CRST Provides Building for Those Needing Homes
According to an article on KCRG.com, a former truck driver training facility in Cedar Rapids is being transformed into housing for people experiencing homelessness. Volunteers are currently preparing the building so it can open by the end of November.
The new name for the building is The Commons on 16th, which came about as a three-year pilot project. CRST generously donated the building, which will offer 65 units with private bedrooms, and shared kitchens and bathrooms. Residents will receive the case management needed to transition to living on their own.
J’nae Peterman, Linn County’s Homeless Systems Manager, said the project will give people, who have experienced prolonged homelessness, time and support to adjust to living indoors.
Many of the individuals have lived outside for so long, they tend to have difficulty coping with the challenge of budgeting, paying bills, and even cooking. The case management support will help residents learn to manage a lease, pay rent on time, and handle other responsibilities that come with independent living.
The project has financial support from Linn County, the city of Cedar Rapids, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and private donors. All residents who have income will also contribute to their rent.
St. Joe's Principal Spends Day on the School Roof
Oct. 19 was not a typical day for St. Joseph's School in Marion. Normally on Casey Kettman, school principal, is in his office. However, Kettman spent the day on the roof, thanks to a challenge he presented to his students during their "Charger Challenge" fundraiser.
Kettman says being on the roof all day is a reward after students raised $115,000 — well above their goal. Kettman says that money will go toward a new HVAC system.
Cyclcross Coming to Guthridge Park
Guthridge park in Hiawatha will be transformed Nov. 6 and 7 when Cyclocross makes its debut. Cyclcross blends road, bike speed, mountain bike handling, and all-terrain dirt and grit for a new kind of biking.
Riders tackle tight circuits featuring grass straights, sand pits,
hillside turns, and wooden barriers requiring riders to dismount, shoulder their bikes on the run, and remount without breaking
stride.
Sponsored by Hiawatha Parks & Recreation and the Corridor Devo Junior Cycling Team.
Weekend Schedule & Highlights
Two Full Days of Racing: Gates open at 8:00 AM both Saturday and
Sunday, with rolling starts spanning 18 competitive categories each day—
from Masters (35+, 45+, 55+) and Juniors to elite Men’s and Women’s Cat
1/2/3 fields.
Free Kids Fun Race: At 12:15 PM both days, young riders can take to the
course for their own race. Helmets are mandatory, entry is free, and every
finisher leaves with a prize.
Reversed Course Sunday: Same venue, totally different rhythm as racers
take on the hills, gravel, and hurdles backward.