A Crisis in Cedar Rapids: Recovering from the Derecho
For most Iowans, the August derecho was a slightly stressful experience, knocking down trees in our neighborhoods and robbing us of power and Internet access for a few days.
Unfortunately, for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our state, especially immigrants and refugees in the Cedar Rapids area, the derecho was a disaster that destabilized their newly established lives and recalled traumatic experiences from their pasts. The storm led to serious housing issues, loss of crucial possession, and significant food insecurity. At least two housing complexes home to mostly refugees and immigrants are still largely uninhabitable.
Thanks to an outpouring of support, EMBARC’s RISE AmeriCorps members from all across the state organized to support these Cedar Rapids organizations: Catherine McAuley Center (CMC), Hoover Community School, Eastern Iowa African Diaspora (EIAD), YPN and Intercultural Center of Iowa (ICI)—which were serving families since the day of the derecho.
To ensure that families most affected by the storm were part of the planning and decision-making process, the Cedar Rapids organizations, refugee community leaders, and RISE AmeriCorps formed the Emerging Communities Crisis Coalition (ECCC).
Together, with organizations and volunteers statewide, EMBARC responded swiftly.
Impact
CMC quickly transformed their old building into a shelter for over 100 homeless refugee individuals.
Hoover Community School set up food stations throughout the city to help hundreds of people access food daily.
EIAD helped families pack and move to temporary hotels and Red Cross shelters.
ECCC met with affected families, city, county, and state officials to empower those they serve and be their voice in the crisis response.
ICI helped families connect to resources and meet essential needs.
YPN provided diapers and essential needs.
RISE AmeriCorps members provided support 24/7
Staying overnight at shelters
Delivering food, water, emergency supplies, and other essential items
Serving on 24-hour language-specific helplines
Responding first to families evicted with less than 48 hour notice
Performing wellness checks and daily COVID-19 screenings
Road to Recovery
Although the memory of derecho begins to fade, the work to rebuild in Cedar Rapids has just begun. The refugees and immigrants impacted by the derecho face long-term housing issues, in addition to the language, employment, education, and health challenges they were already confronting.
We are proud to announce that in response to the derecho, EMBARC’s RISE AmeriCorps Program will be expanding our partnerships with Catherine McAuley Center and Hoover Community School/EIAD by placing additional RISE AmeriCorps members, and welcoming new incredible Cedar Rapids organizations who have been leaders in disaster recovery: YPN and Intercultural Center of Iowa.
In total, 18 RISE AmeriCorps members will be supporting ongoing disaster response and relief efforts through partner organizations in Cedar Rapids during the 2020-2021 program year.
RISE AmeriCorps will continue to support families with long-term housing and storage, case management, and mental health care. A special focus will be put on helping children, youth, and parents.
Thank You
We are incredibly grateful to the Cedar Rapids organizations, volunteers, community members, and AmeriCorps members who rose to the challenge and supported their communities during this difficult time.
If you would like to support our continued work with refugees, both in Cedar Rapids and across the state, please consider setting up a monthly donation to EMBARC. Even $5 a month can make a huge difference in a refugee’s life!