As colder weather creeps in, local shelters and resources for the homeless community across the city become more strained. There are currently around 300 homeless people in Bloomington, according to a 2025 Point-in-Time Count report. Here are a few ways to support the local homeless population in the upcoming winter months.
Local events and drives
For those with extra winter supplies looking to donate, there are several supply drives happening this season in Bloomington. Trinity Episcopalian Church is collecting donations alongside St. Thomas Lutheran and First Christian Church. The churches are collecting coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves and socks, which will be available for free from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8, Trinity Episcopalian volunteer Millie Moran said.
Throughout the winter, the National Union of the Homeless is hosting a drive for the following items:
- Tents
- Tarps
- Tent stakes
- Clean plastic sheeting or cardboard
- Tent flooring, yoga mats or foam
- Clean rugs, 5-by-5-feet or larger preferred
- Sleeping bags, blankets and bedding, especially outdoor and winter-rated
- Coats, winter overalls, boots, gloves, hats and scarves
- Long-sleeve shirts, pants, underwear, socks and shoes
- Heaters, propane, firewood and hand sanitizer
- Camping toilets and powder
- First aid supplies
- Hot cocoa, coffee and tea
- Old prescription and reading glasses
- Can openers
Donations can be arranged by direct messaging the organization on its social media on Instagram @INUnionOfTheHomeless.
Food banks and kitchens
Community Kitchen of Monroe County provides a sit-down dinner and cold carryout meals from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The organization also partners with local schools to provide low-income and food-insecure schoolchildren with nutritious food over the weekend.
About 11% of people served in the kitchen are homeless, Vicki Pierce, executive director of Community Kitchen of Monroe County, said. The kitchen relies on about 16 volunteers daily to operate, and it collects monetary and food donations. Those interested in volunteering should call 812-332-0999. More information on food and financial donations can be found on its website.
“When you support Community Kitchen, you're actually supporting the community's most vulnerable populations,” Pierce said.
Salvation Army of Bloomington has a community food pantry for canned goods and non-perishables. The pantry is open from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 12:30-6:30 p.m, Thursdays at 111 N. Rogers St. To support Salvation Army, monetary donations can be given on its website. The group is also looking for volunteers to be bell ringers during the Christmas season or to help run the thrift store and food pantry. Volunteers can sign up on its website.
Local shelters
Beacon has a variety of services, including a day-time shelter called the Shalom Center and a kitchen serving breakfast from 8-9 a.m. and lunch from noon to 1 p.m. The Shalom Center also has bathroom facilities, toiletries, clothing and bus tickets available for guests. The Center is located at 620 S. Walnut St.
For overnights, Beacon has an additional shelter called Friend’s Place, which opens daily at 5:15 p.m. Beacon is seeking volunteers looking to work in the kitchen, hospitality, picking up and delivering items for the center and a variety of other positions listed on its website. The organization is also accepting monetary donations and various items from its wish list.
“We work hard to make sure people struggling with extreme poverty can get back on their feet,” Forrest Gilmore, executive director of Beacon, said. “Every gift of service towards that, helps that happen.”
Wheeler Mission is another shelter providing both short and long-term stays. Support for the shelter can be shown through a variety of donations, including monetary, clothing, household appliances, food and items off its wish list, which can be shipped directly to the center. Those looking to volunteer with the center can find more information on specific roles on Wheeler Mission’s website. The shelter is located at 215 S. Westplex Ave.
