Home Sweet Home Ministries Inc. is a registered 501C3 nonprofit organization. They have been serving the homeless and hungry with Christ's love in Bloomington, Illinois since 1917. They provide case management and other supportive services to the homeless such as shelter, hot meals, addiction recovery, children's programming, clothing and toiletries. They also offer vocational and educational training, counseling and weekly worship services. Home Sweet Home Ministries goal is to help people find independence, restore their hope and share the love of Jesus Christ with them.

History

Home Sweet Home's History: On November 25, 1917, Bloomington, Illinois candy store owner William H. "Billy" Shelper founded Home Sweet Home City Rescue Mission in a little 75-seat store room. The location was 233 E. Front St. the same place where Billy was born. He became known in Bloomington as a person who helped people in need with Christian love.

Threshold Program

Home Sweet Home's Ministries also has a addiction rehab center it is called the Threshold Program. A Threshold is a Biblically oriented model of Grace and Truth for people struggling with issues that affect their ability to live independently. The Threshold Program encourages participants to actively engage with staff in a nonjudgmental, accepting environment while also providing direct feedback regarding behavior, historical patterns and expectations for change. The overall goal of the Threshold Program is to facilitate and promote meaningful life transformation through relationships that are safe, authentic and accountable.

Food Services

Food Pantry

M-W-F 1pm-3pm

Tu-Th 6pm-8pm

Limit 1 time per month

Hot Meals

Each year, the Home Sweet Home Ministries serve thousands of hot meals to the homeless and distribute hundreds of food boxes to the poor in our area.

There residents are served three meals daily, prepared by a full-time kitchen manager and volunteer staff. Walk-ins are also welcome to eat. All meals are well-balanced and meet USDA guidelines. A large portion of food served comes from individual and restaurant donations. In addition to residential meals, they also offer:

  • More than 2,500 emergency food boxes annually as needed.
  • Meal cards, which allow non-residents to eat lunch and dinner daily in there facility.
  • Sack lunches for residents who work during meal times.

Emergency Shelter Services

Home Sweet Home Ministries Emergency Shelter Services is at 303 E. Oakland Ave. Bloomington IL, 61701.

They offer shelter, food, clothing, case management and other supportive service to individuals and families in need. While receiving Emergency Shelter Services residents are matched with a caseworker who assists with housing, daycare, employment and referral services. Emergency Shelter residents who have resided at Home Sweet Home for a minimum of 2 weeks and are interested in the Threshold Program can work with their case manager to complete an assessment. Hundreds of individuals achieve independence each year with help they receive from the staff at the Home Sweet Home Ministries. Emergency Shelter Services include:

  • Over 90 comfortable beds
  • Beds reserved for Veterans
  • Separate rooms for families with children when available(mothers or fathers with children)
  • Three meals each day in the dining room
  • Clothing as needed
  • Toiletries
  • Showers

Individuals or families seeking emergency shelter services must schedule an interview time with a case manager to verify eligibility prior to checking in. Clients may check in 24 hours daily, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call (309)828-7356 to schedule an intake assessment

Check-In Requirements

In order to check in to receive Emergency Shelter Services of Home Sweet Home Ministries, Individuals must

Individuals without a valid photo ID will not be able to obtain a clearance card from the Bloomington Police Department, and therefore will not be able for residential emergency shelter services. Adhering to these procedures ensures that Home Sweet Home is a safe environment for everyone.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Home Sweet Home has several Volunteer Opportunities available:

  • Food Preparation Help: someone who is available Tuesday 10am to 1pm to help prepare meals.
  • Food Pantry Help: someone who is available a couple times per week to sort, rotate, and pitch expired canned goods.
  • Sewing Project: we are in need of a group willing to sew aprons for our kitchen staff and kitchen volunteers
  • Toy Sorter: warehouse needs someone who can help sort toys on a regular basis.
  • Auto Resale Prep: Vehicle resale has the potential to be a significant revenue source for HSHM, thus providing more resources to help our clients.
  • Errand Drivers
    • Drive 8-12 men participating in the Threshold Program to wal-mart on Friday afternoons
    • Pick up donated goods
    • Grocery shop at local stores on Wednesday
  • Childcare: Childcare is needed at various times throughout the week to allow for clients to apply for jobs and attend classes.
  • Holiday Meal Delivery: HSHM, with the help of many volunteers, delivers and serves hot meals to people who are shut in or hungry in the Bloomington-Normal and surrounding areas. Volunteers work for a couple of hours between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
  • Kitchen work: HSHM served over 96,000 meals from the kitchen last year and expect the number to be higher this year. Kitchen help is needed every day of the week in the mornings and afternoons.
  • Weekly Worship Services: Help spread the Good News on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:00 p.m.
  • Volunteer Coordination
    • Assist with doing orientation for new volunteers.
    • Data entry
    • Organize a volunteer appreciation event in March/April
    • Phone calls to thank volunteers & confirm volunteer placements
  • Maintenance
    • Monthly deep cleaning of the shelter
    • Monthly maintenance(i.e. light bulb replacement, fire extinguisher checks,ect.)
    • Light handy work.
    • Grounds keeping during summer months.
    • Furniture moving as needed.
    • Painting as needed.
    • Light construction as needed.
    • Renovation point of contract or consultant to help us organize these activities.
  • and many more please contact Home Sweet Home Ministries to see how you can help.

Personal Experience

In October 2009, I came to stay at the Home Sweet Home Ministries for 10 weeks. I had been in a domestic violence relationship, and needed a temporary place to stay while I got back on my feet. While residing there I found myself a second job, and with the help from my caseworker and other staff member I was able to get a place of my own. Being homeless taught me so much, I met some wonderful people in the shelter. This experience has made me a stronger person. Thank you to all who helped me in my time of need.

Add tags