Ecumenical Community Center

08/30/2026

Why are our conversations with neighbors in need so important? Scarcity requires a lot of mental energy. Poverty is not caused by bad choices. Instead, financial struggles can take so much attention that people solve problems and make decisions less effectively. Time we devote to coaching and exploring options enables people to improve their lives. You can make a financial gift at ecc-cr.net today!

08/29/2026

Fresh Out Friday! Bar soap and shampoo for neighbors in need are running low. This is it!

Because of First Lutheran Church members, we've had bar soap to give since Christmas. But it's almost gone. We include a baggie with bar soap if folks are currently unhoused.

Imagine being out. Can you help? Plastic grocery sacks to give these things away in would also be great!

Call 319-366-2651 for updates and watch for more Fresh Out Friday Alerts!

08/28/2026

After an actual dumpster fire, smoke mitigation was extremely costly, including our portion for our nonprofit tenant, Green Square Meals.

After the fire, Green Square Meals' extra large water heater went out. We had to pay for that too.

ECCF helps Linn County neighbors who are working hard to make ends meet through our Helping Hands Ministry (HHM). We adjust HHM rent, utility, and auto gas assistance according to cash flow.

Your financial gift today helps us maintain current levels of assistance. See secure PayPal and Thrivent options for online giving at ecc-cr.net. You can also stop by, or send a check to, 601 2nd Ave SE, CR, 52401. For more info on how to help, call 319-366-2651 and ask for Robin.

Ecumenical Community Center Contacts, News, and Links

08/26/2026

"Making Do" can be yummy too. Ever have toast and gravy for dessert? What's your simple supper fare?

08/24/2026

Thinking ahead can be overwhelming for distressed neighbors with limited financial resources. So we have conversations like, "Right now, what will be your next best step?" Talking with people provides resources, information, and encouragement, although it is tougher to quantify than financial assistance.

08/22/2026

Fresh Out Friday! We need clean grocery sacks to give our neighbors the items they need to stay clean and presentable.

Also, lotion for neighbors in need is running very low.

Imagine being out if you were (or are) someone who should use it every day. Can you help? Small and medium tubes about the size of your hand help the majority of people we serve.

Let people who care know about our need for personal care and household items to distribute to neighbors on tight budgets who have run out!

Call 319-366-2651 for updates and watch for more Fresh Out Friday Alerts!

08/20/2026

In agonizing pain, with an upcoming surgery, she was afraid her lights would be shut off.

She'd been paying down the bill but was not sure exactly how much she still owed.

We worked with her for about an hour.

After a deep dive with the electricity company, we discovered that another agency's assistance was in process. Financially, all would be well.

Now she could focus on her health.

The staff time we devote to exploring solutions with neighbors in need can be at least as important as the financial help we give. Unrestricted "where most needed" gifts are crucial in accomplishing this work.

08/18/2026

Your sunny gift to ECCF and our Helping Hands Ministry can help Linn County neighbors with limited monetary resources to get back on their financial feet. For more details, call 319-366-2651.

08/16/2026

Rumor is, it's Relaxation Day. The Linn County neighbors we serve don't get vacations. The relief your gifts provide, through assists with rent, utility, auto gas, IDs, personal care items, resource lists, and sustainability discussions, opens up people's mental bandwidth to improve and succeed. Every contribution helps.

08/15/2026

Fresh Out Friday! Shampoo, Body Wash, and Laundry Soap for neighbors in need are all running VERY low.

Imagine being out. Can you help? By the time this posts, we may be ALL OUT of these three critical personal care items. Any kind is helpful and a variety can meet people's needs even better!

Call 319-366-2651 for updates and watch for more Fresh Out Friday Alerts!