Jason Montgomery was evicted from his apartment six months ago for trying to help homeless people.
He wanted to help get them out of the winter cold, so he “opened his door to people who weren’t on the lease.”
His goodwill cost him his home, while his eviction record makes it difficult to find a new place.
“I’ll have this on my record for seven years,” Montgomery said. “I was shocked.”
Montgomery is one of the individuals Ames’ Homeless Outreach and Support Team works with during their weekly outreach. The crew connects him with services, and like their other clients, they have formed a friendship.
He has also received help from the Bridge Home and Ames Romero House.
“My goal is, I want what I had six months ago,” Montgomery said. “I don’t mean the same apartment; I want the life I had back.”
Homeless outreach team connects with Ames community every week
HOST was established in November 2024 in response to the city’s growing homeless population, which has risen 20% since 2020, according to the Ames and Story County Strategic Plan.
Team members include Ames Police Mental Health Advocate Julie Saxton; licensed Mary Greeley social worker, Susan Moore; Nick Toornstra and Becky Lundy from Alternative Response for Community Health (ARCH); Cassidy Overbey from Center for Creative Justice; and Josh Oren from Story County Homeless Prevention Program.
HOST meets with homeless individuals every Thursday for street outreach missions. Additional outreach is done from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Monday at the Ames Public Library.
Residents don’t just come for help, Saxton said. Returning visitors will often share positive updates about their lives or seek a judgment-free conversation in a space.
“We have a of people who are very lonely,” Saxton said. “There are lots of ways to help someone.”
The team also chats with local providers on Fridays to connect residents with services, with about 20 to 40 individuals on the list each week.
“We’re trying to educate people on the ‘why’ beyond the ‘what,” Moore said. “Each story is unique and different.”
HOST makes multiple stops during street outreach
HOST’s first stop each week is usually the Ames Romero House. Homeless individuals will often head there for daytime services like lunch, laundry, a shower, or to just put their feet up for a little while.
Since HOST began arriving weekly, individuals have come to expect their presence and actively seek the services, Toornstra said.
“We’ve found that if we’re not there, people will leave,” Toornstra said.
After leaving Romero House, the team will drive around to spots in towns where unhoused individuals frequent, like behind commercial buildings or parks. They also stop by the Salvation Army, where the residents can receive free food.
What services does HOST provide?
HOST uses weekly outreach to determine what individuals need. They share that info with local providers the next day, hoping to expand reach.
“Some of the most in-demand items are phones and phone cards, as you can’t get a job or apartment without those things,” Lundy said.
HOST provides a 30-day data plan for individuals to make necessary calls and connections.
Gas and food vouchers are also in high demand.
The team offers a hotel voucher program as well, funded by the City of Ames.
How to donate to HOST
Saxton said HOST won’t receive additional funding from the city, but the team is determined to keep going.
Donations to HOST can be made on Ames’ website under the ‘HOST’ page. After clicking ‘donate,’ you will be taken to Mary Greeley’s donation page. Designate the gift to ‘ARCH’ and write ‘HOST’ in the comments.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: ‘I want what I had 6 months ago.’ Helping the homeless in Ames
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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By Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune | USA TODAY Network
