“Ensuring that single men experiencing homelessness have a safe, secure place to go remains a top priority for Montgomery County, and we are committed to providing uninterrupted services throughout this transition process,” said Commission President Judy Dodge.
St. Vincent de Paul last year announced plans to cease operating Men’s Gateway Shelter by this summer, citing financial challenges and an end to federal emergency relief.
“While we have certainly moved through the continuum of care for homelessness all the way to food and other social determinants of health, we recognized that we couldn’t really pass by and not be committed to filling a gap that was going to be big and profound in this community,” Homefull, Inc. CEO Tina Patterson said at Tuesday’s commission meeting
The commission approved a request for proposals for men’s shelter operations earlier this year. A review team consisting of representatives from Montgomery County, the city of Dayton and the Gettysburg Neighborhood Group evaluated submissions and recommended Homefull, Inc.
According to the RFP, a new provider will take over the shelter no later than July 1.
On average, Gateway Men’s Shelter saw 229 men nightly between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, according to the RFP. Its next provider will be tasked with providing meals, maintaining the facility and more.
Every year, teams work overnight to count the number of people sleeping in shelters or in unsheltered spaces in local communities as a part of a mandated Point-in-Time count. Montgomery County workers completed the 2025 count in January, but that data won’t be available until after this year.
Point-in-Time Count data from 2024 identified 687 people, 92 of whom were unsheltered, experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County on a single night in January. The year before, Montgomery County counted its highest recorded number of people — 771, of whom 107 were unsheltered — since it launched its homeless solutions plan in 2006.
The county officials said they’re looking forward to collaborating with St. Vincent de Paul and Homefull, Inc. to ensure a smooth transition.
“This transition will allow for continued access to critical services while strengthening the shelter’s housing-focused approach,” said Victor McCarley, co-chair of the Homeless Solutions Policy Board. “We are grateful for organizations like Homefull that are dedicated to supporting our residents and creating opportunities for those in need.”
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