After record flooding devastated Cedar Rapids, AmeriCorps VISTA members shifted gears from planned Weed & Seed neighborhood projects to collaborate with other volunteers to inform residents about available resources; hand out donated cleanup kits, cookies and other supplies; and lend a sympathetic ear to people whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by flooding.
AmeriCorps VISTA member Ron Jackson of Cedar Rapids, front, reveals contents of a cleanup kit, hands out cookies and explains an upcoming neighborhood meeting.
Flood recovery is stylish ... AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate Katie Graham of Cedar Rapids wears an N95 mask.
Hundreds of blocks in Cedar Rapids residential areas were lined with piles of household furnishings, clothings and other debris soon after residents were allowed to reenter their homes. 
Central Cedar Rapids Weed & Seed collaborates with many area groups on projects. Sharon Hallstoos of Matthew 25 Ministry Hub, left, works with AmeriCorps VISTA members Ron Jackson, center, and Katie Graham, right, both of Cedar Rapids, to deliver cleanup kits and other supplies.
These boots were made for mucking ... A Taylor Area Neighborhood resident takes a break from flood cleanup.
