Hubs will foster resiliency in Linn County

A network of “resiliency hubs” are coming to Linn County, seeking to pull together community resources in the event of a disaster such as the August 2020 derecho.

In the aftermath of the colossal thunderstorm that not only destroyed trees and damaged homes and businesses but also severed critical communications links, community organizations had a difficult rime coordinating responses to help those affected. The hubs are an answer to that problem, serving as a local nexus for critical resources in times of disaster and year-round.

We believe this innovative and much-needed effort. The creation of hubs is also a timely effort as the community marks the 15th anniversary of the 2008 flood.

The first resiliency hub sis next to the Fillmore Building at 520 11th St. NW in Cedar Rapids. It’s home to garden beds and compost, and in the future may provide solar power and Wi-Fi access. Low-income populations and people of color, who often face the biggest obstacles in recovering from disasters big and personal, are being prioritized.

Community organizations will collaborate resources with the goal of providing timely assistance while not duplicating efforts. The hubs would provide nearby access to services for effected residents.

“It's important to be really mindful of what you already have available and how to use it,” Linn County sustainability director Tamara Marcus told The Gazette’s Marissa Payne. “It's identifying what we already have in our community, both in terms of physical infrastructure and also our social networks, and figuring out how to responsibly open those up to more people.”

The original hub will serve as a model for subsequent hubs developed across the county and tailored to the needs of neighborhoods and local areas. A second hub is set to open at the Wellington Heights Community Church, which will feature a community fridge open all day, seven days a week.

Eventually, all hubs will be listed on a digital dashboard that allows residents to fin the nearest site to access services.

We believe this is a model that could be replicated statewide. As climate change threatens to help spawn more extreme weather, providing Iowans nearby help to deal with the aftermath and recovery is imperative. State leaders should take note.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com