Last updated September 17, 2020
Our top priority is to ensure the safety of our supporters and community members. We ask that individuals who may have been exposed or have chronic medical conditions to take precautions recommended by the CDC.
Donations
Donations of food and household items will be received by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am-4pm.
There are 3 ways to request an appointment to drop off donations of food and household items. You can:
- Call the Food Bank at 319-351-0128
- E-mail donations@builtbycommunity.org, or
- Set up an appointment at this link
We require donors to wear a mask when dropping off donations or to remain in the vehicle. Staff will wear a mask as well. Please wait in your vehicle if there are people already being helped when you arrive for your appointment.
All donations must be given in packaging that can be left with the donation at CommUnity.
The most impactful way you can show your support at this time is through a financial donation. Every dollar donated can be used to purchase 5 pounds of food through bulk suppliers.
Food Bank
In response to concerns surrounding coronavirus COVID-19, the Food Bank will be providing alternative service options. If you are feeling ill, we encourage you to call the Food Bank at 319-351-0128 to discuss the options that work for you.
The Food Bank is suspending shopping and providing pre-bagged food only, effective immediately. We have modified the check-in and food pick-up stations so clients do not need to enter the building. Masks are required to receive service and are available upon request.
Delivery
Food delivery is now available to Johnson County residents. Please fill out the form on this page or call (319) 519-6165 between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday to request food delivery. Agencies can also contact this line to set up a time to pick-up food for their clients. Recipients will receive pre-packed bags of food based on what is available.
This service is a partnership between CommUnity Food Bank, Coralville Community Food Pantry, IC Compassion, and North Liberty Community Pantry. Johnson County SEATS is providing delivery service to rural addresses.
Food Bank Hours
Volunteering in the Food Bank
If you are in good health, have the time, and would like to help out your community, we’d love to have you volunteer with us!
No previous experience necessary. Masks are required and we are practicing social distancing. Hand washing stations, gloves, and masks are available for volunteers.
Staff will check temperatures of each volunteer and ask some screening questions related to COVID upon arrival. We have positions available with direct client contact or no client contact.
Sign up at bit.ly/foodpantryvol. If you have any questions, you can contact the Food Bank at 319-351-0128.
Mobile Pantry
Basic Needs
Financial assistance will be provided over the phone, if possible, and in person only in emergencies. Call the Food Bank at (319) 351-0128 if you need financial assistance to see what options are available. To enter our sign up, call 319-351-0128 on Monday morning between 9 and 11 am. Clients who receive mail at CommUnity can pick up mail at the Food Bank exit doors. Assistance with obtaining a birth certificate, ID, or work enabling items is available by appointment only. Birthday bags and Crowded Closet clothing vouchers are available by request.
The following Basic Needs services are NOT currently available:
- Eye Exam + Glasses Vouchers
- Iowa City Bus Tickets
- Goodwill Clothing Vouchers
Emergency Housing Assistance
To see the flyer in more languages, click here.
If you are unable to pay your full rent, mortgage or utilities due to COVID-19 loss of income, you may be eligible to receive emergency housing assistance. CommUnity is partnering with The City of Iowa City Government to provide assistance to Iowa City residents.
First, apply for the state’s assistance program at https://bit.ly/3gSpQ5C.
If you don’t qualify for state assistance, you can contact CommUnity at 319-519-6183 and ask to apply for Iowa City’s CDBG funds for eviction and foreclosure prevention or fill out the online assessment at this link.
Crisis Services
CommUnity’s 24/7 call, chat, and text Crisis Services will also continue to operate. If you’re experiencing an emotional crisis please reach out. We’re here to help. Call or text 1-855-325-4296 or chat at IowaCrisisChat.org.
Remote Volunteering in Crisis Intervention
Interested in volunteering? CommUnity offers opportunities to answer crisis chats and texts remotely. The training can also be completed remotely. To apply to volunteer, visit builtbycommunity.org/volunteer.
Mobile Crisis Outreach
Mobile Crisis is responding to clients via telephone or telemedicine. For clients in need of immediate support, please call MCO at 1-855-800-1239 in Iowa and Johnson counties.
Call 1-833-854-7613 to have Mobile Crisis Outreach dispatched in Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Jefferson Counties. More information about our Mobile Crisis Response services in Southeast Iowa is available at communitymobilecrisis.org.
Looking for ways to support your mental health? Check out our blog post with tips and resources.