Ames Unveils Multi-Year Strategy to Tackle Soaring Homelessness in Story County

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The City of Ames formally adopted a plan to address homelessness in Story County following the release of its vision. comprehensive three-year strategic plan Monday night.

Following an increase in homelessness during the previous summer, city authorities instructed the consulting firm Analytic Insight to carry out the research.

On Monday night, the city presented the outcomes of their extensive research during a town hall meeting. The strong interest from locals was evident with over 100 attendees who engaged actively by posing numerous queries throughout the subsequent discussion period lasting approximately one hour.

The 51-page report suggests increasing case management services, boosting shelter capacities, and collaborating with IowaWorks to organize additional job fairs. Continuing to endorse partnerships with service providers, such as the collaboration with The Arch which aims to evaluate the requirements of individuals facing homelessness.

The research also recommends establishing a peer navigator program. This would basically involve a group collaborating with individuals who are hesitant about utilizing current services.

Amy Flowers, who serves as both the president of Analytic Insights and the consultant for the study, unveiled five key recommendations designed exclusively for the fiscal year 2025-2026.

There are individuals within the Story County community who do not utilize available services for various reasons," Flowers explained. "They could be lacking trust. They may feel anxious.

For the upcoming fiscal year, the report recommends finding a location within the city for individuals facing homelessness to seek refuge from extreme temperatures and establishing an emergency housing fund. This fund will intervene when someone requires financial help with rental costs, such as during unforeseen medical expenses like hospital bills.

Ames additionally suggests forming a task force focused on homelessness to evaluate requirements and formulate policy suggestions. There are individuals who express their preference for seeing this initiative implemented as soon as possible.

“I know for me the task force being delayed, to me, is morally abhorrent,” Ames resident Sarah said during the town hall. “We need to get solutions as soon as possible.”

In the upcoming fiscal year of 2027-2028, there is just one suggestion: to develop additional mixed-use supportive and affordable housing. Nonetheless, critics maintain that more immediate action is required.

"I believe we should explore adding elements over the next six to 12 months by collaborating with a private landlord," stated Lauris Olson, an Ames resident.

Once, when questioned about the financing of these initiatives amid recent reductions in federal funds, Flowers stated that Ames might need to seek support from private collaborations along with state-level financial assistance.