Recent snowfall and the pandemic have local shelter leaders especially concerned for the safety of Bloomington’s homeless population.
Rev. Forrest Gilmore is Beacon Inc.’s executive director. He said the Shalom Community Center has extended its hours until 8:30 p.m. in response to the cold weather.
He added that the number of people experiencing homelessness who test positive for COVID-19 is on the rise, after remaining relatively low through the summer and fall.
“We’re seeing a large number of people testing positive right now and we’ve definitely seen the largest numbers we’ve ever seen in January and now that’s continuing into February,” he said.
Gilmore said about 15 people are in the isolation shelter for people experiencing homelessness who have tested positive, though that number changes daily.
He said the rise in cases is likely caused by people spending more time indoors due to cold weather.
Beacon Inc.’s low-barrier winter shelter opened a few weeks ago, and has been full almost every night, with more than 40 people staying there.
Beacon Inc.’s low-barrier winter shelter plans to remain open through April 15, which is the average last frost date in Indiana.
As the date approaches, Beacon Inc. will examine whether to keep it open longer, Gilmore said. And, volunteers are still needed for the winter shelter.
