HomeMy WebLinkAboutA015 - Resolution approving submission of the Story County Community Foundation Community Betterment Grant on Behalf of Homeless Outreach and Support Team (HOST)To:Mayor and City Council
From:Casandra Eames, Engagement Coordinator
Date:October 13, 2026
Subject:STORY COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION COMMUNITY
BETTERMENT GRANT
Item No. 18
MEMO
In early September 2026, the Homeless Outreach and Support Team (HOST)
expressed interest in applying for the Story County Community Foundation
(SCCF) Community Betterment Grant, which could make awards up to $25,000.
HOST includes the City of Ames Mental Health Advocate, members of the
Alternative Response for Community Health (ARCH), the Social Worker with
Mary Greeley, and as of recently, staff from the Romero House.
Since HOST is not an organized entity, it is not eligible to apply. Therefore,
HOST members inquired about the City of Ames applying on behalf of HOST for
the grant. Staff agreed this opportunity would be beneficial and awarded funds
would further support HOST's work in serving vulnerable individuals and families
in Ames. Therefore, staff worked with HOST to prepare a Community
Betterment Grant application for up to $20,000 on behalf of HOST and
submitted that grant by the due date of September 30, 2026.
This memo is meant to apprise the City Council of the staff's submittal of
this grant application. All materials submitted with that grant application
are attached. If Council desires withdraw, it would be appropriate to make a
motion accordingly. If no motion is made and a grant is awarded, staff will
proceed with the grant.
In summary, the grant application proposes that with this grant HOST will
be able to continue its ongoing work by addressing homelessness through
two strategies:
Administration 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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Strategy 1: The SCCF grant funds can be used to purchase and fulfill
immediate, practical needs for individuals and families experiencing or at
risk of experiencing homelessness. HOST anticipates supporting more than
50 individuals with items such as:
Replacement IDs
Bus tickets
Uber rides
Phones and supplies
Car titles and registrations
Gift cards
Food and gas vouchers
Cy-Ride passes
Miscellaneous items (bug spray, sunblock, water, clothes,
shoes, car seats, medications, shower cards, etc.)
* This strategy may seem familiar because this work has been ongoing for the
last two years, supported by City of Ames funding. In 2024 and 2025, Council
has approved $21,250 for HOST outreach activities.
Strategy 2: Expanding community education around homelessness in
Ames, while building a pipeline of community volunteers. This strategy
includes providing a minimum of four educational opportunities to the community
around causes, contributing factors, and impacts of homelessness. These
sessions will include a poverty simulation component and facilitating a minimum
of two Mental Health First Aid sessions (which include substance abuse
education) at no cost to the community.
HOST is requesting a total of $20,000 from the Story County Community
Foundation.
$11,350 is being requested for Strategy 1: fulfill practical, immediate
barrier-reducing services; and
$8,650 is being requested for strategy 2: expanding community education
on homelessness, while building a pipeline of community volunteers to
support those who are unsheltered.
HOST received several letters of support for its application, also attached. After
the grant funds are exhausted, efforts will be sustained through community
involvement, either through direct engagement or by supporting HOST
financially.
Administration 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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ATTACHMENT(S):
HOST Community Grant Application 2026 (1).pdf
ACSD HOST Support Letter.pdf
HOST - Letter of Support County Attorney's Office.pdf
HOST - Letter of Support from Alternatives.pdf
HOST letter of support COA Parks and Rec.pdf
HOST letter of support LFaisal.pdf
HOST Support 9-2026rev Overflow.pdf
Letter of Support for HOST_9.14.26 from Romero House.pdf
MGMC Letter of Support.pdf
Administration 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT KARIN SEVDE AT
KSEVDE@STORYCOUNTYFOUNDATION.ORG 1
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COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATION
Applications must be submitted through the online grants’ portal on our website.
Deadline to submit the application is 5:00 PM, September 30, 2026
Name of Organization: City of Ames
Contact Person for this application: Pa Vang Goldbeck
Title: Assistant City Manager
Address: 515 Clark Ave
City: Ames State: IA Zip Code: 50010
Business Phone: 515-239-5202 Cell Phone of Contact:
Email Address: Pa.Goldbeck@cityofames.org Website: City of Ames Website
Number of Employees: 650 Number of Volunteers:
Type of Organization: Local Government
501 (c) (3) Non – Profit Organization Federal Tax EIN* __________________________
*You will be asked to submit a copy of the current IRS Exemption Declaration Letter
170 (c) (1) Local Government Agency Federal EIN* ___42-6004218__________________________________
*If your agency does not have the required IRS status, you will need a fiscal sponsor.
Name of Fiscal Sponsor if different than applying agency:
Fiscal Sponsor EIN:
Fiscal Sponsor Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Fiscal Sponsor Phone Number: Website:
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QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT KARIN SEVDE AT
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PROJECT NARRATIVE
Community Grant Requests of up to $25,000 will be considered.
Project Name: HOST (Homeless Outreach and Support Team)
Briefly describe the need, challenge, or opportunity this project addresses. Include
relevant context and data and clearly identify the population(s) served. [25 points]
Since 2024, the Homeless Outreach and Support Team (HOST) has existed to serve
vulnerable individuals and families in Story County experiencing or at risk of experiencing
homelessness.
HOST consists of 1) a Steering Committee with representatives from the Ames Police
Department, Mary Greeley Medical Center (MGMC) - Alternative Response for Community
Health (ARCH), The Salvation Army, and The Romero House; and 2) a significant
collaboration network of approximately 20 representatives from local service provider
organizations that serve the vulnerable populations, such as Eyerly Ball, YSS, Ames
School District, and more. This collaboration convenes weekly to coordinate and provide
wraparound services. HOST is not an entity, but a strategic partnership.
Although there is no great way to measure the number of individuals experiencing
homelessness, some working data is available that demonstrates the community need.
Through the HOST collaboration, last school year the Ames Community School District
was able to house 55% of identified homeless students (58 children), and at the end of the
school year, there were 125 students identified on the homeless roster.
Additionally, in the last nine months, HOST has served 4 individuals with replacement IDs;
18 people with bus tickets; 3 individuals with uber rides; 15 individuals with
phones/minutes; and 1 person to obtain a car title registration. Additionally, HOST has
provided 39 CyRide passes, 100 food and gas vouchers, 151 local gift cards for essential
needs, and other miscellaneous needs.
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QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT KARIN SEVDE AT
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Additional data is attached in the "June 24, 2025 HOST Update to City Council" and the
"Host Impact Infographic."
Outline the project's overall goal(s), and list specific, measurable objectives, including the
outcomes you expect to achieve [20 points]:
HOST’s overarching goal is to provide immediate stabilization and recovery support to
marginalized populations while empowering the broader community to take an active role
in supporting vulnerable populations.
This proposed project focuses on supporting the ongoing work of HOST by addressing
homelessness through two strategies: 1) fulfilling immediate, practical needs for
individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, and 2) expanding
community education on homelessness, while building a pipeline of community
volunteers to support individuals/families who are unsheltered.
Strategy 1 Objective: Fulfill immediate, practical needs for individuals and families
experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Outcomes:
1. Provide essential items to people who are unhoused or at risk of becoming
unhoused to help meet immediate needs and prevent further hardship. The list of
eligible services is provided in the Major Budget Items table below. Examples
include providing bus tickets, cell phones and minutes, replacement IDs, etc. HOST
anticipates impacting more than 50 individuals.
2. Provide non-monetary resources and services to people who are unhoused or at risk
of becoming unhoused to help meet immediate needs and prevent further hardship.
Examples include facilitating warm handoffs to the justice system diversion
programs and connecting individuals directly with treatment facilities. HOST
anticipates impacting more than 50 individuals.
3. Support individuals with securing and maintaining employment and permanent
housing. This builds on the successful ongoing collaborative efforts, which helped
house 55% of identified homeless students (58 children) in the Ames Community
School District last year.
Strategy 2 Objective: Expanding community education on homelessness, while building
a pipeline of community volunteers to support individuals/families who are unsheltered.
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QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT KARIN SEVDE AT
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Outcomes:
1. Provide a minimum of four educational opportunities to the community around
causes, contributing factors, and impacts of homelessness. These sessions will
include a poverty simulation component.
2. Facilitate a minimum of two Mental Health First Aid sessions (which include
substance abuse education) at no cost to the community.
3. Increase community awareness of the connection between housing instability,
employment, education, physical health, and mental health.
4. Reduce community member misconceptions and stigmas associated with
unsheltered individuals.
5. Identify a minimum of 15 community members who are committed and equipped to
volunteer to assist with various needs to support the unhoused, such as assisting
with completing job applications, applying for housing, and staffing the local
warming shelter.
Describe the key activities and steps required to achieve the stated goals and
objectives. Provide a reasonable timeline for implementation. [15 points]
To achieve the goals of this proposal, HOST will execute the following key activities based
on the two strategies outlined:
Strategy 1: Fulfilling immediate, practical needs for individuals and families experiencing
or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
a. Continue conducting street outreach (immediately and ongoing): HOST currently
conducts weekly visits to the Ames Romero House and the Ames Public Library and
does street-level outreach at popular encampment sites around Ames. This work
will continue as part of this grant proposal.
b. Continue convening local partner agencies for service coordination
(immediately and ongoing): HOST will continue convening over 20 local partner
organizations weekly to coordinate wraparound care, reduce agency duplication
efforts, and secure essentials resources for individuals transitioning into rental
units.
c. Identify individuals/families to receive immediate/practical services
(immediately and ongoing): After each weekly HOST meeting, individuals to receive
immediate/practical services will be identified and the services they will receive will
be documented and executed (ex. HOST agrees John Doe needs assistance with
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QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT KARIN SEVDE AT
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paying the fee for obtaining a new ID and applying for rental housing, therefore HOST
will assist John Doe with this and pay the fees on his behalf ). A report of final
expenditures will be provided at the end of the grant period or as often as requested.
Strategy 2: Expanding community education on homelessness, while building a pipeline
of community volunteers to support individuals/families who are unsheltered.
a. Conduct Community Education Sessions: Quarterly, HOST will collaborate with
community partners to host poverty simulation sessions that are open for public
participation. Additionally, HOST will facilitate two Mental Health First Aid sessions
(which include substance abuse education) at no cost to the community.
b. Establish a Community of Volunteers: By the end of the fourth educational
session (the 12-month mark since project execution), the goal is to have recruited
and onboarded a minimum of 15 dedicated community volunteers to provide direct
support to the marginalized community. Materials to support this effort, including a
guide for volunteering, will be produced before the education sessions begin to
support the success of this effort.
Explain the long-term impact this project is expected to have. If applicable, describe
how the project will continue or be sustained after grant funds are exhausted.
[10 points]
The long-term impact of this project will further cultivate a proactive community that takes
ownership of supporting its vulnerable neighbors. This will be achieved by educating the
public on issues that may lead to homelessness and empowering community members to
become volunteers to support those who are unhoused or at risk of being unhoused.
Additionally, by leveraging social networks and providing practical assistance, the goal is
to continue helping the unhoused find and remain in permanent housing. This effort also
strives to shift the community to be more proactive than reactive; for example, community
members will be equipped to intervene and connect individuals with resources months
before an impending eviction occurs.
Following the exhaustion of grant funds, the project will be sustained through the
community involvement anticipated to be generated by our educational programs. As
residents become more engaged, HOST will have the opportunity to be supported by
community members through volunteer time, and those unable to volunteer will be
encouraged to support HOST financially.
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QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT KARIN SEVDE AT
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Currently the Mary Greeley Foundation is accepting donation funds on behalf of HOST,
and some private donations has been received to date; however, we anticipate this grant
proposal will further enable HOST to get the word out about how resident can support the
goals of HOST to assist the unhoused.
Explain how you will publicly recognize the Story County Community Foundation for
its grant support. Include specific communication methods (e.g. print, digital, or in-
person), target audiences and opportunities for public recognition or visibility.
[5 points]
HOST will ensure high visibility for the Story County Community Foundation by recognizing
its vital support through multiple channels:
• In-Person and Presentations: The Foundation's grant support will be explicitly
mentioned in every HOST community presentation, update, and forum held
throughout 2026 and 2027. In the past, the local newspapers have covered the
success of HOST, and we anticipate that if awarded this grant, the local newspapers
may highlight this. Additionally, if awarded, this will be on the City of Ames City
Council agenda where Story County Community Foundation will be acknowledged
for its financial partnership.
• Print Materials: Acknowledgment of the Foundation’s funding will be featured on
flyers distributed at all educational events.
• Social Media: If awarded, the news will be shared on the City of Ames and Ames
Romero House’s social media accounts. Additionally, we will share data-driven
success metrics made possible by this funding, such as the number of new
volunteers.
• Press Release: The City of Ames would issue a press release announcing the
award, recognizing the support of the Story County Community Foundation.
Project Budget & Financial Overview
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QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT KARIN SEVDE AT
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Provide a detailed project budget that outlines all anticipated revenues and
expenses. [10 points]
1. Amount requested from the Story County Community Foundation
2. Additional funding sources, secured and/or pending: e.g. have you applied for
grant funding for the same project with another source? If so, who with?
3. List of all in-kind contributions
Provide a line-item budget for all planned expenditures. Upload quotes of items to be
purchased, bids for contract work to be done and all relevant information we may
need to consider your request. [10 points]
HOST is requesting a total of $20,000 from the Story County Community Foundation.
Of the total request, $11,350 is being requested for strategy 1: fulfilling practical,
immediate barrier-reduction services to ensure individuals can successfully access
resources needed to secure housing, employment and services needed.
The remaining $8,650 is being requested for strategy 2: expanding community education
on homelessness, while building a pipeline of community volunteers to support
individuals/families who are unsheltered.
Below is a breakdown of how funds will be allocated:
Major Budget Items Cost In-Kind
Funding
(name)
Matching Fund SCCF Funding
Request
Example: wheelchair $900 $300 $600
Education and training (two Mental Health
First Aid sessions and four education sessions
including a poverty simulation component)
$8,650 $8,650
Transportation Services $2,000 $2,000
Bus tickets outside of the city of Ames proper $3,600 $3,600
Cy-Ride monthly passes $1,000 $1,000
Cell phones & minutes $1,200 $1,200
Replacement IDs $150 $150
Birth Certificates $600 $600
Apartment application fees $600 $600
Miscellaneous items (bug spray, sun block,
water/ice for cooler to hand out, clothes,
shoes/work boots, apartment move-in
supplies, car seats, medications, sleeping bags,
$2,200 $2,200
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QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT KARIN SEVDE AT
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shower chairs, hygiene products, hand/feet
warmers, hats, scarves, gloves, coats, beds,
bedding, etc.)
TOTAL, $20,000 TOTAL $20,000
Other Funding Sources
Secured
In 2024 and 2025, the City of Ames provided HOST with $21,250 to pilot the work of HOST,
specifically related to strategy number one: fulfilling immediate, practical needs for
individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This pilot flex fund was intended to
launch HOST and garner community support. Since HOST's formation, the group has been
able to raise short of $7,000 in private dollars through generous donors through the help of
Mary Greeley Foundation. Although no larger organization funds have been committed
yet, HOST anticipates making a funding request to the City of Ames, Mary Greeley Medical
Center, and Story County yet this calendar year.
Explain how the Story County Community Foundation grant funds will be used. Will
the funds pay for the entire project? If not, what items will the funds be used for? [5
points]
The Story County Community Foundation grant funds will be used to directly provide
essential, gap -filling resources for marginalized individuals and expand community
education regarding poverty and mental health as outlined in the Major Budget Items
above.
This funding request does not pay for the entirety of the work HOST does. HOST's broader,
ongoing operations are sustained through the collaborative resources and time from over
20 community partner organizations. HOST does not employ anyone, as it is not an entity,
but a strategic partnership. As such, participating organizations with HOST independently
cover the cost of salaries for the individuals serving on the HOST Steering Committee and
the collaborative networks. HOST will continue to operate even if not awarded this grant,
however, this funding will allow HOST to provide the financial assistance aspect to those
in need.
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QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT KARIN SEVDE AT
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Have you applied for grant funding from another source for the same project? Please
notify us if this project receives additional funding from another source after you
submit this application.
HOST has applied twice for the IFA Homelessness Incubator grant program but has not yet
been awarded. HOST continues to look for other funding sources, hence applying for this
Community Betterment grant from the Story County Community Foundation.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, HOST intends to make a funding request to the City of
Ames, Mary Greeley Medical Center, and Story County yet this calendar year, in addition to
raising private donation dollars, and cultivating in-kind support from community
volunteers.
Have you previously received a grant from the Story County Community Foundation?
If so, please list the year, amount and project. No.
Application Check Sheet
Please submit your completed Community Grant Application through the online grant portal on the
Story County Community Foundation website: www.storycountyfoundation.org.
Remember to include and attach within the application:
• A copy of your current IRS Declaration Letter for 501 (c) (3) status, or that of the fiscal sponsor
with documentation of status as a charitable project of a government agency.
• Please attach a list of your board of directors with their email addresses.
• Letters of commitment from partners collaborating on this project.
• Letters of support are not required but are appreciated and will be considered.
• Photos which may assist in the description of the project.
The organization’s representative for this project acknowledges and certifies that he/she is
authorized to represent the organization and that the information contained in this application is
accurate and correct.
If the grant is awarded to this organization for this project:
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• The grant funds will be used for the purpose outlined in this application and grant award
letter and may not be expended for any other purpose without consideration and written
approval by the Story County Community Foundation.
• The Story County Community Foundation has received nothing of material value in exchange
for the grant funds.
• Projects are to be completed, and final report submitted on or before August 31, 2027.
• Information about the organization and the grant award may be used by the Story County
Community Foundation in any publication and social media sources.
• The organization agrees to reciprocate the announcement of the grant award, by publicizing
the Story County Community Foundation and the grant award in the organization’s
publications and social media outlets.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Representative Date
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STORY COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Timothy C. Meals – County Attorney
Story County Justice Center
1315 South B Ave – Nevada Iowa 50201
(515) 382-7255 | FAX: (515) 382-7270
Ames Office – Human Services Center
126 South Kellogg Ave, Suite 203 – Ames Iowa 50010
(515) 232-4185 | FAX: (515) 232-6405
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing in support of the Homeless Outreach Team (HOST) and the important work they do
in our community. Story County Diversion, housed within the Story County Attorney’s Office,
has had the opportunity to work alongside HOST and see firsthand how the ir outreach and
connections to service providers make a meaningful difference for individuals experiencing
homelessness.
There have been several occasions when HOST has been working with an individual struggling
with alcohol or substance use, and, when our schedule allows, we have been able to respond if
the individual is willing to accept assistance. At times, we have taken someone directly to
treatment. Other times, we have simply provided our contact information and helped them
understand that support is available. HOST has helped bridge the gap between individuals in
need and the providers who can assist them.
There have also been a couple of instances where HOST connected us with individuals who were
seeking help, and we later learned they had an existing charge. Through that connection, the
County Attorney’s Office was able to intervene and offer Story County Diversion as a post-arrest
option. This created an opportunity for the individual to address their substance use and work
toward having their charge dismissed by completing the program requirements, including
obtaining treatment. These situations are a gre at example of how HOST, Story County
Diversion, and the County Attorney’s Office can work together to address both an individual’s
immediate needs and the circumstances that may be contributing to their involvement with the
justice system.
One thing that stands out to me is the trust HOST has built with the individuals they serve. When
we ask if we can discuss someone’s situation during our weekly Friday HOST meeting, they
often immediately know what we are referring to and are more than comfortable with us sharing
their information so we can better understand their needs and work together to help. That speaks
volumes about the relationships HOST has built, both with providers and with the individuals
they serve.
I believe our community is more connected and collaborative today than it was five years ago,
and HOST has played a significant role in that progress. We have seen success stories come from
these efforts, including individuals connected to treatment, housing, and other supportive
services. We recently had the opportunity to share some of those stories during our Friday
meeting, and they serve as a reminder of why this work matters.
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I truly believe our community is in a better position because of HOST. Their work has
strengthened our network of support and created opportunities for individuals that may not
otherwise exist. Story County Diversion is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside HOST,
and we are proud to support their continued work.
Sincerely,
Nicholle Stangeland
Program Manager
Story County Diversion
Story County Attorney’s Office
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STORY COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Timothy C. Meals – County Attorney
Story County Justice Center
1315 South B Ave – Nevada Iowa 50201
(515) 382-7255 | FAX: (515) 382-7270
Ames Office – Human Services Center
126 South Kellogg Ave, Suite 203 – Ames Iowa 50010
(515) 232-4185 | FAX: (515) 232-6405
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing in support of the Homeless Outreach Team (HOST) and the important work they do
in our community. The Story County Attorney’s Alternatives Arrest Diversion Program has had
the opportunity to work alongside HOST and see firsthand how their outreach and connections to
service providers make a meaningful difference for individuals experiencing homelessness.
On numerous occasions, HOST has facilitated warm handoffs to our program when substance
use emerged as a barrier and the individual was open to receiving help. In some cases, this has
meant taking someone directly to treatment; in others, our role was simply to provide contact
information and help them understand that support is available. In every instance, HOST plays a
crucial role in bridging the gap between individuals in need and the providers who can assist
them.
There have also been situations where HOST connected us with individuals seeking help, and we
later discovered they had an existing criminal charge. Because of that referral, we were able to
alert the prosecuting attorney of their situation early in the legal process resulting in a post-arrest
diversion option. This created an opportunity for the individual to address substance use while
working toward dismissal of their charge through successful completion of program
requirements, including obtaining treatment. These examples highlight how HOST, Alternatives
Arrest Diversion and prosecution can work together to meet immediate needs while also
addressing underlying challenges contributing to justice system involvement.
I firmly believe our community is stronger because of HOST. Their efforts have expanded our
network of support and created opportunities for individuals that may not otherwise exist. The
Alternatives program is grateful for the chance to work alongside HOST, and we are proud to
support their ongoing work.
Sincerely,
Nicholle Stangeland
Program Manager
Story County Alternatives Arrest Diversion Program
Story County Attorney’s Office
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Parks and Recreation 515.239.5350 main 515 Clark Ave., P.O. Box 811
515.239.5355 fax Ames, IA 50010
www.CityOfAmes.org
September 24, 2026
Dear Story County Community Foundation:
I am writing to express support for the Homeless Outreach and Support Team
(HOST) and its efforts to assist individuals and families experiencing
homelessness or housing instability in the Ames and Story County community.
Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a coordinated community
response. HOST plays an important role in connecting individuals experiencing
homelessness with the resources, services, and support they need to move
toward stable housing and improved quality of life. By meeting people where
they are and helping connect them with appropriate services, HOST provides an
important connection between individuals in need and the broader network of
community resources available in Story County.
City of Ames Parks and Recreation staff encounter individuals daily within the
park system that are experiencing homelessness. I have personally witnessed
the expertise and care taken by the HOST team to ensure individuals are
treated with the utmost respect. It’s amazing to have a team of individuals so
devoted to solving an issue that affects so many people.
We all recognize that effective solutions to homelessness require collaboration
with many groups. HOST is an effective and crucial part of the collaboration
effort.
I am pleased to provide this letter of support for HOST and its efforts to continue
providing outreach and support to individuals experiencing homelessness in the
Ames area. Thank you for considering support for the Homeless Outreach and
Support Team (HOST)
Sincerely,
Joshua Thompson, Parks and Facilities Superintendent
City of Ames Parks and Recreation
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September 17, 2026
Grant Committee
Story County Community Foundation
P.O. Box 1666
Ames, Iowa 50010
Story County Community Foundation:
I am writing in support of the grant application from HOST - the Ames Homeless Outreach
Support Team - for resources to fund programming, services and education as part of their
mission of helping the unhoused and marginalized in our community.
Overflow has been privileged to support HOST since its inception. The unique, collaborative
structure of HOST brings together 25+ partners in Story County to provide a team-based
approach to case management for this population in need. HOST and its partners provide a
superior level of care for these individuals because they focus on developing strong
relationships and offering a comprehensive, coordinated set of services. In a very short time,
HOST has developed a high level of credibility and trust among the homeless community and
with its many partner organizations.
A grant from Story County Community Foundation will help HOST extend their reach in our
community through community education on poverty/homelessness and Mental Health First Aid
trainings. They will also be able to provide additional and much-needed practical care to the
population need in the form of bus tickets, furniture and household items for individuals moving
into permanent housing, prescription medicine, employment support, and clothing and hygiene
products.
Overflow is pleased to be part of the network of care created by HOST in Story County. I urge
the Foundation to support their continued work on behalf of our friends and neighbors in this
community. Please contact me at director@overflowthriftstore.org with any questions.
Sincerely,
Sandra M S wanson
Sandra M. Swanson
Managing Director
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September 14, 2026
To Whom It May Concern:
On behalf of Ames Romero House, I am pleased to offer our strong support for the
Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST) and its grant application. HOST has become an
essential partner in our shared mission to serve individuals experiencing homelessness,
mental health challenges, substance use disorders, extreme poverty, and other difficult
circumstances in Ames and Story County.
At Ames Romero House, our mission has never been merely to provide meals, showers,
laundry, and other basic necessities. We exist to accompany our neighbors through some
of the most difficult moments of their lives, walking beside them with compassion, dignity,
and hope. That journey begins with trust.
Trust is built through everyday acts of radical hospitality and also grows through strong
community partnerships. No single organization can meet every need our neighbors face.
HOST understands this reality and has developed an innovative, collaborative outreach
model that partners with numerous community agencies and professionals to connect
individuals with the resources best suited to their unique circumstances.
Our guests see HOST's impact firsthand. Every Thursday, HOST visits Ames Romero
House, where our guests rely on our team to help them navigate challenging days and
complex situations. HOST meets people where they are, listens to their needs, builds
relationships, and partners with numerous agencies to identify the best-fit resources and
next steps for each individual.
HOST’s work extends far beyond our home. Its outreach reaches individuals at
encampments, the Ames Public Library, on the streets, and throughout the community.
Through collaboration with organizations and professionals, including the Ames Police
Department, ARCH, Mary Greeley Medical Center, The Salvation Army, and many others,
HOST helps provide crisis intervention, mental health and substance use resources,
housing connections, and access to essential services.
Each Friday, HOST also convenes more than twenty local organizations to coordinate care
for individuals experiencing homelessness and other complex challenges. This
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collaborative approach reduces duplication, improves communication, and ensures that
people connect with the organizations best equipped to assist them.
Our partnership with HOST also strengthens the Ames Warming Place, Story County’s
overnight emergency shelter for extreme winter weather. Ames Romero House and HOST
were instrumental in establishing this important community resource and remain
committed to ensuring our neighbors have a safe place to turn in times of crisis.
HOST exemplifies what effective community outreach should be: relationships,
collaboration, trust, and action. Ames Romero House strongly supports HOST and
respectfully encourages you to consider this grant request favorably. Investing in HOST is
an investment in a stronger continuum of care for some of the most vulnerable members of
our community.
Sincerely,
David Thielen
Executive Director
Ames Romero House
702 Clark Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010
515-337-8088
director@amesromerohouse.org
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To Whom It May Concern:
I am pleased to offer my strong support for the Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST) and
its application for grant funding to expand community education, mental health training, and
direct support for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing inst ability in Story
County.
Through my role as Director of Behavioral Health Services at Mary Greeley Medical Center, I
see firsthand the complex challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and
poverty. Housing instability is rarely an isolated issue. It often intersect s with mental health
needs, substance use, transportation barriers, limited access to communication, food insecurity,
healthcare needs, and difficulty navigating health and social service systems.
One of the greatest strengths of HOST is the collaboration it creates among community
organizations. HOST brings together entities from across our community, each contributing their
own expertise, resources, and perspective to support individuals in need. Rather than
organizations working independently or addressing only one piece of a person's situation,
HOST provides an opportunity for partners to work collectively around the needs of each
individual.
This collaboration allows the team to look at the whole person. When someone is struggling with
homelessness, the goal is not simply to identify a place for that individual to sleep. The team
considers what else may be preventing that person from achieving stability—transportation,
physical and mental healthcare, substance use treatment, identification documents,
communication, benefits, employment, food, safety, or basic household necessities. Community
partners work together to identify gaps, coordinate available re sources, and determine how
each organization can contribute. The shared goal is to ensure that, as much as possible, all of
the individual's needs are addressed rather than expecting that person to navigate multiple
complicated systems alone.
The proposed funding would allow HOST to strengthen this work in several important areas.
Funding for a community poverty and homelessness simulation would provide participants with
a greater understanding of the difficult choices and systemic barriers fac ed by individuals and
families living in poverty or without stable housing. This type of education can build empathy,
improve collaboration, and help our community develop more informed and effective responses.
HOST is also seeking support to provide quarterly Mental Health First Aid training. Expanding
Mental Health First Aid within our community will give more individuals the skills and confidence
to recognize signs of mental health or substance use concerns, r espond appropriately, and
connect people with available resources.
Just as importantly, grant funding would support the practical needs HOST encounters every
day while working directly with vulnerable individuals. Assistance such as bus tickets, phones
and phone cards, and basic household items can seem small, but these r esources often make
the difference between someone being able to attend an appointment, communicate with a
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housing provider, access services, move successfully into housing, or maintain stability once
housed.
HOST represents what a strong community response should look like: organizations working
across traditional boundaries, sharing responsibility, and bringing their collective resources
together around the needs of the individual. No single organization can address homelessness,
poverty, mental health, healthcare, transportation, housing, and other social needs alone. HOST
provides a structure for our community to address these challenges together.
I strongly support HOST's request for funding. This investment will not only provide tangible
assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty, but will also strengthen the
network of organizations and community members working together to s upport them. Ultimately,
strengthening HOST strengthens our community's ability to ensure that people in need are
seen, supported, connected, and given the best possible opportunity to achieve stability.
Thank you for your consideration of this request and for your investment in the health, stability,
and well-being of our community.
Sincerely,
Chris Mayfield, MSN, PMH-BC
Director of Behavioral Health Services
Mary Greeley Medical Center
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