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Hotels for Homeless working to keep people safe during pandemic

Hotels for Homeless in Bloomington is working to keep 39 people healthy and off the streets.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WTHR) — Hotels for Homeless is working to give people a place to live and stay healthy during the pandemic.

"Hotels for Homeless has taken 99 percent of my stress away on a daily basis. I have not worried if my children would starve. I have not worried if we had a place to lay down our heads," Amber Grubb said.

"You will have to drag me kicking and screaming before any of my people end up on the street during a pandemic," Katie Norris said about her work with Hotels for Homeless.

Right now she is working to keep all 39 people who benefit from the Hotels for Homeless program healthy and off the streets.

"Katie is an awesome person. She lets us know everyday we are safe and we are loved," said Rebecca Reed.

"She has taken people who have nothing and no options and given them options and hope," Grubb added.

Most of Katie's time is spent as a caregiver.

"It's 90 percent casework. Figuring out what they need. How soon we can get them in. Figuring out what's the next step," Norris explained.

That is not easy. Every night she works to raise the funds needed. Which on average means $27 per person for room and meals. Since it's all donation many businesses have stepped up, like Super 8.

"I felt like we needed to step up. Everybody in the country is stepping up to help these folks," said Robert Patel, hotel owner.

"The program has given me a place to stay, shower, food and milk. Everything I need to actually have a life," said Jazz, who uses the program.

In her case, that also means the opportunity to interview for jobs and get back on her feet.

"It's actually the first place me and my dog Sassy have been safe since we have been without a home," Jazz said.

For more information on the program or how you can help, click here.

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