Social Services

Montgomery County, Ohio, has settled a legal dispute with Gracehaven, a nonprofit ministry providing foster care services. The settlement extends Gracehaven's contract until December 31, 2027, reaffirming the rights of religious organizations to operate under First Amendment protections within public service contracts.

Oklahoma's Senate Bill 1290 secures $3 million in funding for the statewide 2-1-1 hotline, enhancing vital assistance services. This funding will stimulate procurement opportunities for providers and nonprofits involved in hotline operations and community support services across Oklahoma.

Samaritas has permanently closed its Grand Rapids, Michigan facility as of March 31, 2026. This closure is tied to the non-renewal of a federal contract for foster care services, creating potential procurement opportunities for other providers in the region.

The State of New York has granted $2.5 million to the YMCA of Long Island to construct an 18,000-square-foot community center in Elmont. This project emphasizes the state's commitment to enhancing community infrastructure and providing social services for residents in Nassau County.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly **$13 million** in new funding for **55** state-certified rape crisis programs in New York. This increase reflects a renewed commitment to support sexual assault survivors and may create new procurement opportunities for service providers in the state.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has achieved a nearly 40% decrease in homelessness on its transit system by implementing a care-based outreach model. This presents significant procurement opportunities for service providers focused on homeless outreach and housing solutions in Los Angeles.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has officially joined the federal pilot program "A Home for Every Child," which aims to enhance resource home availability in the state's child welfare system. This collaboration signals new procurement opportunities for contractors focused on family support and child welfare services, leveraging federal funding to drive improvements.

Governor Wes Moore signed nearly 200 bills enhancing consumer protections and social service oversight in Maryland. Procurement strategies for related state agencies will likely shift, particularly in human services and education sectors, as a result of these new laws.