Bloomington to close Eastview Church encampment

The camp’s closure is expected to be finished by Oct. 15. (Photo Courtesy of WMBD-TV)

By WMBD-TV

BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington has announced it will close the unhoused encampment in Eastview Christian Church’s parking lot.

It will partner with Eastview, Home Sweet Home Ministries, and the Salvation Army to offer support to the unhoused people in the camp.

In addition to the closure, the city council will consider approving an emergency declaration at their next meeting. It would enable social service agencies to increase their indoor capacity over the winter months by waiving certain code requirements.

“We are committed to providing a refuge for those facing the most difficult circumstances,” Major Dan Leisher of the Salvation Army said. “Especially during the coldest months of the year. Our doors are open to anyone who needs a safe place to stay, and we will work closely with the City and our partners to make sure every individual has access to warmth, shelter, and support.”

Outreach teams will be working at the encampment to assist people in relocating off the site. Matt Burgess, the CEO of Home Sweet Home Ministries, says his organization’s goal is to “ensure that each person receives the resources and assistance they need to achieve long-term stability.”

The camp’s closure is expected to be finished by Oct. 15.

WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…