-unit supportive housing project on Broadway Street, which has been delayed multiple times. City staff have previously said issues with insurance and water damage to the manager’s unit have been the latest setbacks.
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