Mission and Goals
The ERP seeks to provide shelter, food, essential hygiene, referral
for needs not covered by our programs and (whenever possible) intervention
to prevent homelessness.
Population Served
Almost two-thirds of the people benefiting directly from ERP programs
are residents of Story County, with the remaining one-third composed
of individuals attempting to relocate to Story County or who are passing
through town.
Main Shelter - Last year, ERP provided short-term
shelter to 500 people. Most stayed less than two weeks. The overflow
from the shelter were housed in rented motel space.
Homeless Prevention Program - 1,100 people were assisted
through this program last year. It is the largest part of our program
and the most rapidly growing. Families are assisted with utility payments
to prevent disconnections and with direct rent payments so evictions
are not carried out. Last year, payments made to Alliant totaled $20,000,
payments to landlords totaled $60,000.
Transitional housing - The newest program, Transitional
Housing, assisted 50 persons last year. The four-plex just north of
the shelter was constructed in 1999 in partnership with Habitat for
Humanity and Iowa State University's Homecoming Blitz Build. A duplex
to the south of the shelter was purchased in 1992 and also serves families
in transition.
History
In 1985, a group of Story County individuals, representing local religious
and social organizations, began plans for an emergency shelter for the
homeless. Operations began in 1985, and membership in the United Way
was obtained in 1986. The shelter received federal tax-exempt status
in 1987 and acquired two adjacent structures in 1992 and 1995. These
properties provided all housing opportunities until 1999 when, in partnership
with Habitat for Humanity, Iowa State University, and numerous organizations
in the Ames community, a four-plex apartment building was constructed.
This facility now functions as the primary source of transitional housing
available under ERP.
Affordable
Rental Housing Opportunities
Affordable
Housing in Story County
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