WPBN: This year, the City of Bloomington Township hopes to alleviate some of the financial strain on those who are in need.
The township has reinstated its Housing Emergency Relief Efforts (HERE) program to assist residents with paying property taxes, rental or homeowner insurance, and past-due rent and utility bills.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the program got underway. According to town supervisor Deb Skillrud, it’s a reaction to the present housing crisis and the increased need to assist people in difficult times.
“Now that need is great in that inflation has taken place and the cost of living and cost of housing is astronomical,” Skillrud stated.
She claimed that in addition to rising living expenses, there has also been a rise in evictions.
“The landlords or rental properties are much less forgiving in terms of being able to handle the number of months that people aren’t able to pay their rent,” Skillrud stated.
The HERE program is open to applications from individuals who have exhausted all of their options for emergency and basic housing help or who do not qualify for either of those options. A one-time payout of up to $3,000 is provided to those who are eligible for the program.
Kimberly Massey, the president of God’s Mission Ministry, an organization that caters to people who are homeless, stated that the shortage of affordable housing is the primary issue that is contributing to the growing number of people who are homeless in Bloomington.
“You have to have somewhat of a good credit score, 600 to 650, no prior evictions, and you have to make three times the amount of your rent,” Massey stated.
Massey stated that the program has the potential to be helpful; nevertheless, he is of the opinion that it is not sufficient for a large number of individuals due to the fact that it is a one-time payment.
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She stated that in order for things to change, landlords need to be more willing to be flexible with applications and provide accommodation that is more affordable.
“It is already an issue that landlords won’t rent to people because of past evictions, however, more people are gaining those evictions due to the struggling of the finances,” Massey stated.
It was said by Skillrud that the township will assist all candidates in investigating general and emergency assistance programs in the event that these programs might be a better fit than HERE.
“As long as the individual or family gets the paperwork to us, we’re going to find as many ways as possible to serve them,” Skillrud stated.
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In the past ten days, the number of applications has increased by a third, according to Skillrud, who said she expects them to assist a significant number of people this year.
Applications for the HERE program are being accepted by the municipality through March 31. To apply, call 309-434-2730 or visit their website for additional information.
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