On June 13, 2008, the Cedar River crested at Cedar Rapids at approximately 31 feet, 19 feet above flood stage and 10 feet above the highest level ever previously recorded.

Over 5000 houses and 1000 other properties were damaged. The cost of the damage was estimated at over 200 million dollars.

VISTA Corridor Recovery was created in the aftermath of the flood, and, within two weeks, had signed up 60 VISTA summer associates for the recovery effort.

Since then, hundreds of VISTA’s and other volunteers have shoveled mud and debris, rebuilt houses, and allowed hundreds of families to return to their homes.

As the physical rebuilding has progressed we’ve branched out into other activities. VISTA’s have worked for United Way, the county Public Health Department, housing programs, programs for youth and for the elderly, and, well, more.

A lot of this work is described in the 2009 Year in Review and the VISTA in the News page. And if you didn’t live in Cedar Rapids back then, be sure to look at the “Video” and “Amazing Photos” links. They’re stunning.