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Provides a safe place for at-risk and homeless youth (ages 16-24) in the Polk County area to connect with services. Services include street outreach, drop-in services, daily meals, emergency beds, an art studio, a computer lab, and mental health counseling options. 

The center also offers connections to additional YSS supportive housing programs, such as Lighthouses, Transitional Living Program, and Rapid Re-housing. Supportive services may include educational opportunities, life skills training, financial planning, and counseling to help youth and young adults, including single mothers and their infants, achieve self-sufficiency and progress toward their goals.

Provides emergency and transitional living program for men, women, and families with children.

Provides information to food pantries or may offer food vouchers when funds permit. If in need of shelter, will refer to the police department for a one night voucher if funds permit.

Offers vouchers when funds are available to assist those who are in need of gas for doctor visit out of town.

Can also assist with utilities when funds are available.

Coordinated Entry is the front door to homeless services. It is the first point of contact for those who need housing assistance. It provides guidance to anyone experiencing homelessness to the correct support and housing programs most appropriate to their situation.

PROACTIVE AND SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS
STREET OUTREACH: collaborate with local partners to meet individuals and families experiencing homelessness where they are and offer assistance in camps and on the street.
LIBRARY OUTREACH: regular hours at libraries in Ames, Boone and Marshalltown where people experiencing homelessness can meet with a case worker and work on a housing plan.
EMERGENCY SHELTER: short-term emergency shelter and housing support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Provides food, financial education, and health and wellbeing assistance.

LONG-TERM PROGRAMS
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING: client-focused services based on the degree of need and the severity of barriers individual/families are facing. Will help clients secure affordable housing and provide the tools needed to overcome financial barriers and maintain a permanent home. Individualized support services, including life skills counseling, employment assistance, budgeting and financial literacy, and community resources referrals are also provided.

CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY SERVICES: connects clients to various external programs and community resources to help them achieve sustainable, healthy outcomes.

Offers a 24-hour emergency shelter.

Primary Health Care Centralized Intake is the centralized intake location for Polk County. Anyone experiencing homelessness can be referred to PHC for assistance. Each case manager will complete an intake with the household and may provide referrals to shelter, housing, public benefits or any other resource that will meet the household needs. Anyone who may be seeking emergency shelter for their family should come to PHC to complete an intake as all emergency family shelters placements are referred through PHC.

Also offers a shower to those who are homeless and in need.

Offers shelter to homeless adults. Clients are eligible for additional services such as case management services, showers, laundry and meals. The length of stay is eight weeks. The stay may be extended based on progress.

Day Center Services are offered to homeless individuals/families and include:

- Case management.

- Job development.

- Mental health counseling.

- Life skills.

- Agency referral.

- Laundry and shower facilities.

- Breakfast/lunch.

Provides a 16-bed emergency housing to women and children. For those who show commitment to being substance-free and investing in themselves, long-term transitional housing may be available.

While at the shelter there is assistance to find employment with services such as resume assistance, getting signed up for long-term assistance, childcare/parenting assistance from local partners, mental health evaluation, education, and housing within 90- 120 days. 

Provides assistance to individuals and families who are facing a crisis situation with food and/or shelter. Homeless prevention services can assist families who are facing eviction or utility disconnection in preventing their family from becoming homeless.

Crisis funds may be available for one month’s rent, utilities, or groceries for a short period of time. This assistance is intended for individuals and families who need temporary, one-time assistance to resolve an emergency situation.

Offers an emergency homeless shelter that operates from Aug1- May 31 each year. The shelter provides meals, beds, showers, and laundry facilities. It is a structured program which includes rules, case management, classes, and require participation in an individual service plan. 

Provides housing, meals, clothing, case management, life skills, health care and mental health care referrals, substance abuse treatment referrals, financial and job skills coaching, socialization and recreation opportunities to assist men experiencing homelessness to overcome the barriers that keep them from becoming housed and self-sufficient.

Cold Weather Shelter "Cold Cots": During the winter months when the temperatures are severely cold, the cold weather shelter opens expanding the 30 bed men's shelter to handle an additional 20 men providing them with a cot, a meal, and access to showers while space is available.

Provides short-term emergency shelter for homeless and displaced families. Families must meet eligibility guidelines and follow all policies during their stay.

Emergency shelter serving men, single women, and families. The shelter is substance-free.

Meals served three times per day. Clients meet with a case manager within 72 hours of arrival to define barriers and set goals.

Mini shelters are available for displaced persons who suffer loss of homes due to fire, tornadoes, transience, domestic disputes, or homelessness. Shelters are guarded and locations are confidential.

Offers an emergency shelter to all adults needing shelter. All new clients to the shelter are encouraged to work with Primary Health Care Centralized Intake upon entering the shelter. Length of stay at the shelter is determined upon entry. Other services include AA meetings, laundry facilities, clothing closet, and a health clinic.

WEATHER AMNESTY - is no longer offered. This specific service is closed.

Provides shelter, food, education and Christian counseling to homeless children, their parents, and single women. Works towards giving individuals the needed tools to obtain and maintain permanent housing.

Provides a homeless shelter and advocacy services to homeless men, women, and families. Day shelter services include three meals a day, a locked storage area for medications (guests are responsible for providing and self-administrating medications), showers and laundry facilities, and case management by appointment.