Home Sweet Home Ministries

The Bloomington City Council is scheduled to vote during its regular meeting Monday on an emergency declaration that would enable the Salvation Army shelter to expand indoor capacity over the winter months.

Bloomington City Manager Jeff Jurgens says people cannot sleep along Constitution Trail. He tells WGLT there have been "numerous complaints" and it's a public safety concern. But, many have nowhere to go.

Rural homelessness is on the rise and not all counties have the tools they need to help people find permanent supportive housing. In Central Illinois, most rural counties don't have homeless shelters.

Bloomington and municipalities nationwide can decide how they want to shape policy around homelessness following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling Friday. The city has yet to determine how — or if — it will change current regulations, which allow fines for those sleeping on public property.

WGLT hosted the event at Illinois State University's Bone Student Center in response to community housing demands that have escalated in recent years due, in part, to job expansions at electric vehicle company Rivian, candy maker Ferrero and other employers.

Officials from Bloomington-Normal shelters, social service agencies, police, fire and local government met Monday to brainstorm a temporary solution to the homeless encampment in west Bloomington before the summer heat hits.

Bloomington wants to partner with Home Sweet Home to put around $1 million in federal grant money toward shelter improvements. That includes solar panels, potential shelter expansion and the development of a non-congregate shelter for those currently encamped across the city.

An encampment in an overflow parking lot of Eastview Christian Church's Community Center in Bloomington is growing and now has a waitlist. CEO Matt Burgess says it's so the encampment stays at a safe, manageable size.

There are unhoused families with children across McLean County — and neighboring Livingston County — in need of support, said the five panelists from area schools and social service agencies. Each of the panelists explained they are doing the best with what they have, but it’s not enough.

The mayor of Normal said a potential ban on more smoke shops in Uptown relates to the purpose of the district. Mayor Chris Koos said the idea behind Uptown is to have an area that gets used 18 hours a day, and not just by university students but by the community. That requires a mix of businesses.