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Official flood recovery news of Cedar Rapids and Linn County delivered to flood-affected homes bi-weekly (currently every Wednesday and Friday).
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Newsletter Headlines
- Healing The Heartland Festival Serving Up Hope June 12-14
- Child Care for Flood Survivors
- Web Site Focuses on Year-Later Needs for Disaster Survivors
- Volunteers Can Clean & Fix Your Flooded Home
- HOME INFO: Fair Housing Conference June 25
- Disaster Stress Summer Camp for Kids
- Progress Continues on Flood-Damaged Linn County Buildings
- Grass Control in Flooded-Impacted Neighborhoods
- Alliant Energy Extends Enhanced Flood Rebates
- HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS
“Serve The City,” a Cedar Rapids area coalition of over 40 churches and ministries, is hosting a “Healing The Heartland Festival” on Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14.
“The Festival is a gift to East Central Iowa, to mark the one year anniversary of the flood, offering family-friendly, free activities to the community,” said Mr. Randy McCright, Chairman of Healing The Heartland Festival. “We are going to bring a transforming message of hope and healing found in God, through great activities, concerts and speakers.”
On Friday evening, from 6:00-9:00, there will be 11cookouts called “Neighbors and Friends BBQ’s” at sites throughout the Cedar Rapids area, including Marion and Palo. The free BBQ’s are open to anyone. To find the site closest to you, go towww.HealingCR.com.
Saturday features 2.5 and 7 mile runs downtown called, “Cedar Rapids Run the Flood” (www.crruntheflood.com) at 9 a.m., and then the main festival celebration, which will be located at the Kingston Sports Complex beginning at 11:00 a.m. A Community Care Tent, Kids Zone and Sports Zone will feature free activities for all ages. On Saturday night, attention will shift to the main stage where the award-winning contemporary Christian rock band “Newsboys” and other groups will perform outdoor concerts. Food vendors will be available, and there will be budget-friendly items such as a hotdog, chips and drink all for a dollar.
This Healing The Heartland Festival is being underwritten by Serve The City churches and private donors so that people can enjoy the activities no matter what their current financial situation.
Sunday the 14th is “Serve The City Day at the Kernels.” The Mike Hagen Strength Team will perform outside the ballpark before the game at 3:00, a Big Band Concert will be held at 4:20 and the game starts at 5:05. Regular ticket prices apply for the game.
For more details on all of the Healing The Heartland Festival activities and times, go towww.HealingCR.com.
“The Festival is a gift to East Central Iowa, to mark the one year anniversary of the flood, offering family-friendly, free activities to the community,” said Mr. Randy McCright, Chairman of Healing The Heartland Festival. “We are going to bring a transforming message of hope and healing found in God, through great activities, concerts and speakers.”
On Friday evening, from 6:00-9:00, there will be 11cookouts called “Neighbors and Friends BBQ’s” at sites throughout the Cedar Rapids area, including Marion and Palo. The free BBQ’s are open to anyone. To find the site closest to you, go towww.HealingCR.com.
Saturday features 2.5 and 7 mile runs downtown called, “Cedar Rapids Run the Flood” (www.crruntheflood.com) at 9 a.m., and then the main festival celebration, which will be located at the Kingston Sports Complex beginning at 11:00 a.m. A Community Care Tent, Kids Zone and Sports Zone will feature free activities for all ages. On Saturday night, attention will shift to the main stage where the award-winning contemporary Christian rock band “Newsboys” and other groups will perform outdoor concerts. Food vendors will be available, and there will be budget-friendly items such as a hotdog, chips and drink all for a dollar.
This Healing The Heartland Festival is being underwritten by Serve The City churches and private donors so that people can enjoy the activities no matter what their current financial situation.
Sunday the 14th is “Serve The City Day at the Kernels.” The Mike Hagen Strength Team will perform outside the ballpark before the game at 3:00, a Big Band Concert will be held at 4:20 and the game starts at 5:05. Regular ticket prices apply for the game.
For more details on all of the Healing The Heartland Festival activities and times, go towww.HealingCR.com.
Children of Cedar Rapids families recovering from last summer's flood will have a place to spend weekdays this summer.
Lovely Lane United Methodist Church and the Matthew 25 Ministry are co-sponsors of Trinity Lane Preschool, a 10-week program starting June 15 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 400 Third Ave. SW. The program will offer care for young children from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Families who show a FEMA number may enroll their child for $30 a week full-time, $20 part-time. The program is also open to children whose families weren't affected by flooding; full-time care for those families is $130 weekly per child. To enroll a child, or for more information, call the Matthew 25 Ministry Hub at (319) 362-2214.This article appeared in the May 28, 2009 edition of The Gazette.
Lovely Lane United Methodist Church and the Matthew 25 Ministry are co-sponsors of Trinity Lane Preschool, a 10-week program starting June 15 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 400 Third Ave. SW. The program will offer care for young children from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Families who show a FEMA number may enroll their child for $30 a week full-time, $20 part-time. The program is also open to children whose families weren't affected by flooding; full-time care for those families is $130 weekly per child. To enroll a child, or for more information, call the Matthew 25 Ministry Hub at (319) 362-2214.This article appeared in the May 28, 2009 edition of The Gazette.
A new website is available to help Iowans find information about how to get help to deal with lingering stress in the wake of natural disasters a year ago. The site,www.projectrecoveryiowa.org, features information about Project Recovery Iowa’s services, including free confidential crisis counseling.
The information is important because the anniversary of a disaster can reawaken a wide range of feelings and reactions among survivors, according to Bill Gardam, administrator of the Mental Health and Disability Services division of the Iowa Department of Human Services. "It is normal for people to still have feelings of sadness, anxiousness and stress. The anniversary activities are another step toward healing. Counseling can help people regain a sense of control over their lives,” said Gardam.
Project Recovery Iowa, administered by the DHS, teaches coping skills, assesses immediate needs and offers guidance to resources for ongoing support. Free confidential counseling sessions can take place in homes or other settings rather than in offices or clinics. If needed, mental health professionals will also provide referrals to other long-term recovery resources. The Iowa Concern Hotline, 1-800-447-1985, is the entry point for Project Recovery Iowa services. Confidential counseling is available at all hours.
The information is important because the anniversary of a disaster can reawaken a wide range of feelings and reactions among survivors, according to Bill Gardam, administrator of the Mental Health and Disability Services division of the Iowa Department of Human Services. "It is normal for people to still have feelings of sadness, anxiousness and stress. The anniversary activities are another step toward healing. Counseling can help people regain a sense of control over their lives,” said Gardam.
Project Recovery Iowa, administered by the DHS, teaches coping skills, assesses immediate needs and offers guidance to resources for ongoing support. Free confidential counseling sessions can take place in homes or other settings rather than in offices or clinics. If needed, mental health professionals will also provide referrals to other long-term recovery resources. The Iowa Concern Hotline, 1-800-447-1985, is the entry point for Project Recovery Iowa services. Confidential counseling is available at all hours.
Need help with gutting or rebuilding your flood-damaged home? The Flood Recovery Office of the First United Methodist Church in Marion may be able to provide you with volunteers to transform your gutted house into a move-in ready home. This service is sponsored by the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and its “Bringing Hope to the Heartland” campaign. Call (319) 377-5344 to check for eligibility.
The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission is sponsoring a Fair Housing Conference on Thursday, June 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Conference organizers will provide information on:
- Housing, Foreclosures and Predatory Lending
- Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
- Housing Laws, Realtor/Landlord Track
- Voluntary Property Acquisition Process for Flood-Impacted Properties
- Student Loans
- Iowa Finance Authority Programs for Home Buyers
- Accessibility, Americans with Disability Act
- Home Buyer Education
Members of the faith-based community and Project Recovery Iowa-3, supported by the Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation, are pleased to announce four opportunities to attend Linn County Camp Noah.
Camp Noah, a program out of St. Paul, MN, helps children rebuild their lives after a disaster. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is open to children in kindergarten through sixth grade who were impacted by the floods. This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a $10 materials fee for each participant, with scholarships available upon request.
Dates have been set for all camps:
Children will leave camp feeling more confident and having less disaster-related stress. The Camp will be filled with indoor/outdoor games, art, music, small group discussions, friends, fun and hope. The participants will end the week by creating a disaster preparedness kit. For questions or to register, call Barb Hanson at (319) 365-1494 or visitwww.campnoah.org
Camp Noah, a program out of St. Paul, MN, helps children rebuild their lives after a disaster. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is open to children in kindergarten through sixth grade who were impacted by the floods. This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a $10 materials fee for each participant, with scholarships available upon request.
Dates have been set for all camps:
- June 15-19—Location to be announced
- June 22-26—2 camps, one in Palo and one at St. Ludmila Church, 211 21stAve SW
- July 20-24— First Lutheran Church, 1000 3rdAve SE
Children will leave camp feeling more confident and having less disaster-related stress. The Camp will be filled with indoor/outdoor games, art, music, small group discussions, friends, fun and hope. The participants will end the week by creating a disaster preparedness kit. For questions or to register, call Barb Hanson at (319) 365-1494 or visitwww.campnoah.org
The Board of Supervisors voted to pursue the second of two floor plans from Novak Design to rebuild the County Administrative Office Building at 930 1st St. SW in Cedar Rapids. This follows the Board’s decision on February 25 to return to the building post-flood. The rebuilding plans include an addition and remodel that will make more efficient use of the building’s space, and improve the layout to better serve the public and employees. The addition will “square off” the shape of the building and add a third floor with 4,800 square feet of office space.
The additional square footage on the third floor provides the flexibility to move offices out of the basement and will allow space for the civil attorneys to move to the Administrative building from the Courthouse. Having civil attorneys on-site will be a benefit to the departments that work with them often. This move also solves a space issue at the Courthouse for the County Attorney’s Office.
Floor plans were designed with input from departments because they know best what they need to serve the public. Customer service improvements will include:
The reconstruction and improvements will cost an estimated $11.7 million. Linn County estimates $3.7 million of that amount will be paid by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Linn County will need to issue bonds for the remaining $7.9 million. The annual cost to a homeowner of a $100,000 home will be $3.31 over a 20-year period for this rebuilding and improvement project. Construction on the building should begin by October 1, 2009, and be completed by the end of October 2010.
Linn County offices that were housed in the Administrative building will be located at Linn County West during the reconstruction. Reconstructing the building while it is unoccupied is easier, less expensive and safer for the public and county staff. FEMA is reimbursing the rent for Linn County’s temporary locations. FEMA grants temporary lease extensions in six-month intervals. The current approved extension lasts until August 13, 2009, so Linn County will request another six-month extension to begin in August after the current extension expires. An extension is not guaranteed, which is why it is important for Linn County to continue showing FEMA progress toward permanent solutions for county offices.
The additional square footage on the third floor provides the flexibility to move offices out of the basement and will allow space for the civil attorneys to move to the Administrative building from the Courthouse. Having civil attorneys on-site will be a benefit to the departments that work with them often. This move also solves a space issue at the Courthouse for the County Attorney’s Office.
Floor plans were designed with input from departments because they know best what they need to serve the public. Customer service improvements will include:
- An open lobby with a widened, enclosed staircase and improved signage
- Seating at most customer service counters
- The Treasurer’s Office will relocate to the main floor because it receives the most foot traffic of any department in the building
- Closing off underground steam pipes that were a major source of the flooding and are no longer in use.
- Elevating electrical and mechanical systems to an upper floor.
- Mitigating sewer lines so there is no back-flow.
- Moving offices with critical records to upper floors.
- Moving the Information Technology department and its equipment and servers out of the basement to an upper floor.
- Moving the Board of Supervisors boardroom and conference rooms to the basement.
The reconstruction and improvements will cost an estimated $11.7 million. Linn County estimates $3.7 million of that amount will be paid by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Linn County will need to issue bonds for the remaining $7.9 million. The annual cost to a homeowner of a $100,000 home will be $3.31 over a 20-year period for this rebuilding and improvement project. Construction on the building should begin by October 1, 2009, and be completed by the end of October 2010.
Linn County offices that were housed in the Administrative building will be located at Linn County West during the reconstruction. Reconstructing the building while it is unoccupied is easier, less expensive and safer for the public and county staff. FEMA is reimbursing the rent for Linn County’s temporary locations. FEMA grants temporary lease extensions in six-month intervals. The current approved extension lasts until August 13, 2009, so Linn County will request another six-month extension to begin in August after the current extension expires. An extension is not guaranteed, which is why it is important for Linn County to continue showing FEMA progress toward permanent solutions for county offices.
In the flood-impacted areas of Cedar Rapids, representatives hired through the state’s Emergency Jobs Program are working on vegetation control for vacant properties. As the weather permits and crews are available, work is done in other parts of the flood-affected areas. This is primarily in the 100-year floodplain where the worst conditions exist.
Volunteers from AmeriCorps and the Community Corrections Improvement Association are mowing lawns in the flooded area, as well. They provide lawn services to anyone who was flooded. This includes mowing, raking, weeding and removal of debris. To request their assistance, contact Larissa Norris at (319) 540-4810. Special preference is given to elderly or handicapped residents.
The mowing season runs from May 1 to October 15, 2009. If a lawn is found to be in violation of the 12-inch height state code and the property is mowed by a City contractor, the cost is billed to the property owner. The cost varies based on the work performed with a one hour minimum. For example, the lowest cost possible would be a one hour hand mower plus administration fee totaling $110. If the bill is not paid in a timely manner, an additional $35 processing fee is attached and the cost is assessed against the property.
The City’s Helping Hands Program for Mowing lists individuals and businesses willing to mow lawns for residents of Cedar Rapids. You can view the list on the City’s websitewww.cedar-rapids.orgunder “Street Maintenance.”
Volunteers from AmeriCorps and the Community Corrections Improvement Association are mowing lawns in the flooded area, as well. They provide lawn services to anyone who was flooded. This includes mowing, raking, weeding and removal of debris. To request their assistance, contact Larissa Norris at (319) 540-4810. Special preference is given to elderly or handicapped residents.
The mowing season runs from May 1 to October 15, 2009. If a lawn is found to be in violation of the 12-inch height state code and the property is mowed by a City contractor, the cost is billed to the property owner. The cost varies based on the work performed with a one hour minimum. For example, the lowest cost possible would be a one hour hand mower plus administration fee totaling $110. If the bill is not paid in a timely manner, an additional $35 processing fee is attached and the cost is assessed against the property.
The City’s Helping Hands Program for Mowing lists individuals and businesses willing to mow lawns for residents of Cedar Rapids. You can view the list on the City’s websitewww.cedar-rapids.orgunder “Street Maintenance.”
Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), an Alliant Energy company, announces it is extending its increased rebates for customers impacted by the floods of 2008. Flood-affected customers now have untilDecember 31, 2009to turn in their Cash Reward forms.
Alliant Energy offers cash rewards (rebates) to customers on the purchase of qualifying energy-efficient equipment and materials. In July 2008, in the wake of the flooding, the utility increased the rebates by 50 percent on the purchase of energy-efficient home heating, cooling and comfort systems, and more. Understanding that winter interrupted rebuilding efforts and that the process would take more than a few months, Alliant Energy has extended the increased rebate offer to run until December 31, 2009.
Alliant Energy is committed to helping customers and communities rebuild. With historic flooding across much of the state last year, many customers still have difficult and important spending decisions to make on energy, housing, and other areas of their daily lives. The rewards from Alliant Energy can help customers impacted by flooding buy a more efficient appliance or heating and cooling unit for about the same price as a less efficient one. Plus, the energy savings will help customers every month for years to come.
All measures that currently qualify for energy-efficiency cash rewards, excluding compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), have been increased by 50 percent for flood-affected Alliant Energy customers in Iowa. All customer categories (residential, small business, commercial/industrial and ag) that were affected by floods may qualify.New reward amountfloodrewards .
Alliant Energy offers cash rewards (rebates) to customers on the purchase of qualifying energy-efficient equipment and materials. In July 2008, in the wake of the flooding, the utility increased the rebates by 50 percent on the purchase of energy-efficient home heating, cooling and comfort systems, and more. Understanding that winter interrupted rebuilding efforts and that the process would take more than a few months, Alliant Energy has extended the increased rebate offer to run until December 31, 2009.
Alliant Energy is committed to helping customers and communities rebuild. With historic flooding across much of the state last year, many customers still have difficult and important spending decisions to make on energy, housing, and other areas of their daily lives. The rewards from Alliant Energy can help customers impacted by flooding buy a more efficient appliance or heating and cooling unit for about the same price as a less efficient one. Plus, the energy savings will help customers every month for years to come.
All measures that currently qualify for energy-efficiency cash rewards, excluding compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), have been increased by 50 percent for flood-affected Alliant Energy customers in Iowa. All customer categories (residential, small business, commercial/industrial and ag) that were affected by floods may qualify.New reward amount
- 50 percent increase over current reward level
- Example: water heater current reward = $50, new reward = $75
- Standard eligibility rules apply (primary requirement is Alliant Energy must provide fuel for equipment)
- Increased rewards apply to flood victims only
General Information:
- United Way 2-1-1 Information Line - Call 2-1-1 or (319) 739-4211
- Visitwww.corridorrecovery.orgfor the latest flood recovery news and community resources.
- Buyout Registration – (319) 286-5521
- Disaster Unemployment Information – 1-800-562-4692
- Horizons Consumer Credit Counseling Service (free help) - (319) 398-3576 or 1-800-826-3574
- Iowa Legal Aid – 1-800-532-1275
- Iowa Mortgage Help – 1-877-622-4866
- IRS Disaster Assistance Hotline – 1-866-562-5227
- ISU Linn County Extension (free financial counseling) - (319) 377-9839
- Jumpstart Housing Assistance Program - (319) 286-5850
- Jumpstart Business Assistance Program - (319) 731-5867
- Jumpstart Rental Rehabilitation Program - (319) 731-5867
- National Flood Insurance Program – 1-800-427-4661
- Abbe Center for Community Mental Health (free counseling) - (319) 398-3562
- Area Substance Abuse Council – (319) 390-4611
- Cedar Rapids Community Schools – (319) 558-2000
- Child Care Resource & Referral Center - (319) 739-1556
- Community Recovery Center – (319) 261-0987
- Foundation 2 Crisis Center (free 24/7 counseling) – (319) 362-2174
- Horizons Mental Health Counseling (free help) – (319) 398-3943
- Iowa Concern Hotline (free counseling) – 1-800-447-1985
- Salvation Army – (319)364-9131
- Alliant Energy Rebate Program- 1-800-723-7635
- Alliant Energy Residential Electrical Inspection – 1-800-255-4268
- MidAmerican Energy Natural Gas Inspection – 1-800-432-0586
- MidAmerican Rebate Program - 1-800-894-9599
- Volunteer Labor - (319) 540-4810
- City of Cedar Rapids Building/Zoning Dept. – (319) 286-5831
- City of Cedar Rapids Housing Inspections Dept. – (319) 286-5197
- City of Cedar Rapids Information Line – (319) 286-5555
- City of Cedar Rapids Water Dept. – (319) 286-5900
- Flood Recovery Assistance – 2-1-1 or (319) 739-4211
- Linn County Community Services – (319) 892-5600
- Linn County Planning & Development – (319) 892-5130
- Linn County Public Health – (319) 892-6000
