Building Expansion Updates

June 5, 2023

WGLT | By Charlie Schlenker
Published June 5, 2023 at 1:45 PM CDT

The City of Bloomington is putting a big chunk of its pandemic relief money into homeless services, youth education and support, a program for sexual assault survivors, and the facility of a human services agency.

The city on Monday announced $950,000 will go to five nonprofit recipients of its ARPA Socio-Economic Non-Profit Grant Program.

The city grants will go to YWCA McLean County, Project Oz, the Salvation Army, Home Sweet Home Ministries, and the McLean County Center for Human Services. The city has yet to award another $150,000 for socioeconomic support. Some applications remain under review.

“The city council’s thoughtful approach in allocating the ARPA funding has allowed the City of Bloomington to assist local nonprofits that make an impact within our community,” said City Manager Tim Gleason. “These organizations will receive critical funding needed to provide social services to those affected most by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Project Oz will use a $250,000 grant on its Youth Education and Support Center. The $250,000 YWCA award goes to expand its Stepping Stones rape crisis program. Home Sweet Home will bolster its rapid re-housing program with $150,000. Another $150,000 goes to integrated social services at the Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter, operated by Salvation Army. And the Center for Human Services will make $150,000 in facilities improvements.

These awards follow decisions back in December to fund $1.1 million in affordable housing rehabilitation grants and another $2.2 million for small business rehabilitation.