Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Update

From World Church Minister and Pastor Dave Loy
October 27, 2008

The overall situation in Cedar Rapids following the record flooding that occurred in June is that things are moving slowly, but they are moving forward.

About 400 families in our community still are not back in their homes. Seventy-nine homes have been identified as irreparable and will be torn down within the space of one week beginning October 28.

The group 8 Days of Hope (http://eightdaysofhope.com) is here. They have been working to build and refurbish more than 800 homes on the Gulf Coast following 2005’s Hurricane Katrina and subsequent flooding in New Orleans. They are here for eight days to help with mechanical work, electrical, drywall, carpentry, and painting jobs for 100 homes.

A lot of people from all over are here. John Robertson is pastor of the Farmington, Iowa, Community of Christ congregation and a former National Guardsman with years of flood-fighting experience. He was instrumental in getting 8 Days of Hope to Cedar Rapids.

Larry McGuire and I have been serving on the city’s Long-term Recovery Committee. Larry also serves on the housing committee. Many of our congregants are participating in a variety of specific efforts.

Significant challenges remain. There have been formaldehyde concerns with FEMA trailers and it will be many years before the city’s new plan for levees and parkland surrounding the river will be able to be implemented.

Taylor Elementary School was closed and all the kids from the neighborhood are being directed to different schools. The city and school district have decided Taylor will reopen. Many community services were also housed there, so it’s reopening will be important in several ways for the low income neighborhood it serves.

Hope is still out there. As I’ve talked with people I find that they are hopeful.

Generally, the work goes on and everyone understands rebuilding Cedar Rapids will be a multi-year process.

We are grateful for the support of our Community of Christ sisters and brothers, which has come through your prayers, your generosity to the Oblation Fund, and even direct contributions.