Grant to help rebuild 168 flood-damaged homes

A $500,000 grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF) announced today will fund the rehabilitation of up to 168 flood-damaged homes.

“It's a huge boost for us,” said the Rev. Clint Twedt-Ball. “It will enable us to move forward with our goal.”

Organizer Twedt-Ball said the Block by Block neighborhood rebuilding program will use the $500,000 to rebuild 12 blocks this construction season. Each block averages about 14 houses.

GCRCF also announced an additional $150,000 in grants to three other agencies:

• $50,000 to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library to help it relocate its building from the current location to an elevated spot across the street.

• $50,000 to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation for the city's new library.

• $50,000 to Indian Creek Nature Center to renovate its headquarters building and begin planning a new facility on higher ground.

Today's announcement brings GCRCF's Flood 2008 Fund total to $5.3 million to 69 non-profits since June 2008.

The Block by Block grant will be made to Affordable Housing Network, Inc., which provides the program's fiscal and management oversight. Matthew 25 plans its operations, including recruitment and organization of the volunteers who do the work.

Block by Block celebrated completion of its first rescued block, the 1300 block of Eighth Street NW, last fall. Twedt-Ball said organizers are still looking for buyers for a few of the houses rehabbed by Block by Block.

For more information on Block by Block: www.blockbyblockcr.org.

Flood 2008 Fund grants are still available to Linn County public and non-profit organizations that address flood-related community needs. Applications will be taken through June by e-mail to karla.twedt-ball@gcrcf.org. Fund criteria and proposal information may be found at www.gcrcf.org.