The shelter, currently named the Community Sheltering Project, will replace what was formerly the Martha’s House shelter, according to a city press release.
The transitional funds, which will be received throughout 2016, were awarded to Shalom by the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association.
BUEA is an organization dedicated to sustaining Bloomington’s economic vitality.
“I am gratified the BUEA was able to stabilize this valuable Bloomington resource and give it potential for future growth,” Jack Baker, the president of the BUEA, is quoted saying in the release. “With continued support from the community its future can be bright.”
Last Wednesday, the Bloomington City Council requested BUEA provide $150,000 in transitional funding, which BUEA agreed to do.
“For the first time in my memory, this transitional shelter has the financial resources necessary to build a sustainable future,” city council district five representative Darryl Neher was quoted as saying.
In addition to providing that, BUEA went a step further by offering to match any contributions up to $200,000 made to the center after Jan. 1.
“I’m in awe,” Rev. Forrest Gilmore, Shalom’s executive director, is quoted saying in the release. “This is an extraordinary gift. Not only will this save 40 year-round emergency shelter beds in our community, but perhaps even more importantly, give us the necessary time to grow our budget to make this sustainable for the long haul.”
Annie Garau
