09/09/2026
PRESS RELEASE: Vulnerable Community Coalition Unites Community Around Solutions
Last November, North Iowa faced tragic losses due to cold weather, mental health needs, substance issues, and gaps in community response. In response, city leaders and officials asked 43 North Iowa how to improve. 43 North Iowa replied, "We will do the research."
Since then, a growing group has met regularly, learning from other communities’ successes. Their rallying cry became Alan Graham’s words: “Housing alone will never solve the problem of homelessness, but community will.” The group expanded to include city officials, law enforcement, economic and faith leaders, and nonprofits. By studying best practices and outcomes from across the country, they chose a coalition model proven in 15 communities. The one missing piece: business involvement.
On August 12, the committee hosted a lunch-and-learn for business and nonprofit leaders. Curries became the first business to join on August 28, sponsoring the Strategic Planning Year. With Curries involved, the coalition now includes every key sector, and opportunities remain for other businesses and community partners to help sponsor the research and strategic planning phase. To ensure those needing the service have input into the next steps for the coalition, the Community Crisis Response Team will conduct outreach to those in need over the next year.
The coalition now includes Curries - Assa Abloy, Cerro Gordo Veterans Affairs, Mason City and Cerro Gordo county officials, Mason City and Clear Lake law enforcement, Mason City and Clear Lake chambers of commerce, North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation, Crisis Intervention Service, 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 Luteran Church, with other entities pending.
Mayor John Lee said, “No one organization owns this problem, and no one organization can solve this problem either.” Research shows that when communities unite around shared goals, they can reduce crises and start prevention work. Many communities begin by focusing on veterans, addressing the needs of a vulnerable population while giving the coalition a clear, manageable place to start.
43 North Iowa will lead the strategic planning phase. Executive Director John Derryberry praised the community’s collaborative approach and commitment to safety and care. “What is evident is there is an abundance of people who care in this community,” Derryberry stated. “The goal now is to get that focused on the correct direction.”
Over the next year, the coalition will look to adapt successful models from other places to fit Cerro Gordo County’s unique rural needs, aiming for long-term solutions and a safer community. Starting in October, the coalition will present to more local businesses, faith communities, and the public. They will continue shaping services, defining law enforcement’s role, and prioritizing safety for all. Caring without accountability creates chaos and goes nowhere. The goal is to build a solid foundation for a social safety net that serves all Cerro Gordo County residents.
For more information about the Vulnerable Community Coalition or how to get involved, call 641-424-8708.
