Housing
An Issue in Bloomington.
Everyone needs safe and affordable housing. Bloomington-Normal has a wide variety of housing stock. Over 65.6% of the city are home owners which is above the national average. The average price of a home in Bloomington-Normal is $153,500. The housing stock downtown and on the westside is generally older while the eastside has more new construction homes. There are estimated to be 175 people living in McLean county who are homeless, while many others struggle to make ends meet and pay for housing.
ARC Projects
Housing Summit
In 2010, Lindsey Haines, an economics major from Chicago did her honors research on affordable housing on the westside of Bloomington-Normal and the impact of absentee landlords. As part of her project, she brought together 45 representatives of organizations that impact housing including the City of Bloomington, Habitat, landlords and home owners. The result of the summit was a block-by-block strategy where the WBRP brought together homeowners from individual blocks to identify resources, wish lists, and opportunities.
The Tool Library
The Tool Library is a free tool lending service that provides homeowners with the resources that they need to make repairs and improvements in their homes, fostering a sense of independence in its users while contributing to the beautification of our community.
Academics
281 American Social Policy (AV, U): This course surveys some major social programs in the U.S. Topics include Social Security, welfare, foodstamps, Medicare and Medicaid, housing assistance and homelessness, and affirmative action, among others. Students will examine the trade-off between federal and state roles, and the cultural and economic values the programs involve. Offered in alternate years. 240 Spanish for Social Justice (U, W): Students develop language skills and cultural competency for situations that focus on social justice. Fieldwork in one of the following areas: immigration, housing, education, employment and voter rights is a key part of the course. Prerequisite: 201 or equivalent. Offered alternate years, fall semester.Community Partners
Western Avenue Community Center
Volunteer
ReStore — Habitat for Humanity's Discount Home Center
Individual and group volunteers are needed for all different kinds of work, on a regular and/or one-time basis. Volunteer opportunities include: Driver, Loader, Cashier, Processor, or the "role you invent"! This is a great way for RSOs, dorm groups, and Sororities and Fraternities to volunteer as groups in our community.
Recycling Furniture for Families
RFF provides clean, gently used furniture and household items to hundreds of families per year across Bloomington-Normal. Volunteer individually or as a group on a regular or one-time basis. Opportunities include office and warehouse work, cleaning and delivery.
Check out the Student Volunteer and Resource Center for more opportunities!
Internships
See the IWU Career Center for internships!
Have an Idea?
Email ARC and let us know what you're thinking!! arc@iwu.edu
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