Last updated May 19, 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
We are suspending in-kind community donations to reduce visitors to the building, close contact, and the need for volunteers to sort and store those donations. If donors have items now they would like to give, we will happily accept them when we are able to return to normal operations. CommUnity is still accepting purchases from online retailers shipped to the Food Bank. 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.
Delivery
Food delivery is now available to anyone 
living in Johnson County who needs food but cannot access other resources due to COVID-19. People can call (319) 519-6165 between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday to request food delivery. They will be asked a few questions about their household, and delivery will happen within 48 hours. 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.
Extended Hours
Volunteering in the Food Bank
Volunteers who wish to to further limit contact will be able to help with making pre-made bags at various stations we have set up to allow social distancing while working. Volunteer shifts will no longer overlap and we have limited the number of volunteers we can accommodate at one time to ensure everyone who comes can maintain social distancing.
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 and work enabling items is available by appointment only. Birthday bags are available by request.
The following Basic Needs services are NOT currently available:
- Eye Exam + Glasses Vouchers
- Iowa City Bus Tickets
- Crowded Closet Clothing Vouchers
- Goodwill Clothing Vouchers
- ID Assistance
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 855-800-1239.
Looking for ways to support your mental health? Check out our blog post with tips and resources.
COVID-19 Virtual Support Groups
Based on community interest, we are starting COVID-19 Virtual Support Groups. Trained mobile crisis counselors will be facilitating the groups which will be spaces to discuss the stress that the pandemic has caused and focus on building coping skills and self care practices while providing support to one another.
The groups are free and will be held on Zoom. People interested in participating in the groups can e-mail Rochelle Honey-Arcement at rochelle.honey-arcement@builtbycommunity.org to sign up. For the protection of group members, we will not be putting our Zoom links out publicly, so people will need to sign up via e-mail in order to get the Zoom Link.
Groups will be held on Monday mornings at 10 or 11am, Tuesdays at 5pm, Wednesdays at 8pm and Sundays at 4pm.
