Homelessness in Our Area
HOMELESSNESS IN OUR AREA
Nearly 2,500 people are experiencing homelessness in Iowa, with over 700 residing in the Two Rivers Region alone. The increasing cost and limited supply of housing have created an overwhelming need for shelter, and the city of Ames remains one of the most expensive areas in Iowa to live.
Additionally, the stigma surrounding homelessness and those it affects only compounds the housing crisis, making progress in ending the cycle of homelessness difficult to maintain. It is only through education and awareness that we can eliminate misconceptions associated with homelessness and become better equipped to navigate those we serve to a more stable and sustainable living environment.
People living on the street do not choose to do so. Many have been forced into homelessness by uncontrollable circumstances such as uninhabitable living conditions, job loss or reduction, natural disasters, mental illness, physical disability, and domestic violence.
Homelessness can touch anyone from any walk of life. It does not discriminate.
Homeless In Iowa
On any given night, the number of people experiencing homelessness
Homeless in the
Two Rivers Region
Iowa Counties of Boone, Green, Hardin, Marshall and Story
Family Households
Veterans
Unaccompanied Young Adults
(Aged 18-24)
Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness
Student Homelessness
Iowa K-12 Public school data, reported to the U.S. Department of Education during the 2017-2018 school year, shows an estimated 7,124 public school students experienced homelessness over the course of the year.
Unsheltered
Staying in Hotels/Motels
In Shelters
Multi-family under one roof
SHELTER PROVIDED
Of those seeking shelter at The Bridge Home:
Resources
Explore these sites to learn more about the state of homelessness in the country and right here in our backyard.
UNITED WAYS POVERTY SIMULATION
Making Tough Choices Challenge
Put yourself in the shoes of a typical ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) family, and in just a few minutes, experience some of the difficult financial choices ALICE families face every month to stay afloat.
ALICE makes up 25% of Iowan families, and 37% of Iowan households struggle to meet the cost of basic necessities.