MATTHEW 25 & REVITALIZATION

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Mission_Camp_586_CompressedMatthew 25's BLOCK BY BLOCK Program works with volunteers and with homeowners. Since the floodsof 2008, over 200 owner-occupied homes have been rehabilitated and more than 45 houses restored. To learn about 2013 volunteer opportunities, click here.  
COMMITMENT - Matthew 25 Ministry Hub is committed to neighborhood revitalization in the near west-side of Cedar Rapids, especially in the areas ravaged by the flood of 2008. We envision a thriving, connected community where people are valued and talents are multiplied. We believe that people of faith are called to invest in places where traditional investment might not happen. Our mission is to “Unite, Empower, Change Lives!” Our mission emerges from the twenty-fifth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus speaks about the need to be wise investors in those who are struggling.

CURRENT BUILDING PROJECTS - 

 Matthew 25 connects volunteers, both from local 808_G_Ave_NW_compressedcommunities and around the country, to assist in neighborhood revitalization. During 2013 Matthew 25 will guide volunteers working in three areas:

  1. Partner with home-owners to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes, improving the quality of these families’ living conditions
  2. Restore abandoned houses so families may locate in or return to the neighborhood
  3. Build new homes on vacant lots so the neighborhood can be repopulated

HISTORY OF NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION BY MATTHEW 25 - Matthew 25, a non-profit agency formed in 2007 to strengthen neighborhoods, was in place to respond to the crises created by the floods of 2008. With concerns about safety, as well as the long-term effect on the neighborhoods and the people who live here, Matthew 25 Ministry Hub formed a partnership in 2009 with Four Oaks’ Affordable Housing Network and with the Iowa Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church – the partnership was called Block by Block. Working with volunteers and with homeowners, over 200 owner-occupied homes were rehabilitated and more than 45 houses were restored after being abandoned or purchased by the City of Cedar Rapids. Initial financial support was provided by John and Dyan Smith, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church. Other supporters included the Hall-Perrine Foundation, Rockwell Collins, and the McIntyre Foundation. Matthew 25 continues its commitment to neighborhood revitalization. During 2012 working with volunteers, Matthew 25 will work with home-owners to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes, will restore abandoned houses, and will build new homes for families new or returning to the neighborhood.

To get involved with Neighborhood Building Projects go to Information for Volunteers.