Helping Bloomington Monroe (HelpingBloomingtonMonroe.org), an online social services database listing over 1,800 free and reduced-cost programs serving area residents, is seeing a surge in use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Launched in February by Bloomington Health Foundation (BHF) in collaboration with the City of Bloomington and the Local Council of Women, the resource facilitates easy and discreet access to information and assistance with housing, childcare options, transportation, legal services, mental health support, and other needs.
Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indiana, the number of searches on the website has doubled from previous levels. Individuals and agencies that provide social services — including physicians, legal services, social workers, communities of faith, and more — are encouraged to update their listings on the site to ensure the posted information is correct as COVID-19 impacts operations.
“It’s important for our community to stand together during these trying times. If you know someone in need or are seeking services yourself, know that there are numerous free and reduced programs serving Monroe County currently listed in the Helping Bloomington Monroe resource directory,” said BHF President & CEO Jon Barada. “Behind these programs are people who are there to help — people who want to help.”
BHF funded the initiative after determining its usefulness to community partners including United Way, IU Health Bloomington Hospital, Monroe County Public Library, Centerstone, Monroe County Health Department, and others.
“Last winter’s launch of Helping Bloomington Monroe was well-timed for aligning our resources in advance of this crisis,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “Getting easy access to information about health care, housing, child care and government assistance is more essential than ever, so we’re glad to help bring this tool to our residents during these difficult times.”
Helping Bloomington Monroe is just one of many resources available locally. LookUpIndiana.org and Indiana 2-1-1 are additional online tools to assist Hoosiers in need.
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