COVID-19

RESPONDING TO COVID-19

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation is committed to serving our community. However, due to the unprecedented events that continue to unfold in our country, we must take action that will protect the communities that we serve and our staff. As requested by Governor Reynolds, our agency will begin operating with minimal physical contact. Please return often for continuous updates.

NEICAC COMMUNITY NEEDS SURVEY

NEICAC is here to help! Funding allows our agency to provide assistance for specific needs within your community, especially those due to COVID-19. We want to hear from you, please fill out this brief needs survey by May 7, 2020. All responses are anonymous.

EARL PUBLIC TRANSIT

Due to the additional restrictions now in place for Winneshiek County the scheduled public hearing on Monday, April 20 @ the Smith Building for the Transit Consolidated funding application will be rescheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2020, via teleconference. More information will be published in local newspapers.
In light of increasing concerns around the spread and transmission of COVID-19, NEICAC wants to ensure the safety of employees, riders, and the general public. Effective on the close of the day, March 18, 2020, all Region 1 EARL Public Transit services, with the exception of those that are essential, will be suspended. This will include the entire service area of Region 1 (Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard & Winneshiek counties). Those essential services that will continue will only include rider dialysis appointments.We have concerns for individuals that fall into the “high risk category” and we feel it is our responsibility to them and the public to make this decision. Please continue to visit www.neicac.org for future updates.

FAMILY SERVICE OFFICES AND FOOD PANTRIES

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) will continue operations in all service area county Family Services offices. In following recommendations, offices will not be seeing customers face-to-face with the exception of Food Pantry pick-up at office doors. All area residents are encouraged to apply for the low-income home energy program and other assistance by phone or online. Workers who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 crisis are especially encouraged to apply. Residents of Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard & Winneshiek counties can apply online at www.neicac.org/LIHEAP or by calling the local Family Services office listed below. Applications for assistance can be completed without visiting an office. Eligibility (175% of the federal poverty level) is based on either the household’s last 30 days of income or the most recent tax return, whichever is most beneficial to the household.

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Division of Community Action Agencies (DCAA) has extended the regular LIHEAP season through May 31, 2020. Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) Family Service Offices will continue taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through May 31, 2020. Residents of Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard & Winneshiek counties can apply online at www.neicac.org or by calling the local Family Services office listed below. Applications for assistance can be completed without visiting an office. Visit our LIHEAP page www.neicac.org/LIHEAP and look for the “Apply Online” link. Applications may also be requested by mail or by phone. NEICAC’s Family Services offices will not be scheduling face-to-face appointments with customers until further notice.

MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION

Agency Appreciations

“Thank you for your fabulous work with the Decorah community & surrounding areas. All of you truly embody the spirit of hope & change people’s lives to not only help themselves but to encourage & help those around them. At a time when our country needs love & compassion, you & your staff deserve a well-deserved BRAVO.”
Rachel Buresh
KD Rae Jewelry

MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION

Embrace Iowa

“Embrace Iowa helped our family be getting us a stove. The stove we had was hazardous. When we would cook on it, it would stink the whole house up. Also, it leaked underneath the stove. That stove was so small that my two year old son could see inside the pan without standing on anything. Now, with our new stove we can cook without smelling anything or without cleaning up a leaky mess. Thanks so much for our new stove. We really appreciated it.”
Fayette County Resident

MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION

Dynamic Partnerships

“St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School have been pleased to be working with NEICAC. They have been a wonderful partner and resource for those individuals and families in our communities who are in need of support and assistance. We have been able to assist this organization with money for utilities, shelter, transportation, food, and other help. They also provide for emergency medical and dental services as well as mental health services for those who do not have the means to access those services on their own. St Paul’s considers the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corportation to be a vital part of our community.”
Ron Zell - Director or Administration, St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School

MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION

EARL Public Transit

“The reason I choose EARL is that the Drivers are Nice and that I want to Ride the transit because I like to see new faces every time I ride. They help me get around to where I need to go. I get along with the Transit Drivers and the passengers.”

NEICAC EARL Public Transit Rider