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:
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:
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- 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.)
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* 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.
ATTACHMENT(S):