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MATTHEW 25 IN CEDAR RAPIDS

Stronger Neighborhoods, Healthier Lives

We’re a local nonprofit working to improve lives in Cedar Rapids through quality housing, healthy food, education and community building. JOIN US!

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OUR FOCUS

Building Connected, Thriving Communities

Research shows that the neighborhoods where we grow up are one of the largest indicators of our future health and success. In Cedar Rapids, there is a 10-year difference in life expectancy and a $20,000 difference in household income at age 35 in the neighborhoods Matthew 25 serves.

We’re working to close that gap through our Four Pillars of Strong Neighborhoods.

Our Stores

Leveraging Community and Commerce

Matthew 25 has developed and launched two innovative projects open to all, serving the healthy food needs of Cedar Rapids’ core neighborhoods and beyond.

People peruse the shelves at the Corner Store A premade sandwich from the Cafe

More than $10 Million invested in Cedar Rapids neighborhoods

Generated 200,000+ volunteer hours

Who We Are

Neighbors Serving Neighbors

Matthew 25 is a homegrown nonprofit dedicated to serving the specific needs of the Cedar Rapids area community. Since our founding in 2006, we’ve collectively invested more than $10 million in Cedar Rapids neighborhoods and generated 200,000+ volunteer hours.

Who We Are

Get Involved

Help Us Grow
Stronger Neighborhoods

We can’t do this alone. Donate, partner or volunteer with us as we
continue to invest in the Cedar Rapids community.
Here’s how you can help:

Latest News

Take a Look at What’s Happening

Check out what we’ve been up to lately and what’s coming soon. Learn about upcoming events and other ways to get involved.

Explore Our Content

Blog

Chickens on the Urban Farm

These new additions bring eggs, educational opportunities, and compost acceleration to our Urban Farm.

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Blog

The Pay-it-Forward Life

Paying it forward is a choice each of us gets to make in countless ways each day.

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Blog

Matthew 25 Remembers Philip Hamilton

In Groundswell, Philip found a way to put his deep yearnings for food justice, equity and authentic friendships to work.

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Stories of Impact

Healthy Food During Cancer Treatments

While being treated for cancer, one of our Cultivate Hope Corner Store shoppers has been stocking up on our Good Meals To Go with every visit. She needs healthy food to strengthen her body during this process and was thrilled to discover that she can get a well-rounded meal at an affordable price, without the stress of shopping, planning, and cooking.

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Stories of Impact

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

A volunteer team finished some much-needed repairs for a neighbor with a brain tumor during our annual Transform Week. These repairs helped make the home livable and has inspired the homeowner to do more to make it feel like a home, including hanging up pictures.

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Stories of Impact

Community Built at Groundswell Cafe

One of Groundswell Cafe’s regular customers made sure to bring her daughter, who she had recently reunited with, to the Cafe and introduce her to “her friends” on staff.

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Stories of Impact

Derecho Repairs Help Home and Family

A mother of two received much-needed derecho repair assistance through the PATCH Program. Every bit of work on this home created peace of mind and alleviated serious stress, but also created a safe environment for her family.

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SEE WHAT WE DO

Matthew 25 in Action

You might wonder what a grocery store, a tool library, and a café have in common. Our organization does a lot, but each effort serves the same mission: to shape a better Cedar Rapids. Our non-profit provides the programs, opportunities, and education needed to improve the health of people and neighborhoods. Watch our explainer video to learn more.