Mason City Coalition Adds First Business Sponsor to Fight Homelessness, Mental Health Crises

MASON CITY, Iowa — A coalition of city officials, law enforcement, health providers and faith leaders has formed to address homelessness, mental health and substance abuse issues in Cerro Gordo County, with a local business becoming the group’s first corporate sponsor last month.

The Vulnerable Community Coalition took shape after North Iowa experienced fatalities linked to cold weather, mental health needs, substance issues and gaps in community response last November, according to 43 North Iowa, the nonprofit leading the effort. City leaders and officials asked the organization to research solutions, and 43 North Iowa agreed to study the issue.

Since then, the group has met regularly and examined a coalition model used successfully in 15 other communities, according to 43 North Iowa. The effort has since grown to include city officials, law enforcement, economic development leaders, faith leaders and nonprofits.

Curries – ASSA ABLOY became the coalition’s first business sponsor on Aug. 28, backing the group’s strategic planning year, according to the release. The company’s involvement came after an Aug. 12 lunch-and-learn event the committee hosted for business and nonprofit leaders. Organizers said opportunities remain for other businesses and community partners to sponsor the coalition’s research and strategic planning work.

The Community Crisis Response Team will spend the next year conducting outreach to people in need to gather input for the coalition’s next steps, according to the release.

Members of the coalition include Curries – ASSA ABLOY, Cerro Gordo Veterans Affairs, Mason City and Cerro Gordo County officials, Mason City and Clear Lake law enforcement, the Mason City and Clear Lake chambers of commerce, North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation, Crisis Intervention Service, the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, Friends of the Family – North Central Iowa, Northern Lights Alliance for the Homeless Shelters, 43 North Iowa, Community Health Center of Mason City, Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa and Trinity Lutheran Church, with other organizations’ participation still pending.

“No one organization owns this problem, and no one organization can solve this problem either,” Mason City Mayor John Lee said.

Research shows communities that unite around shared goals can reduce crises and begin prevention work, according to 43 North Iowa. Many communities focusing on similar issues start by addressing the needs of veterans, giving coalitions a clear, manageable starting point.

43 North Iowa will lead the coalition’s strategic planning phase. Executive Director John Derryberry praised the community’s collaborative approach.

“What is evident is there is an abundance of people who care in this community,” Derryberry said. “The goal now is to get that focused on the correct direction.”

Over the next year, the coalition plans to adapt models used successfully in other communities to fit Cerro Gordo County’s rural needs, according to the release. Starting in October, coalition members will present to additional local businesses, faith communities and the public as they work to define services and law enforcement’s role in the effort.

For more information about the Vulnerable Community Coalition or how to get involved, call 641-424-8708.