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Meet Michael, a passionate musician who moved to Iowa from Florida two decades ago. His dream of creating music came to life when he established a record label in Ames, offering free studio time to high school students facing challenges—until addiction led him down a painful path of homelessness.

His turning point came last year after an especially difficult month that included multiple health conditions, exposure to extreme weather conditions, and heartbreak. Initially resistant and frustrated by the amount of time it was taking to receive services from The Bridge Home, Michael made some choices that significantly strained his relationships with The Bridge Home and its staff to the point that he was ultimately banned for life from receiving services.

After a period of reflection and knowing he didn’t want to be homeless anymore, he began to recognize the organization’s commitment to providing stability and support. “I was not always a decent, good guy, but I had him in me and I just had to find him,” he recalls. “I had to change because there was no other option, and The Bridge Home gave me that chance.” Michael took responsibility for his past actions and apologized to the staff, who welcomed him back.

“The Bridge Home saved my life,” Michael reflects. “If it wasn’t for them, I probably would’ve committed suicide. They opened the door when I needed it most.” With their support, he moved into his own apartment and gained access to essential wraparound services that helped him rebuild his life. “It was The Bridge Home that turned me around to have nice clothes, to eat proper, get enough sleep, shower. It feels good locking my door. I have no worries.”

Now, Michael is passionate about giving back. Having developed deep relationships with others experiencing homelessness in the area, Michael is now a local confidante and liaison between individuals and The Bridge Home, encouraging them to seek the services and support they need. He is especially proud to have helped five people secure permanent housing. “The homeless population is broken-hearted. When The Bridge Home offers someone a room over their head, it’s a life-changing opportunity,” he explains.

As he continues to heal, Michael is dedicated to showing others that change is possible. “The Bridge Home showed me love to the point where I have a rapport with them, I can call them anytime I need anything, and they help me.” Michael eagerly tidies his apartment up each day – something he once considered a chore is now a privilege.

Michael realized that before he could help others, he needed to learn how to take care of himself. This journey required patience as he navigated through the program, but he found it was truly worth the effort. Now, he encourages others to hold onto hope and not give up on themselves or The Bridge Home, as the path to healing and support can lead to profound transformation.

“Come as you are,” he encourages. “Believe in The Bridge Home. It worked for me; it can work for you.” Through his journey, Michael exemplifies the power of resilience and the transformative impact of a supportive community.

If you or someone you know might benefit from our services, call us at 515-232-8075. Whether it’s help with emergency shelter or housing assistance, we can help or connect you to the support you or your loved one needs.

The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), in partnership with the Institute for Community Alliances, has recently released a comprehensive report, authored by Matt White from Housing Innovations, detailing the statewide and regional needs assessment for individuals experiencing homelessness. This analysis highlights a critical resource deficit in Iowa’s homelessness system, revealing that approximately 17,000 households are projected to face homelessness by 2025, with 20% comprising families with children. The findings indicate that current resources are insufficient to meet the growing demand, forcing many Iowans to seek unsafe alternatives for housing.

In the Two Rivers region, which encompasses Boone, Greene, Story, Hardin, and Marshall counties, the need for assistance is particularly urgent. Short-term needs refer to households that have never experienced homelessness before, with 372 singles and 49 families currently requiring immediate support to prevent them from falling into a housing crisis. In contrast, long-term needs focus on those considered chronically homeless, with ongoing assistance required for 49 singles and 8 families who face persistent housing instability. This stark reality highlights the critical need for both immediate interventions and sustainable support systems to effectively address the challenges faced by those in crisis.

The Iowa Homelessness Gap Analysis has helped debunk several myths surrounding homelessness in our state. One significant finding is that Iowa does not have a substantial migratory homeless population; rather, most individuals experiencing homelessness or housing crises have been long-time members of their communities. It’s crucial to understand that no one chooses to be homeless. When someone declines services, it often reflects a mismatch between their needs and the options offered, rather than a desire to remain on the streets. Each person’s situation comes with a unique story and distinct challenges, and for many, the prospect of re-entering society and asking for help can be intimidating. This underscores the importance of tailoring support services to meet individual needs and fostering an environment of understanding and compassion.

To optimize our homelessness response at a statewide level, an estimated additional investment of nearly $60 million annually for single adults and $17.5 million for families is required. The Two Rivers Region would require an estimated additional $6.5 million to close the gap between the current system and assessed need, significantly enhancing crisis response and rehousing resources and ultimately providing a pathway to stability for countless individuals and families.

Now is the time to take action. We must continue to raise awareness of homelessness in our community and advocate for the necessary resources to bridge these gaps. Volunteer your time, donate to local organizations, or simply share this message to help spread the word. Together, we can create a more equitable system and ensure that everyone has access to safe and stable housing.

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Dive into our Annual Report to learn about the transformative effects of your support over the last year, featuring key achievements and stories of those we serve. Together, we are making strides toward a more compassionate and resilient community.

For 22 years, Jason was homeless. He moved from place to place, struggling with his past and grappling with the pain of isolation. But today, Jason has something he hasn’t had in decades — a home of his own and a renewed sense of purpose.

Jason was born in Denver, but his journey took him through Wyoming, where he graduated from high school, and finally to Ames, where he has lived for over twenty years. “I’ve always been unhoused,” Jason says, recalling the moment he was kicked out of home at age 13. Determined to finish his education, Jason pushed himself to graduate high school, even attending summer school for two years to make it happen.

After a marriage breakdown early in life, combined with personal struggles, Jason found himself down a dark path. “I lost everything, and my family disowned me.”

The streets had become Jason’s harsh reality, which left him with physical and emotional scars. He watched friends die, attempted suicide, and suffered a stroke and three heart attacks. For years, Jason faced brutal conditions: relentless rain, ruined and stolen belongings, freezing nights with nowhere to sleep, and the constant struggle to find a place to charge his phone so he could keep in contact with his children.

“It took me 22 years here in Ames to finally realize that I needed to get back on my feet and become a part of society again.”

It wasn’t until two years ago that Jason began to see a way out. He connected with The Bridge Home and was able to find housing and start rebuilding his life. “The Bridge Home has helped me quite a bit over the past two years. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. My case manager, Maggie, has
been an angel of mercy for me.”

Today, Jason is not only housed but also an advocate for others experiencing homelessness. He is passionate about educating the public and breaking down the stereotypes surrounding those living on the streets. “People think that we’re all thieves or drug addicts, but the homeless need to be treated just as fairly as the rest of the community.”

“I was never taught how to live and keep a job. I never met anyone who would give me a chance or believe in me to do better.”

Jason’s journey toward rebuilding his life is ongoing, but with a home of his own, he’s found a sense of belonging that he never had before. For him, having a place to call home is more than just shelter; it’s a sanctuary where he can enjoy simple acts like taking a shower, charging his phone, or having a BBQ in his own backyard.

After a life of isolation, Jason now feels at peace. “I just want to be happy like everybody else. Being homeless is both the worst feeling and the worst place you could ever be. Homelessness is hell. Having a home is heaven.”

As he continues to better himself, Jason is focused on being a voice for the vulnerable and helping others in the same position he was to find a pathway to stability and hope. “Everybody deserves a place.”

If you or someone you know might benefit from our services, call us at 515-232-8075. Whether it’s help with emergency shelter or housing assistance, we can help or connect you to the support you or your loved one needs.

The Bridge Home Student Assistance Fund

We are deeply grateful to Shirley Wood for her generous endowment that established The Bridge Home Student Assistance Fund. Shirley’s legacy of compassion continues to touch the lives of many in our community, providing vital support for students from preschool through high school.

This fund, created by Shirley, is dedicated to helping children from lower-income families access essential resources needed for their success, from school supplies and tutoring to medical care and participation in extracurricular activities.

Shirley’s life was marked by kindness, a passion for education, and a commitment to helping others. Her contribution to The Bridge Home is a testament to her enduring belief in the power of education and community support.

We invite you to join us in honoring Shirley’s legacy by contributing to The Bridge Home Student Assistance Fund, ensuring her spirit of generosity lives on in the lives of those who need it most.
Shirley’s commitment to education and her belief in the potential of every student continues to inspire us.

Prairie Meadows Awards $20,000 Grant to The Bridge Home

We are happy to announce that The Bridge Home has received a $20,000 Betterment Grant from Prairie Meadows. This generous grant will significantly support our Shelter Outreach and Welcome Home Kit program, directly improving the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Two Rivers Region.

Prairie Meadows, a nonprofit organization established in 1989, has a long history of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in Iowa. The organization has contributed $2.2 billion to the state through charitable donations and taxes. Their commitment to bettering the community continues with this grant, which will help us provide essential resources to those in need.

We are incredibly grateful for Prairie Meadows’ support. This grant will make a meaningful difference in the day-to-day lives of many in the Two Rivers Region. For more information about Prairie Meadows’ community impact, visit prairiemeadows.com/community.

Working Toward a Common Goal

Overflow Thrift Store of Ames, founded on the principle of repurposing gently used items, channels the goodwill of the community to uplift others. Sandy Swanson, Executive Director of Overflow Thrift Store, shared their mission: “We take the abundance that God brings to us in the form of donations of gently used items from our community and turn those back around in care for those in need in our community. We do
that by making donations to a variety of local and international organizations to help them fulfill their mission and care for the people they serve.”

In 2023 alone, Overflow Thrift Store contributed over $172,000 to 22 organizations, spanning local and international initiatives. Their collaboration with The Bridge Home underscores their commitment to making a
tangible difference in our community.

Overflow Thrift Store provides crucial support through cash donations and gift cards, empowering The Bridge Home clients to access essential clothing, footwear, and personal and household items, fostering a sense of autonomy and respect.

“We love doing it that way because it gives people the dignity to pick out their own things that they need,” said Sandy.

With The Bridge Home facing material donation and space constraints, we rely on Overflow Thrift Store’s assistance to ensure our clients have discreet access to whatever they need.

Our relationship with Overflow Thrift Store truly highlights the vital role of community collaboration in tackling homelessness and building inclusive support networks for meaningful progress. We deeply value our
partnership with Overflow Thrift Store as we work together towards our shared mission.