City of Cedar Rapids Cold Weather Response

The City of Cedar Rapids, along with partner community organizations, are working to provide shelter and essentials to keep people warm and safe during the extreme cold temperatures expected this week.

Cedar Rapids Transit will be offering free bus rides all day during service hours (5:15 am to 6:15 pm) on Wednesday and Thursday, January 30 and 31. We encourage people to stay home if at all possible, but are offering this service to allow residents transportation options if they must travel in order to avoid walking outside whenever possible. Transit does not expect the route delays, but riders are encouraged to use the Cedar Rapids Transit mobile app at ridecrt.com to track bus arrival times in order to limit time in the elements.

The Downtown library will be open extended hours, beginning at 8:00 am January 30 and 31, and is available as a warm location for those in need of shelter. Other warm locations available include the Ladd Library from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and the Ground Transportation Center. The NewBo City Market will also open their building as a warm location on Wednesday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. No Market vendors will be open during this time. Visit newbocitymarket.org or call 319-200-4050 for more information.

The City is coordinating with Willis Dady Homeless Services to allow the main shelter and overflow shelter to remain open during the day. Cedar Rapids and Marion Hy-Vee Food Stores and Drug Stores are donating lunch and snacks for residents of the homeless shelters.

For those interested in helping, Willis Dady has indicated need for donated scarves and gloves. They do not currently have a need for coats, blankets or additional food at this time. Scarves and glove donations can be brought to Willis Dady, 1247 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

Those in need of further assistance and help connecting with community resources for your specific needs are encouraged to contact United Way 2-1-1. United Way 2-1-1 is a free, confidential information and referral helpline and website serving 42 counties in Iowa.

Contact 2-1-1 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
• Landline: 2-1-1
• Mobile: 319-739-4211
• Toll free: 1-866-469-2211
• Text your zip code to 898211
• Visit 211iowa.org

All City offices will remain open, but residents are encouraged to stay inside and contact us online at www.cedar-rapids.org, call or email until conditions improve. Please use caution when traveling and be prepared for emergencies by dressing appropriately, and packing a charged cell phone, blanket and emergency supplies.