February Newsletter
February 4, 2026
Ames Warming Place Opens
We ALL did it.
The Ames Warming Place (AWP) opened its doors for the first time on Friday, January 16. As of this writing, we have remained open for sixteen consecutive nights. Through collaboration with Story County, the City of Ames, and several key agencies, we have seen the power of teamwork in serving the common good. The AWP is an overnight shelter that offers a safe, warm haven for people experiencing homelessness.
With temperatures dropping below 10 degrees on many January evenings, countless individuals experiencing homelessness had nowhere to go—many resorted to living in tents or sleeping in their cars. Our commitment extends beyond simply welcoming guests during our hospitality hours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; we must also care for their safety and wellbeing throughout the night and beyond our regular hours.
Action was urgently needed. Our community responded.
On my first volunteer night, Monday, January 19, the temperature hovered near zero. By 8:45 p.m., a line had formed at the north entrance of Ames First United Methodist, downtown, as people waited to enter the AWP. Each guest checked in, provided their name, and agreed to the terms for their stay—rules designed to keep everyone safe in the church basement. After check-in, guests were screened, their belongings secured in totes, and they were guided to a safe area in the library where they could mingle before settling into rooms with ten cots each for women and men. The lights were turned off at 10:30 p.m., allowing our guests to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in a warm, comfortable environment.
I immediately noticed the respect and gratitude shown by the 12 guests who entered the AWP that evening. Local grocery stores generously donated snacks and drinks, while volunteers dropped off toiletries and other essentials. The process upheld dignity and respect for everyone involved. As midnight approached, our guests rested after a difficult day on the streets in frigid weather—a respite from grueling conditions and frost-covered car windows.
This temporary solution isn’t perfect, but it works. It keeps our brothers and sisters safe, warm, nourished, clean, and respected. The alternative is the risk of hypothermia and potential death from sleeping outside at night.
As Christians, caring for and loving our neighbors is central to what Jesus calls us to do. People and organizations from diverse backgrounds are coming together to help those in need. The Ames Romero House has always strived to live out its mission of faith, and now we are reaching beyond our doors to help offer a warm place for our guests to sleep on cold winter nights. If you would like to support our mission by volunteering or donating, please visit www.ameswarming.place or www.romerohouseames.org.
The citizens of Ames and Story County have responded with compassion and love. Our neighbors in need are grateful for your generosity—and tonight, they sleep in peace despite the extreme cold and uncertainties of life.
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done. – Proverbs 19:17
In Christ,
David Thielen
Executive Director
Categories
Upcoming Events
MASS & COMMUNITY DINNER
6
FEBRUARY
- 702 Clark Av. Ames, IA
- 9.00 AM - 11.00 AM
PRAYER SERVICE
26
FEBRUARY
- 702 Clark Av. Ames, IA
- 4.00 PM - 5.00 PM
Our Community
Welcome to Our Seminarians
Each year, we welcome two seminarians from Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, near Milwaukee. During their first year, known as the propaedeutic year, these students complete a poverty immersion experience at ARH. This unique opportunity helps form their character and prepares them to serve the poor in all circumstances.
This year, Jake and Kevin are spending three weeks in our home. We invited them to share how this experience has deepened their spirituality and enriched their understanding of the Catholic faith.
Kevin Boening – Seminarian from the Diocese of Madison
Hello, I’m Kevin, one of the seminarians living and volunteering at Romero House this January as part of a “poverty immersion.” As Pope Francis might say, I’m here to get the “smell of the sheep.” My stay has already been a wonderful experience, and I look forward to what’s ahead. Whether serving hospitality at the house, attending Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas, working overnight at the new Ames Warming Place, or cheering on ISU at the UCF basketball game, it’s been a joy to serve and get to know the Ames community.
One thing that has stood out to me here is how welcoming and friendly both the staff and guests are. Everyone truly appreciates the mission of serving the homeless in Ames, and the community genuinely enjoys one another’s company. Thank you all for the role you play in supporting the ARH mission, helping the homeless of Ames access the resources they need, and sharing the unconditional love of the Church in every way you can.
Jake Harron – Seminarian from the Diocese of Madison
I found myself, over the past two weeks, consumed with prayer for people I had only known for that time. Strange, especially when I catch myself thinking often about my own life. Living with the men of the Romero House has allowed for a month of pastoral flourishing. I can’t think of another month in seminary so richly beneficial.
Christ has a particular love for widows, orphans, and the poor. My study and prayer have found life and flesh here in Ames, and I’ll leave with gratitude and hope that more Christian clusters like Romero House can arise in the Midwest with the same totality with which they grasp Christ’s Gospel. The team’s love isn’t vague but concrete and particular to each person.
New ARH Website Has Launched
New ARH Website Has Launched
We’re delighted to introduce the all-new ARH website, a lively digital hub where our story truly comes alive. Explore an interactive journey through our mission, values, and the heart of our ongoing initiatives. Special thanks to Mario Galindo, the creative visionary whose passion, expertise, and dedication turned this dream into a reality.
Scroll through our intuitive pages to uncover ways you can serve, stories that uplift, and countless opportunities to make a difference. You will find videos on the new website that highlight our guiding principles and introduce you to the people who embody our mission.
Whether you’re exploring, eager to volunteer, or ready to support us, this new site is your portal to meaningful connection. Plus, check out our e-commerce tab: your go-to destination for ARH merchandise that lets you carry our community spirit wherever you go.
Visit us at www.romerohouseames.org. If you arrive at our old site www.amesromerohouse.org, you’ll be automatically directed to our new digital home. We invite you to explore, connect, and join our ever-evolving story.
Community Prayer Night
After hospitality on January 28, we gathered to discuss pressing issues affecting our marginalized community. We also prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide us, redirect us if needed, and grant us the wisdom to encourage and support those living on the streets with the resources they need to improve their lives.
We are always seeking new ways to grow our volunteer base, as we believe our home offers the ideal setting to practice our faith and use the talents God has given us to help those in need.
Our doors at 702 Clark remain open to the entire community. The recent improvements made by our city and county to support those in need have been inspiring to witness. Respect, dignity, compassion, and hope are the pillars of our ministry.
Come join us in your faith journey.
