Local nonprofit CEO reports a ‘housing crisis’ for those with low income in McLean County

Posted on March 24, 2022
Matt Burgess, CEO of Home Sweet Home Ministries spoke with WJBC’s Todd Wineburner. (Photo courtesy: HOI/ABC)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – According to a CEO of a local nonprofit, the twin cities are experiencing a ‘housing crisis for those with low income.

“The hurdles that are in place right now, just because of market conditions, makes it very difficult to get people housed after they’ve fallen into homeslesness” said Matt Burgess, Chief Executive Officer of Home Sweet Home Ministries.

With more and more people moving to Bloomington-Normal to work at large corporations like Rivian Automotive, the housing market remains hot.

However, Burgess reports it’s a different story for those with low income

“I’ve taken to describing it as a ‘housing crisis’ in our community right now because it’s very difficult for people who are without a place of their own to find access to an affordable home. The obstacles included increased credit score requirements or really insurmountable security deposits that can be upwards of three months of rent right out of the gate for people.”

In his 12-years in the community, Burgess said he’s never seen anything like it.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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