As the winter season steadily approaches Bloomington, many members of the community are reminded of the tragic death of a 51-year-old homeless man, who passed away due to hypothermia two winters ago. The man was living at Seminary Park, where much of the unhoused community currently gathers during the day. Anthony, a member of the unhoused community, described how Seminary Park once felt like a community where everyone looked after each other, but recent Bloomington ordinances prohibiting nighttime gatherings in public parks have scattered the unhoused community across town. Anthony spoke about his fear for the other unhoused this winter and how most of the unhoused are seeking shelter, food, and warmth nearly every night.  

While public parks may not be as accessible so that the unhoused community can stay together, there are many resources available in Bloomington that are aimed at assisting the unhoused community as they endure the winter. Charles Culp, the After-Hours Community and Family resource ambassador in Bloomington, listed Beacon, Wheeler Mission, Stride Center, and Center Stone as agencies that are helping people who are facing addiction, homelessness, and hunger-related issues. For most of the unhoused community, warmth and shelter are the biggest focus this winter, and these agencies have been established so that nobody in Bloomington, unhoused or not, must spend their nights in the cold. 

Another organization, Access Wireless is a government-funded program that offers free smartphones with service to the unhoused, facilitating their connection with essential people and resources. An Access Wireless employee, Bryan Golden is frequently positioned outside the South Kroger in Bloomington, across the street from Seminary Park. To apply for a phone, individuals need to provide their name, address (if available), and some identification. This straightforward process enables easy access to vital communication tools for the unhoused community. 

The city of Bloomington has also established a Bloomington Homelessness Resources webpage, where there is a Downtown Resources Map & Guide (DRG) which includes the names and links to agencies, non-profits, and organizations throughout Bloomington whose purpose is assisting residents experiencing homelessness. It also includes a link for those interested in assisting residents in the Bloomington community who are seeking resources for shelter or to alleviate hunger.  

If you are experiencing homelessness in the Bloomington Area, call (812)349-3430 to contact the Bloomington Homelessness Resources and receive the help you may need.