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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.

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.

Story County local Rachelle, also known as Shelley, shares her story of overcoming hardship while she navigates life’s challenges and victories. While her story is marked by ups and downs, it echoes resilience and hope.

Born and raised on a small farm near Ames, Shelley and her siblings faced early tragedy when their father died in an accident. Raised by her determined mother, Shelley learned firsthand about perseverance.

“Mom did really well raising us. We moved to Marshalltown in 1999 after Dad died. We moved into a small house and were just trying to get by.”

Beneath the veneer of stability, while growing up, Shelley battled with feelings of turmoil from early childhood trauma. Memories of her father’s violence and harrowing experiences of assault would haunt her through her formative years and into adulthood.

“I started getting in trouble when I was eleven. I started skipping school, and things unfolded from there.”

In her late teens, Shelley sought comfort in her friends and boyfriend. In the course of a few years, her romantic relationship unraveled as her partner struggled with addiction and declining mental health, which sadly ended in his suicide. The devastating loss left Shelley with emotional scars that she carries to this day, affecting her ability to form and maintain healthy relationships throughout her adult life.

“Every relationship since then has been progressively worse.”

Since the birth of her son in 2011, Shelley’s life continued to spiral. The culmination of prior abuse, toxic relationships, and her own struggles with addiction led to Shelley losing custody of her boy and becoming homeless.

“I felt like a terrible mom, that I didn’t deserve to see him.”

Determined to break free from the shackles of addiction, Shelley embarked on a journey of recovery, seeking solace and support from organizations like The Bridge Home.

At The Bridge Home, Shelley found strength in community and received the guidance she needed to find a home and confront her past. Despite setbacks and challenges, Shelley remains determined to build a better life for herself and her son.

“My relationship with my son is better now than it’s ever been.”

Shelley is currently making strides in the Steps Program, facilitated through Community & Family Resources in Ames, and has one semester remaining to earn her associate’s degree.

We are so proud of Shelley’s progress in her journey to recovery and well-being. Her tenacity inspires others to believe in the possibility of transformation.
“Everybody at The Bridge Home was nice, very nice. I didn’t want to leave, but they could see that I was taking the steps necessary to help myself. It’s nice to know that there are people who care.”

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.