ECIA Hosting a ‘Create a Healthy Community Event’ on Friday in Manchester

A special community event is taking place in Manchester this Friday.

East Central Intergovernmental Agency (ECIA) is hosting a “Create a Healthy Community Event” from 11 am to 4 pm at Central Park, in collaboration with the City of Manchester, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Manchester Hometown Pride. Dan LoBianco with the ECIA explains:

Federal HUD representatives from Washington, D.C. will be joining local leaders to highlight local projects demonstrating the impact that the lead and healthy homes funding has had in east central Iowa.

Those who attend will be able to join a 1 p.m. trolley tour viewing seven neighborhood homes of the 20 renovated in Manchester since 2021. 

He says funds to eliminate health and safety hazards are still available for homes built before 1978. You can learn more about this program by e-mailing homerepairs@ecia.org or call 563-690-5776.

Friday’s event begins with a neighborhood cleanup for all ages, with gloves and cleanup supplies provided. Tree plantings will take place in the park and at residences. There will also be children’s activities, educational booths and free health screenings.

Lunch will be available for purchase in Central Park as a fundraiser, with the proceeds going to the Manchester Dog Park project and served by the Manchester Hometown Pride Committee.

If you are interested in volunteering for the cleanup or would like to have an educational booth at the event, contact Dan LoBianco dlobianco@ecia.org or by calling 563-500-8544.