Working to address a critical shortage in available residential property, the City of Bloomington is putting together a Housing Resource Fair to provide the community with access to various resources.
The event aims to give residents a chance to meet with organizations and city staff members to learn more about housing rehabilitations, programs for individuals experiencing homelessness, property maintenance, rental registration, and more.
“We wanted to provide the community an opportunity to meet with a variety of local organizations to assist them wherever they are on their home journey,” Melissa Hon, the city’s community impact and enhancement director, said in a news release.
“We will have resources for those experiencing homelessness, those searching for an apartment or home, homeowners needing assistance with home repairs.”
Earlier this week, city leaders dedicated an entire Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the housing shortage and explore possible solutions, such as a standardized incentive program to spark development projects.
“There’s a lot of people, a lot of organizations working to address the housing shortage in our community,” senior deputy city manager Billy Tyus said during the meeting. “It’s a priority for a lot of folks, particularly affordable housing. That’s not unique to us; it’s something that you’re seeing across the country.”
The housing fair will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 19 at Eastland Mall. The event is free to attendees and vendors. Local organizations interested in participating are asked to contact grant specialist Catherine Dunlap at cdunlap@cityblm.org or by calling 309-434-2232. The deadline for vendor registration is Feb. 14.
