Picture of plant life for FAQ page

  • While the exact number fluctuates, local shelters and service organizations continue to serve the needs of individuals experience homelessness each year, whether temporarily or chronically. Typically the shelters within the community run at capacity and are unable to take on additional cases.

  • According to the National Coalition for the Homeless linked below, people experience homelessness for some of the following reasons.

    • Housing

    • Poverty

    • Lack of Employment Opportunities

    • Decline in Available Public Assistance

    • Lack of available Health Care

    • Domestic Violence

    • Mental Illness

    • Addiction

    https://nationalhomeless.org/homelessness-in-the-us/

  • Bloomington-Normal has several resources, including: 

  • No, panhandling is legal in public spaces as long as it is not aggressive or obstructing traffic. However, actions that involve intimidation, threats, or blocking someone's path may be considered unlawful. It is, however, unlawful due to safety concerns to panhandle at certain intersections/medians.

  • This is a personal choice. However, while well-intentioned, direct cash donations may not always be the best way to help. Instead, consider donating to local shelters, food banks, or organizations that provide long-term support and services. 

    Visit our How to Help page linked here to see how to best direct your resources.

  • Consider donating to shelters, providing food or essential items, volunteering, or handing out resource cards with local shelter and service information. 

  • Human trafficking is a crime that occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against their will. A minor under the age of 18 engaged in commercial sex, regardless of force, fraud, or coercion, is considered a victim of sex trafficking.

  • There are a variety of indicators that may suggest someone is a victim of human trafficking, unfortunately, human trafficking can often be invisible. Here are some possible indicators to consider:

    • Someone is dominating or won’t let others speak for themselves

    • Not having access to their identification, phone, money, etc.

    • Traveling or “just visiting” with an older male/not sure of where they are

    • Only speaks through a “translator”

    • Dehydration, malnutrition

    • Burns, bite marks, branding/tattoos

    • Assess the environment for red flags: multiple beds, drug paraphernalia, locks on doors and windows, rope, expensive phones or jewelry

  • Yes. While many panhandlers act on their own, some may be victims of human trafficking or exploitation. Traffickers can force individuals to beg for money and then take what they collect.

  • If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
    In addition to contacting local 911 you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888, TTY 233733
    For non-emergencies, you can report suspected human trafficking by contacting The Center for the Prevention of Abuse Crisis Hotline at 1-800-559-SAFE (7233). Your report could help save a life.