Cedar Rapids to Open Homeless Housing Facility

The Commons on 16th will provide 65 housing units for residents transitioning out of homelessness starting this November.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Philanthropy

Cedar Rapids to Open Homeless Housing Facility

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Cedar Rapids is converting a former truck driver training site into a new housing facility for individuals experiencing homelessness. The project is scheduled to open its doors to residents by the end of November.

Why it matters

The Commons on 16th is designed to provide residents with stable housing, private bedrooms, and dedicated case management. This initiative aims to offer the necessary support and time for individuals to transition from prolonged homelessness to independent living.

The Commons on 16th will offer 65 total housing units within the converted facility. This project is structured as a three-year pilot program to assess the efficacy of this housing model in Cedar Rapids.

The players

United Way of East Central Iowa

This nonprofit organization is coordinating the volunteer effort to clean and prepare the facility for its upcoming opening.

Linn County

The county government serves as a primary funding and management partner for the housing development project.

The details

The facility features shared kitchens and bathrooms alongside private bedrooms for residents. Beyond physical shelter, the project provides assistance with lease management and rent payments for those contributing income to the program.

The facility is scheduled to open by the end of November.
The initiative is planned as a three-year pilot project.

Market Landscape

The Commons on 16th follows the pattern set by the Housing First model by prioritizing stable accommodation as the foundation for social services. This project positions Cedar Rapids alongside other cities adopting integrated support structures to address local housing instability.

The facility aims to reduce homelessness in the area by offering residents a pathway to independent living through managed support. Local donors and nonprofits continue to collaborate with Linn County to maintain the operational viability of the center.

The takeaway

The project represents a community-wide effort to combine public funding with volunteer labor to solve a critical housing need. Individuals transitioning to this facility will benefit from both a stable home and structured assistance programs.