Articles Tagged: Homelessness

A new Cedar Rapids restaurant is spending its first Thanksgiving by giving back to those in need, and is asking for the public’s help to make it happen.

After a decade at Waypoint, where she served as housing services director, J’nae Peterman taking a deep dive to find unified solutions for homelessness that have vexed countless nonprofits and municipalities across the country.

A pilot program funded by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust will launch next month with the goal to house 30 “housing-challenged” tenants with private landlords in an effort to reduce homelessness and housing insecurity.

The Iowa City Police Department recently launched its first-ever crisis co-responder team, pairing an officer with a mental health liaison to de-escalate crises, provide on-scene support, and connect individuals to essential services.

Also, Johnson County forming committee to evaluate jail needs

J’nae Peterman started this summer as the homeless systems manager, a new three-year position jointly funded by Cedar Rapids and Linn County where she will streamline local resources to support the growing unhoused population.

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to fine people for sleeping in public areas may pave the way for state lawmakers to revisit legislation in 2025 that would criminalize homelessness. Some Iowa cities are weighing policy changes to respond to growing numbers of unhoused people.

Also, Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for five Iowa counties in response to Monday's derecho

Highlights from annual Linn County address; 3 creative projects that received Inspire Iowa grants

During the Cedar Rapids City Council’s 2024 goal-setting session Wednesday, members discussed the community's work in creating a desirable place to call home and the need for affordable housing options.

A pesar de que tengan un techo, estas familias inmigrantes y muchos otros como ellos en el Condado de Johnson forman parte de un grupo que está experimentando la definición técnica de carecer de un hogar.

Iowa Senate doesn’t extend pause on new casinos, Why half of Latino immigrants are homeless in Johnson County, Bill Quinby, community builder and moral compass dies at 92

Despite having a roof over their heads, more than half of working immigrant families meet the technical definition of homelessness as they double up, triple up and worse to maintain their homes.

Waypoint is looking to convert its now-closed emergency shelter, the Madge Phillips Center, in southeast Cedar Rapids into a “housing first” facility. It is planned to add new affordable rental units with community services in an effort to move toward ending homelessness.

Individuals experiencing homelessness in the Cedar Rapids area may more quickly receive vouchers to help them pay for housing costs under a rule change implemented this week by the city of Cedar Rapids, allowing low-income families to better access support as they become unhoused and reducing lengthy waits for assistance.