In an effort to directly address the escalating issue of homelessness, Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson has put forth an ambitious plan aiming to bring an end to the plight of the city's unhoused population. “There is really little dignity when we have to sleep outside,” Thomson stated, in a narrative familiar to those acquainted with the hardships of street life. “There's no pride in a community that thinks it can do no better. We can do better, and we will,” she pledged, in a sentiment gathered by WRTV.

This new strategy seeks not just to provide temporary shelter but to also comprehensively radically transform the local criminal justice system for individuals experiencing homelessness who find themselves repeatedly entangled in crimes. This broader vision for change includes continued investment and advocacy for additional housing solutions. "This is far more complex than putting some mats on a basement floor for people to sleep on or establishing a condoned camping area," Thomson articulated, as reported by 13News. The city is set to host community workshops beginning August 13, inviting public input into the finer points of the action plan.

During a city hall meeting, advocates alongside Mayor Thomson discussed the details of the Housing Action Plan. Mary Morgan, director of Heading Home of South Central Indiana, highlighted the urgency of the plan saying, "The numbers are definitely increasing … particularly for unsheltered (people)," according to a statement obtained by TMNews. The plan prioritizes the growing issue of street homelessness and aims for an equilibrium between those falling into homelessness and those acquiring permanent housing.

They issued eight recommendations developed over a two-month period, underscoring that local employers, township trustees, Indiana University, IU Health, Monroe County, and the city of Bloomington must be part of a broad coalition to pragmatically address this complex challenge.