Dear Friends of the Romero House,

 

You could say change defined our past year. Since August of 2023, we have embraced a new hospitality model, new volunteers, staff, board members and even a new director. The Orange House at 702 Clark Avenue in Ames is our next “new”.

 

God’s grace gives us vision to see this period of transition as a time to live in faith and hope. Our plans might be changing, but He isn’t! We want to share some of God’s faithfulness in this letter. We also write to invite you to share in His marvelous works.

With renewed vision, faith and hope - join us during this transition into “NEW”.

 

God’s faithfulness was tangible as we repurposed the “Yellow House” last August to fit the new model. Needs included alternative housing for transitioning residents, more live-ins, additional finances and dozens of hands to update the property. God said, “I got you.” A  “Family Mission Team” chose us for their “Local Mission Trip.” With their support, we rejuvenated the Yellow House with fresh paint and furnishings. New volunteers stepped in to host guests daily. Many without shelter were taken into personal houses. Food donations and pro bono remodeling projects sprang up. Less than six months after re-opening, live-ins filled our rooms.

 

“You build, they will come.” Guests began slowly arriving – most days 20 to 40  guests grace our space. Growing is exciting, outgrowing becomes challenging.  When we were unable to receive all our guests this past spring, we petitioned God for loaves and fishes to feed His five thousand.

 

Again, in His faithfulness, God delivered 4000 (sq ft) for the five thousand! The Orange House at 702 Clark Avenue also became a Romero House property.  A Holy Spirit nudge prompted generous benefactors to network with local friends. The property was purchased and entrusted to us in May. The Orange House has enough space for everything we need.

 

Restoration priorities were identified quickly, and some have already been completed

through the generosity of volunteers and contractors. Remaining projects include

ramp accessibility to wider doorways, ADA bathrooms, new flooring, and adequate

heating and cooling.

 

Ames Romero House | Annual Fall Letter | page 2

 

 

Through restoration of our great room, expansion of our kitchen, creating safe play

spaces for children and quiet alcoves for adults - we hope to functionally

accommodate guests while maintaining a cozy, inviting interior to set them at ease.

 

In collaboration with Integrity Construction and generous local subcontractors, we

estimate a cost well in excess of $100,000 for these renovations.

 

Donors, you can make another “new” come true through your generosity.  One families’ charitable trust fund planted seed money by contributing $15,000. We are grateful for this abundant gift as it jumpstarts our efforts. Provided we raise this next round of funding, we anticipate opening the Orange House doors in Q1 – 2025.

 

We ask that you prayerfully consider how you can partner with us to financially support these renovations. Please help us prepare a place for God’s people.  We welcome gifts of any amount and even designate which project you’d like to fund.

 

You may donate today online at amesromerohouse.org or call us at 515-337-8088. Additionally, you may contribute at our Fall Fundraising Festival. Join us for a celebratory night filled with fun, local music, great food and auction items! Your “Homecoming 2024” invitation is enclosed.

 

Together, let's create a welcoming “home to come to” for the impoverished and oppressed of Ames. Please pray for us; that we may love our neighbors with pure hearts and that every guest that crosses our threshold may experience the love of Christ in The Romero House. We cherish your accompaniment.

 

In Christ,

 

 

 

David Thielen

Executive Director