Overflow Shelter
Because no one should be left out in the cold.
The Community Shelter and Wellness Coalition is a group of 15 agencies working together to provide low-barrier shelter during the cold nights of winter. We provide safe temporary shelter during life-threatening weather conditions until homeless individuals are ready and able to engage with other housing services. We help clients who are not able to find placement in other shelters at capacity. Regardless of a person's circumstances or background, the Overflow Shelter will accept anyone provided they follow shelter rules.
Willis Dady has been the staffing agency of the Community Overflow Shelter since 2015. We are grateful to Linn County and the City of Cedar Rapids for their partnership in providing this critical overnight resource for individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the winter months.
During winter of 2020-2021, 449 people utilized the overflow shelter for a safe place to sleep.
Linn County Overflow Shelter 2022-2023 Information
Location: The Community Overflow Shelter
1017 12th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Hours of Operation: 6 pm – 8 am everyday
November 15, 2022 – March 2023
How to Access:
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Individuals seeking shelter should arrive at the Overflow at 6pm.
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Families with children seeking shelter need to call shelter services: 319-366-7999 to get connected to beds
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Shelter users MUST arrive before 9 pm to reserve a bed
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There won't be a shuttle available Monday-Saturday this Overflow season. NTS will provide transportation on Sundays from the Overflow shelter to the downtown library at 12:45pm. NTS will do pickup at 5:30pm from the Sunday meal site at First Presbyterian back to the Overflow shelter.
The Shelter will remain open all day on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Want to help out at the Overflow Shelter?
Overflow Volunteer needs:
We have multiple opportunities available for our community to volunteer at Overflow. Please contact Sierra at Willis Dady to volunteer and learn more: 319-362-7555 or sierra@willisdady.org
Donation needs:
Clean pillows, cots, & pre-packaged food (beef jerky, granola bars, trail mix, tuna pouches, etc.)
are always welcomed as donations for our clients at the overflow shelter.
NOTE: Overflow staff are not on site during the day.
Please call Willis Dady to coordinate a drop off time and location: 319-362-7555
The Linn County Overflow Shelter is operated by the Community Shelter & Wellness Coalition, a committee of the Linn County Continuum of Care.
Special thanks to the following organizations for making Overflow Shelter possible for the 2019-2020 Winter Season:
Willis Dady for providing staffing and other administrative resources
Linn County for providing the space and operational funding
The City of Cedar Rapids for operational and transportation funding