Bloomington council debates, weighs support for Home Sweet Home shelter sale to convert Connect Transit property

The Bloomington City Council discussed a resolution to support Connect Transit’s proposed sale of 104 East Oakland to Home Sweet Home Ministries for a noncongregate shelter project, often described in the meeting as “the Bridge.” Councilmember Cody Hendricks moved the resolution and Councilmember Ward seconded the motion; council members debated funding, service needs, and possible coordination with the Town of Normal before proceeding to finalize language.

The issue matters because the sale would enable Home Sweet Home to open shelter space intended as a temporary, low- or no-barrier option while service providers work toward permanent housing solutions. Councilmember Cody Hendricks said the project “represents collaboration” and called it “a start, and it’s the right start,” while supporters from the public, neighborhood business owners and service providers urged the council to act.

Supporters described the shelter as a coordinated regional response. Matt Burgess of Home Sweet Home, who previously presented the project to council, drew on community history and local nonprofit partnerships to frame the proposal as rooted in care…