New Empowerment Command Center to open soon

      The new Empowerment Command Center (ECC) and Affordable Housing Project at 3036 6th Ave. will open in Grinnell later this month. The project is designed to connect people with available resources from food to housing, car repair or a job search.

By J.O. Parker
     A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Empowerment Command Center (ECC) and Affordable Housing Project in Grinnell was recently held.
      Located at 306 6th Ave., Grinnell, the ECC, which is slated to open later this month, is located in the former Olmstead Sweet Treats location.
   The Empowerment Command Center is a portion of a two-year $2.55 million commitment to Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) by Iowa Total Care and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation.
​      This momentous project represents CISS' commitment to addressing the urgent needs of rural Iowans facing homelessness and housing instability. The Empowerment Command Center will provide essential services, including job training, veterans' resources, case management, health and wellness support and pathways to permanent housing.
    “By establishing this center, CISS aims to eliminate the obstacles that residents of Poweshiek County currently face when needing to travel to urban centers for these vital services,” noted a press release on the project.
   "Our research identified Grinnell as a place in need of services and support for individuals experiencing housing challenges," said Melissa O'Neil, CISS CEO. "The opening of our newest Empowerment Command Center in Grinnell reflects our dedication to extending efficient and effective solutions to homelessness into rural communities while fostering stability and empowerment."
    Jennifer Cogley, director of partner programs at the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, said talks about the empowerment command center started in 2020 with the former Poweshiek County Housing director at the time and with CISS.
      “We wanted to have a location where folks could be empowered to succeed in life,” noted Cogley. “All of these thing lead back to boosting them up with a new job or a different place to live.”
         Their needs could range from housing, food, a car repair or a job search.
The new Empowerment Command Center is modeled after the successful Empowerment Command Center in Des Moines.
       This initiative will bring critical resources closer to the community and facilitate a more supportive environment for individuals seeking assistance and utilizing existing resources,” noted a press release on the project. “A dedicated team of case workers and advocates will ensure that residents receive tailored support and comprehensive care.”
    According to Kate Slater, Grinnell Housing Authority, the goal of the ECC is connect people with available resources.
      Slater noted that plans are to have two staff members on hand and also a flex area for outside resources to help those with needs.
     Additionally, the project will introduce four affordable housing units in Grinnell at a later date, addressing the significant gaps in housing availability. Funded through grant allocations, local support, and private financial contributions, these units will serve as a lifeline for those who may not qualify for traditional housing options.
    "Iowa Total Care and the Centene Foundation know by addressing the critical link between healthcare and other factors like housing, we can leverage partnerships and local services to create and implement sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations, while fostering healthier communities,” said interim Iowa Total Care Plan President & CEO, Bryan Sanders. “We are proud to support and partner with CISS on the Grinnell Empowerment Command Center and help support innovative solutions for rural Iowans.”
    Advisory committee members are Nicole Behrens, Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation; Mindy Clayton, Mid Iowa Community Action; Cogley; Jill Harris, Grinnell Education Partnership, Brooke Holder, Poweshiek County Public Health; Karen Neal, Drake Community Library; Rebecca Neal, MD, Grinnell Area Mental Health Consortium; Angie Radcliffe, Renewed Hope Home Furnishings; Lindsey Sinn, CISS case manager for Poweshiek/Rolling Hills Region; Kate Slater, Grinnell Housing Authority; Melissa Strovers, Grinnell Education Partnership; Melissa O’Neil, CISS CEO; Scott Steffen, Guernsey; and Diana Dawley, Grinnell.