May 2026
In the complex landscape of human services, no single organization can solve the challenge of housing insecurity alone. Recognizing this, the Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST) was founded by Mary Greeley Medical Center, the Ames Police Department, ARCH, and The Salvation Army, as a collaborative response to the shifting needs and priorities within Story County. By pooling resources and expertise, the HOST team works together to ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community do not fall through the cracks. This relationship-based approach is building trust and creating community for those facing some of life’s greatest challenges.
A Systemic Approach to Stability
HOST represents a vital shift toward a more integrated human services ecosystem. The team brings together diverse perspectives including mental health advocates, licensed social workers, paramedics, and direct service providers, to connect with individuals needing resources to create stability. This proactive, relationship-based approach allows the team to reach more people every week, meeting them with openness rather than apprehension.
United Way of Story County (UWSC) is a dedicated partner in this effort, participating in weekly strategy meetings to ensure high-level alignment across the county’s support network. These meetings are built on the belief that social service providers should never be in competition; instead, by working in partnership, the group can accomplish more together than any one organization could achieve on their own.
Turning Collaboration into Results
The power of this unified front is best seen through the lives it changes. At age 66, Earl was receiving social security, but it was not enough to cover the cost of living in Story County. His criminal history from decades ago created significant barriers to securing an apartment.
HOST not only helped Earl secure temporary housing, the team also worked with him to appeal rejected apartment applications, highlighting his personal growth and current needs. Today, Earl lives in an income-based apartment, a direct result of organizations collaborating to support a neighbor who needed help navigating a complex system. Achieving stability and housing security not only transforms individual lives, it also strengthens our collective foundation.
Building a Resilient Community
Housing insecurity reverberates through families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. When partners like HOST and UWSC collaboratively to help individuals transition into long-term, secure homes, the entire fabric of Story County is strengthened.
By prioritizing shared goals and collective energy, these organizations are clarifying misconceptions about homelessness and building a community that is healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to serve all its members.