HACAP opens Northwest Neighborhood Resource Center in Cedar Rapids

The nonprofit will address food insecurity and early childhood education with the revitalized center

Alongside members of the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance and fellow staffers, HACAP CEO Jane Drapeaux cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the Northwest Neighborhood Resource Center in Cedar Rapids on Dec. 20, 2024. CREDIT PARKER JONES

The Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Northwest Neighborhood Resource Center in Cedar Rapids on Friday morning. 

The nonprofit organization collaborated with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance to bring the food pantry and other resources back to the community. Previously, the building was owned by Olivet Presbyterian Church, which announced it would close the former Olivet Neighborhood Mission in July. 

HACAP acquired the building in August. The resource center, located at 230 10th St. N.W., officially reopened on Dec. 2 after a few months of renovations. 

HACAP CEO Jane Drapeaux welcomed and thanked the ceremony attendees as well as HACAP sponsors and volunteers with the center. Among those in attendance were HACAP Chief Operating Officer Mitch Finn, Energy Programs Director Dan Rauser, Food Reservoir Director Kim Guardado, and representatives from Penn State, which helps fund HACAP.

“This is a special time for us,” Ms. Drapeaux said. “You know, getting this facility, it really started as a dream for us and then became a reality… we’re so grateful to have you here today.”

The interior of the HACAP Northwest Neighborhood Resource Center food market as seen on Dec. 20, 2024, in Cedar Rapids. CREDIT PARKER JONES

HACAP Board President John Brandt also spoke at the event, noting the importance of such a resource center for the surrounding Cedar Rapids neighborhoods.

“This is a wonderful facility. HACAP is working to fulfill its mission, and that is to assist others. And this is an example, and it’s a robust example, and we are so pleased that we had the opportunity,” Mr. Brandt said. “Many of you know the challenges that our community faces, specifically in the area of food insecurity and early childhood education. This will help, hopefully with the food insecurity issues and provide assistance.” 

The center houses both a food market and a Head Start Early Childhood Education program, which HACAP has run since 1999. Appointments to visit the center’s food market can be scheduled Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.