Vigo County approves $15,000 from rainy-day fund for winter warming centers

The Vigo County Council voted to provide $15,000 from the county rainy‑day fund to support winter warming‑center operations, after county and city staff described recent activations and provider costs.

County staff said to date the county has spent $7,200 with Mental Health America and $2,400 with Reach this winter. The county described a daily activation rate of $1,200 that covers a 24‑hour period, regardless of whether one person or up to 50 people use the site. “We were open last night. In fact, we had 15 individuals last night,” a county official told the council.

Council members debated starting with a smaller commitment to test operations; one council member said she was “a little leery” and preferred $15,000 rather than the $30,000 requested. The council voted to approve the $15,000 appropriation from the rainy‑day fund by roll call vote 5‑0.

County staff said Mental Health America is currently able to operate warming‑center nights this season but warned of funding uncertainty for 2027 as federal and state grant support shifts; staff said they will review outcomes this summer and return to the council with a plan for next winter.

What happens next: Staff will allocate the approved $15,000 to the provider and return to the council after this winter to report on operations, costs and future funding options.