BLOOMINGTON ( 25News Now ) - With winter approaching, the Bloomington City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Monday night declaring homelessness a public a disaster and public health emergency.

The declaration enables the city manager to temporarily waive building codes so homeless shelters can take in more people.

The ordinance is in effect until next March, replacing the one that expired in March of this year, said City Manager Jeff Jurgens.

“I believe it would go through the middle of March. So, typically we see the coldest temperatures at that time,” Jurgens said.

At the Salvation Army’s Safe Harbor Shelter, there will be cots on the cafeteria’s floor to accommodate 28 people, said Salvation Army Major Dan Leisher.

“It’s very emotional to think about, you just feel this

See Full Page