Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC grows with Cedar Rapids

Shelby Ferguson raking out compost at one of the urban farms.

Cedar 3 receives a visit from AmeriCorps NCCC headquarters and FEMA.

By: Katie Keane and Kyle White

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, NCCC, team Cedar 3 paired up with Cedar Rapids Matthew 25 in the beginning of March for a seven week project. Matthew 25 was created in 2007 to strengthen communities in various ways that will help rebuild Cedar Rapids for the long-term.

Matthew 25 and NCCC are working together to rebuild the community by building 2.5 acres of urban gardens in abandoned lots throughout the Time Check and Taylor neighborhoods, two communities that were greatly devastated by the 2008 flood. In addition they are helping rebuild flood damaged homes. Through the urban gardens, Matthew 25 hopes to raise the moral of the surrounding area as well as educate the community on the importance of fresh produce, farming, and providing food to low income residents.

Seeing the partnership develop before their eyes, Cedar 3 is excited to be working with Matthew 25 for their first NCCC project. Motivated by the progress made thus far, Cedar 3 is excited to witness the final outcome of this project, and the impact it will have on the Cedar Rapids community.