The reasons that families fall into homelessness can be as numerous as the number of families who end up at the homeless shelter. The ERP board is well aware that these families' needs can't be met by providing two weeks of emergency housing. Families need time to transist from an emergency situation back into stability. PATH resulted from the board's focus on this need in our community.

Transitional Housing provides this stable home-base to families for a period of up to two years (the average time spent in transitional housing is about eight months). Over 2/3 of all families that request transitional housing from ERP are residents of Story County.

How Did PATH Come About?

Seed money for PATH came from an $85,000 bequest to ERP from the estate of an anonymous donor. The Board explored various options for this gift, including renovation of the house to the north of the shelter. When Habitat for Humanity approached ERP with ISU's proposal for an ISU Homecoming blitz build, the ERP Board decided to approve construction of a 4-plex next door to the shelter dedicated to transitional housing.

Who made PATH Possible?

An incredible number of individuals, businesses and religious organizations made the PATH possible. The actual construction of the 4-plex was done by ISU and community volunteers under the direction of Habitat for Humanity. Because of these many contributions, PATH has substantially increased the level of housing assistance available in the City of Ames.

Here is a list of donations:

ERP Four-Plex Sponsors/Contributors
219 S. Kellogg
(in partnership with Habitat for Humanity)

Affordable Rental Housing Opportunities

Affordable Housing in Story County

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