Noon Edition airs on Fridays at noon on WFIU.

The new daytime tent ban is in effect after being passed earlier this month by the Bloomington Board of Parks Commissioners.    

The new rule states, “no person shall erect, occupy, or otherwise utilize a tent or other makeshift enclosed structure on any property under the Bloomington Parks Department.”  This is the second tent ban passed by the Bloomington Parks Department, the first in 2020 banning the use of tents at night.     

READ MORE: Daytime tent ban in Bloomington parks takes effect

This new ban has raised concerns about the homeless population. Starting this Friday, Wheeler Mission will no longer provide sheltering services for unhoused women, shifting its focus and resources to unhoused men. Wheeler has provided services for 365 women since July of 2020.  

READ MORE: Wheeler Mission to stop sheltering unhoused women next month 

The Point-In-Time Count is an annual report that looks at the homeless population throughout the state. From 2009 to 2019, the report shows a 90 percent increase of homelessness in Monroe County from 200 to 380 people. 

Other concerns being raised involve the need for proper mental health treatment and substance abuse issues.     

This Friday on Noon Edition, we will talk with guests about the current state of homelessness in Monroe County, the new tent ban and more.      

You can follow us on Twitter at @NoonEdition or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.

Guests

Emily Pike – Executive Director for New Hope For Families

Rev. Forrest Gilmore – Executive Director at Beacon, Inc.

Jim Whitlatch – Board member for the Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners