McLean County Center for Human Services

Agencies that provide homeless services in Bloomington-Normal are sounding an alarm over changing federal guidelines that may reduce funding for those programs.

Bloomington-Normal saw a drop in its homeless population in early 2026, while regional data indicates an increase. Advocates attribute that to more robust reporting and more counties participating.

The exhibition is on view at the McLean County Arts Center alongside the center's popular emerging artist exhibition—something curator George Woodworth calls "huge" for the artists' journeys through and out of addiction.

Starting July 17, the federal government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] will no longer offer specially trained counselors for LGBTQ+ youth on its suicide prevention hotline.

The City of Bloomington and Town of Normal have launched a website that wants to make it easier to help the unhoused in the Twin Cities. The campaign has two goals in mind.

Advocates say McLean County's homeless response system is inefficient and ineffective. They're trying to build a better one, but it's not happening fast enough.

Bloomington-Normal nonprofits worry of an uncertain future now that the Trump administration tried to freeze federal grant funds. That order was halted on Tuesday, but remains tied up in the courts.

On one night each year — and typically during the coldest time of year — counties nationwide send volunteers out to count the unhoused. In Central Illinois, for the first time, all 11 counties in a regional network are expected to participate.

The McLean County Board of Health got around 13 applications from groups looking to fund behavioral health efforts. It's chosen seven projects, all with a mental health focus.

The highlights: Worry about today, not the next four years. Take care of your physical health. Do more of what you enjoy. Unplug from social media and 24-hour news.