Bloomington, Indiana – In a continued effort to make vital resources more accessible, the City of Bloomington has released updated versions of several key community guides that provide residents with reliable, up-to-date information on free and low-cost services available throughout Bloomington and Monroe County. These guides are now available for download through the city’s official website at bloomington.in.gov/cfrd.
The newly released materials include the 2025 Senior Resource Guide, the 2025 Senior Healthcare Guide, the 2025 Quick Reference Guide, and a brand-new Substance Use Disorder Resource Guide. These publications aim to help individuals and families connect with services in areas such as healthcare, housing, transportation, and addiction recovery—areas where community members often face the most pressing challenges.
“This is a community where we believe access to basic services should not be difficult or confusing,” said a representative from the City of Bloomington’s Community and Family Resources Department. “Our goal is to make sure everyone—regardless of age, income, or background—can quickly find the support they need.”
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One major change this year is the division of the senior-focused guide into two separate publications. Previously combined into a single volume, the 2025 Senior Resource Guide and the 2025 Senior Healthcare Guide now address the broad range of needs for residents aged 55 and older in more detail.
The 2025 Senior Resource Guide features a wide listing of no-cost or low-cost services specifically geared toward older adults. It covers everything from transportation options and financial assistance programs to senior-friendly recreation, housing, and support groups.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Senior Healthcare Guide focuses solely on health and wellness for seniors. It highlights services such as Medicare navigation, in-home medical care, prescription support, mental health services, and local clinics.
“Splitting the guides allows us to dive deeper into the needs of our senior population,” said a spokesperson from the Commission on Aging, which spearheaded the effort. “Now, older adults and their caregivers can easily find the information most relevant to their situation without having to sift through unrelated material.”
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The updated 2025 Quick Reference Guide is intended as a catch-all tool that gives a broad overview of services available to the general public. It covers multiple categories, including:
• Housing
• Food and nutrition
• Clothing and household goods
• Healthcare
• Legal aid
• Education and cultural resources
• Disability services
• Transportation
• Services for children and families
This guide is particularly helpful for individuals who may be navigating a difficult life situation—such as sudden unemployment, housing instability, or a medical emergency—and need to quickly locate help.
In response to the growing need for resources related to substance use and addiction, the city also released its first-ever Substance Use Disorder Resource Guide, developed in partnership with the Monroe County Health Department’s Suicide Overdose Fatality Review (SOFR) Action Team.
This guide offers a range of information for individuals at all stages of the recovery process. Topics include harm reduction strategies, recovery support services, outpatient and inpatient treatment options, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). It’s designed to help people find the right help at the right time and offers contact details for local providers.
The collaboration with the SOFR Action Team reflects a community-wide push to take a more proactive and compassionate approach to addiction and overdose prevention.
All guides are formatted as downloadable PDFs and are available for free on the city’s website. They are designed to be printed on standard 8.5” x 11” paper, making them easy to share in offices, clinics, schools, and community centers. Each guide also includes QR codes and clickable links for faster access to websites, phone numbers, and application portals.
As needs evolve, the city plans to keep the guides updated and relevant. Community organizations and residents are encouraged to check back regularly for updates and to share the resources widely.
“These guides are more than just brochures—they are lifelines for many in our community,” the city representative added. “We want to make sure no one falls through the cracks because they didn’t know where to turn for help.”
For more information or to download the guides, visit bloomington.in.gov/cfrd.
