Business Details
Your Partner in Humanitarian Care & Community Support
Founded to address critical community needs, the Ecumenical Community Center has served Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas for decades. Our organization provides humanitarian care through financial assistance programs, affordable housing initiatives, and specialized services for individuals with disabilities. We offer emergency support for rent and utility payments while distributing essential household items to those in need. Our team coordinates food distribution programs and partners with local agencies to maximize community impact. Through personalized life coaching and resource referrals, we help neighbors achieve long-term stability. Our CompuPlace division delivers adaptive computer education for people with disabilities, ensuring digital accessibility for all.The center maintains low-cost office spaces for nonprofit partners, fostering collaborative service delivery. With Margaret Bock Housing providing affordable residential options since 1979, we continue expanding our reach across Eastern Iowa. Our volunteer-driven model enables direct community engagement through donation drives and service opportunities. By maintaining partnerships with organizations like Access 2 Independence and SERRV, we amplify our capacity to create meaningful change. Every financial contribution directly supports our mission of building stronger, more resilient communities.
Services
Financial Assistance
Affordable Housing
Computer Learning
Food Distribution
Volunteer Programs
Highlights and features
- We've provided continuous community service since 1979
- Our personalized financial coaching addresses root causes of hardship
- Specialized computer learning programs for individuals with disabilities
- Affordable housing options with all utilities included
- Comprehensive resource network through 14+ partner agencies
Services
Financial Assistance
Our Helping Hands Ministry provides critical financial support for rent, utilities, and basic needs. We offer personalized resource reviews and life coaching to address root causes of financial hardship. Community donations fund this program that helps over 1,200 families annually.
Affordable Housing
Margaret Bock Housing offers single-occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms in Cedar Rapids. Monthly rates include all utilities with rents ranging from $300-$370. Residents access additional support services through our community partnerships.
Computer Learning
CompuPlace delivers specialized computer education for individuals with disabilities. Our adaptive learning programs develop digital skills for employment and independent living. Certified instructors provide one-on-one technology training tailored to individual needs.
Food Distribution
We coordinate daily meal services through Green Square Meals and partner churches. Weekday dinners served at 4:30 PM with weekend meals available at multiple locations. No reservations required for any of our food assistance programs.
Volunteer Programs
Our volunteer initiatives engage residents in community improvement projects. Opportunities include teaching, data entry, and organizing donation drives for personal care items. Participants gain work experience while supporting neighbors in need.
People
Jeff Hazzard
HHM Program Coordinator
Jeff coordinates the Helping Hands Ministry's financial assistance programs. With 15+ years in community service, he specializes in resource navigation and crisis intervention. Jeff connects clients with housing, employment, and social services.
Robin Switzer Brunner
CompuPlace Director
Robin leads our adaptive technology training programs. Certified in special education technology, she develops customized computer learning solutions. Her team empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve digital independence through personalized instruction.
Questions
What types of financial assistance do you offer?
We provide emergency aid for rent, utilities, and basic needs through our Helping Hands Ministry. Our program includes personalized resource reviews and life coaching to address financial challenges.
How can I apply for affordable housing?
Visit our Helping Hands office during business hours to complete an application. Margaret Bock Housing offers single-occupancy rooms with all utilities included at rates between $300-$370 monthly.
Do you have computer training for people with disabilities?
Yes, CompuPlace offers specialized computer learning services. Our adaptive programs develop digital skills for employment and independent living with certified instructors providing personalized technology training.
Are meals available through your programs?
We coordinate daily meal services through Green Square Meals and partner churches. Weekday dinners served at 4:30 PM with weekend meals available at multiple locations, no reservations required.
How can I volunteer with ECCF?
Contact Robin Switzer Brunner at 319-362-4284 to discuss volunteer opportunities. Options include teaching, data entry, and organizing donation drives for personal care items.
What areas do you serve?
Our services cover Cedar Rapids and surrounding counties including Benton, Cedar, Henry, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington counties through various outreach programs.
