December 27, 2017 - The City of Fort Wayne's Winter Contingency/Emergency Shelter Plan Partner Agencies (The Salvation Army, The Rescue Mission, United Way of Allen County, Park Center and Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network) have developed a memorandum of understanding that outlines the primary responsibilities of the above parties in the implementation of the Winter Contingency/Emergency Shelter Plan in Fort Wayne.

These organizations will work cooperatively to provide the response and resources to individuals needing shelter from health-threatening conditions related to extreme winter weather in Fort Wayne.

This agreement will be in effect from November 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018. Renewal of the agreement is subject to evaluation by all parties.

Partner Agencies AGREE TO:

Primary Provider – Services Commencing at 40 Degrees

The Rescue Mission will be the primary provider for the program offering shelter and food to individuals needing assistance. Overnight accommodations will be provided at the Mission for adult men. The Rescue Mission will request assistance of plan partners as needed to provide safe and comprehensive shelter.

Secondary Provider – Services Commencing at 32 Degrees

Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network will provide overnight shelter for families with children as space allows. When families arrive at The Rescue Mission requesting shelter, Mission staff will contact Just Neighbors to arrange for emergency accommodations.

Secondary Provider – Services Commencing at 10 Degrees

When the temperature drops below 10 degrees, The Salvation Army will serve as a backup provider of overnight accommodations to men, women and children when requested to do so by The Rescue Mission. The Rescue Mission will provide transportation for clients to The Salvation Army as needed.

Secondary Provider – Services Commencing at 10 Degrees

When the temperature drops below 10 degrees, The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, a division of the City of Fort Wayne, will serve as a backup provider of daytime warming centers for men, women and children when requested to do so by The Rescue Mission. The Rescue Mission will provide transportation for clients to the designated warming centers as needed.

Technical Services Provider – Services Commencing on an On-Call Basis

Park Center will provide Outreach Team members to help connect clients to services. Any of the partner agencies may contact the Park Center outreach staff directly to request assistance.

Communication Provider – 211 Resource Center, Operated by United Way of Allen County will direct those in need on how to access services provided by the plan.

Financial Considerations – If our community experiences a difficult winter with severe weather, the City of Fort Wayne reserves the right to have flexibility to possibly provide financial resources that would assist program partners with staffing of facilities on an as-needed basis.

Logistics - The Rescue Mission will serve as the point of entry for all clients and that intake may be in-person at the Rescue Mission or by phoning Rescue Mission staff for instructions.