A Story You Can Tell
The Flood of 2008 forever changed Cedar Rapids. When the Cedar River crested on Friday, June 13, it extended well beyond the 500-year floodplain covering more than 10 square miles of the city. The water overtook neighborhoods no one ever dreamed would flood; it flowed through nearly every downtown business and most public buildings, displacing city and county services.
A year later, thousands of residents are struggling to rebuild. While Iowans are known for strength and resilience, the people of Cedar Rapids can only do so much on their own and are left behind by a federal disaster funding system that some say is broken. This is not the first national disaster, and it won’t be the last.
Right now in Cedar Rapids, entire neighborhoods sit empty and rotting. Businesses struggling to rebuild also fight to survive in a national recession. This is a story you can tell. When significant destruction hits a vibrant and productive community, every American cares. Everything you need to begin telling these stories can be found right here.