Board approves development of empowerment pilot and time-limited case manager to address homelessness

The Story County Board on June 17 approved developing an empowerment pilot program and hiring a time-limited case manager to coordinate services for people who are unhoused or at risk of homelessness in the county.

Sandra King presented recommendations from a consultant report led by Dr. Amy Flowers, which offered nine recommendations including continuing on-the-ground service partnerships, building a peer navigator program, expanding emergency shelter capacity and providing robust case management. King said the pilot will focus on rapid rehousing, subsidized short-term housing, employment connections and individualized “housing plus” plans to address income, employment and tenancy stability.

King asked the board to repurpose existing allocated asset dollars and undrawn funds (she said about $80,000 remained undrawn from previous allocations) to fund the program and the case manager. She presented an annual program budget estimate of $53,000 and said the county will attempt to stretch available sources first (e.g., workforce development, county rent-relief funds) before using pilot funds. Initially the county administrator will supervise the position with a likely handoff to general assistance later as the program stabilizes.

Supervisor Fazel moved approval; Supervisor Merkin seconded. The board voted aye and authorized development of the pilot and hiring the time-limited case manager. King said the pilot will prioritize unincorporated Story County residents outside Ames while coordinating with Ames providers and that implementation will include outreach and partnership with existing service providers including the Salvation Army.