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 the winter of 2022-2023, 627 people utilized the overflow shelter for a safe place to sleep.
Linn County Overflow Shelter 2023-2024 Information
Location: The Community Overflow Shelter
1017 12th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Hours of Operation: 6 pm – 8 am every day
November 15, 2023 – March 2024
How to Access:
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CALL 319-366-7999 or VISIT Shelter Services at 318 5th St SE. If you are unable to get through via phone, leave a voicemail stating that you are seeking shelter that day/evening and you will get a callback before 5 pm. They will take you through the diversion and entry process.
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If you do not have a phone, feel free to visit them in person at their building, or you can come to the Overflow shelter at check-in and connect with staff on-site to complete the diversion process.
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Individuals seeking shelter should arrive at the Overflow Shelter starting at 6pm. Check-in is open until 9pm daily. Beds are reserved through Shetler Services for the evening with limited openings.
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, blankets, and 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
Special thanks to the following organizations for making Overflow Shelter possible for the 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