Transforming lives, building hope: Wheeler Mission—Bloomington launches comprehensive campaign to enhance shelter facilities and expand transformative services

BLOOMINGTON – Wheeler Mission—Bloomington, the largest homeless shelter provider in South-Central Indiana, is excited to announce the launch of our Transforming Lives, Building Hope comprehensive campaign.

This strategic initiative will enhance the current facilities on the Westplex Avenue campus while strengthening emergency shelter services and expanding long-term program opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Strengthening Emergency Shelter Services and Expanding Program Opportunities 

With the support of the community, the Transforming Lives, Building Hope campaign will improve and secure current facilities, create new spaces for community partners, and enhance program offerings. The aim is to create an intentionally designed campus that will provide the men in our care with not only a safe place to shelter but also the tools and resources they need to establish a future of health and success while removing barriers to long-term stability. 

Given the number of individuals Wheeler Mission—Bloomington serves, our facilities are in urgent need of a comprehensive upgrade. Safety and security concerns will be addressed through the installation of perimeter fencing, a secure welcome center, controlled entry points, upgraded surveillance, and personal locker space. Additionally, the kitchen and cafeteria, which serve approximately 60,000-80,000 meals annually, will undergo their first upgrade in over two decades.

The campaign will also provide collaborative office spaces and private exam rooms for community partners who provide access to addiction treatment, medical and behavioral healthcare, job training, and more. Lastly, the campaign will allow Wheeler Mission—Bloomington to expand current capacity and classroom space for our holistic, long-term residential programs. 

A Call for Community Support 

Dana Jones, Wheeler Mission Bloomington’s Director of Community Engagement and Services, said, “This campaign challenges us to do more than provide a place of refuge—it’s about empowering our guests with work readiness, life skills, and providing opportunities leading to their stability, while committing daily to their success. With our community’s support and by God’s grace, together we will help restore identity and purpose, reignite hope, and transform lives so our guests can thrive in our community with confidence, dignity, and a fresh start.” 

Dana Jones, Wheeler Mission Bloomington’s Director of Community Engagement and Services

The Transforming Lives, Building Hope campaign will officially launch at Sunshine & Shelter: A Summer Gathering for Good! on July 10th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Wheeler Mission hosts the event, which will be held at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E. Rogers Road in Bloomington, with Bloomington staff in attendance. 

This campaign presents a unique opportunity for our community to directly contribute to our mission, ensuring that we can continue to provide life-altering services to those experiencing homelessness. Supporters are encouraged to consider contributing to our campaign through three-year pledges.

Together, we can help transform lives and build hope.

For more information about the campaign or to donate, visit Building Hope – Wheeler Mission or contact Dana Jones.