BPHC is seeking proposals from qualified vendors interested in serving as one of CHRN's Community Healing Partner Teams. These teams offer individual and community response and recovery services that attend to the immediate (72 hours or less), short-term (one month or less), and long-term (more than one month) needs of residents impacted by violence and violence-related trauma. Teams work with CHRN and its partnered community-based organizations, health centers, and hospitals to achieve the full scope of services requested in this RFP.
Background
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is the local public health department for the City of Boston, dedicated to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of residents, particularly those affected by racism and systemic inequities.
Under the Office of Violence Prevention, BPHC's Community Healing Response Network (CHRN) collaborates with community-based organizations, health centers, and hospitals to provide trauma healing support for individuals, families, and communities impacted by violence. This RFP seeks proposals from qualified vendors to serve as Community Healing Partner Teams that will address the immediate, short-term, and long-term needs of residents affected by violence and trauma.
Work Details
The selected Community Healing Partner Teams will provide 24/7 response services for violent events in their designated areas. Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating with CHRN within 12 hours of a report to establish core services at both individual and neighborhood levels.
- Providing individualized support and recovery services promptly to affected individuals and their families.
- Engaging with the community to identify others impacted by violent events.
- Responding within 72 hours post-event with psychological first aid and grief counseling.
- Connecting individuals to behavioral health resources.
- Offering one-on-one support at community events such as vigils and memorials.
- Facilitating community meetings to share accurate information about incidents and available support services.
- Developing initiatives that strengthen community ties and meet healing needs.
Period of Performance
The contract will be performed from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with potential extensions subject to available funding.
Place of Performance
The services will be provided in various neighborhoods across Boston.
Bidder Requirements
Proposers must demonstrate knowledge of trauma-informed care frameworks, experience working with diverse populations, and have a history of conducting community outreach. BPHC encourages applications from Certified Unrepresented Business Enterprises (CUBE), including Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBE), Women-owned Business Enterprises (WBE), Veteran-owned Business Enterprises (VBE), Disability-owned Business Enterprises (DOBE), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Business Enterprises (LGBTBE), Minority Non-Profit Organizations (MNPO), Women Non-Profit Organizations (WNPO), Minority Women Non-Profit Organizations (MWNPO), and local businesses.
