According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, people experiencing homelessness have a much higher risk of developing exposure-related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite than the general public. These conditions can quickly become life threatening.
The NCH’s Winter Service report in 2010 found that 700 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness die from hypothermia each year in the United States.
As the months get colder, with snow and harsh weather on the horizon, Bloomington has a variety of resources for those who may be experiencing homelessness. These resources offer food and shelter along with warm clothing and supplies to protect against harsh weather.
If you need shelter and sleep
Wheeler Mission - 215 S. Westplex Ave. Bloomington, IN 47404
During the winter, Wheeler Mission serves 800-1,000 guests per night, over 300 more guests than during non-winter months. They have 258 emergency service beds, with 100 overflow beds available in the men’s shelter. Plus 68 emergency shelter beds for women and children and 125 overflow beds.
The shelter is “come-as-you-are,” and Wheeler Mission doesn’t run drug tests or background checks on guests.
A Friend’s Place - 919 S. Rogers St. Bloomington, IN 47402
A Friend’s Place is a year-round, nonreligious emergency shelter for adults. It provides 40 beds per night with at least 20 reserved for women. The shelter opens daily at 5:15 pm.
Guests must not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
New Hope for Families - 1140 S. Morton St. Bloomington, IN 47403
New Hope for Families is the only shelter in Monroe County where families with children can find shelter together. It provides emergency shelter for up to 12 families at a time and helps them transition from homelessness to stability.
Middle Way House - 338 S. Washington St. Bloomington, IN 47401
Middle Way House provides transitional care and shelter for women and children. It focuses on helping those who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Middle Way House created a community of 28 two- and three-bedroom apartments for women and their children to help them transition out of violent relationships.
If you need food
Community Kitchen (two locations) - 1515 S. Rogers St. Bloomington, IN 47403
1100 W. 11th St. (Express location) Bloomington, IN 47404
Community Kitchen offers dinner from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday all year long. Both locations offer hot or cold meals, but the express location offers carryout meals. They also have a community food truck that offers warm meals at changing locations found on their website.
Wheeler Mission Daily Food Service - 215 S. Westplex Ave. Bloomington, IN 47404
In addition to its emergency shelters, Wheeler Mission also serves meals three times a day, every day of the week. Breakfast service is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., while lunch service is from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner service is from 4:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wheeler Mission will be open and offer a Thanksgiving feast from 2-5 p.m.
Shalom Community Center (Phil’s Kitchen) - 620 S. Walnut St. Bloomington, IN 47401
Phil’s Kitchen is part of the Shalom Center and provides breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Breakfast is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch is from noon to 1:30 p.m. They are also open on holidays from 8 a.m. to noon and serve one meal.
If you need clothes and supplies
Salvation Army - 111 N. Rogers St. Bloomington, IN 47404
The Salvation Army has many programs, including a food pantry and thrift store. The thrift store offers low-cost clothing and miscellaneous supplies to the community. They also offer vouchers twice per year for six items per person.
My Sisters Closet - 414 S. College Ave., Bloomington, IN
On top of being a resale boutique offering low-cost clothing, My Sisters Closet also offers vouchers. Women may receive clothing, undergarments and basic hygiene products with a voucher valid for up to five items for interview and workplace attire.
New Leaf-New Life - 1010 S. Walnut St. Suite H. Bloomington, IN 47401
New Leaf-New Life provides clothing, hygiene products, bus tickets and basic information about jobs and social services for formerly incarcerated persons.
If you are in crisis and need a place to access resources
Middle Way House - 338 S. Washington St., Bloomington, IN 47401
Middle Way House has a 24/7 help and crisis line at (812) 336-0846. It also offers 24/7 walk in services, an emergency shelter, sexual assault support, legal advocacy and support groups.
The STRIDE Center - 312 N. Morton St. Bloomington, IN, 47404
The STRIDE Center provides a safe place for those seeking resources during transition from hospitals or jails. The program is open 24/7 and is a safe environment with staff professionally trained in harm reduction, trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.
