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Email Address
director@amesromerohouse.org
Phone Number
515-337-8088
Our Location
702 Clark Ave. Ames, IA
director@amesromerohouse.org
515-337-8088
702 Clark Ave. Ames, IA
October 28, 2025
On a beautiful, crisp fall evening, the Ames Romero House and its community came
together to celebrate a memorable event called “Harvest Hands.” This event honored
the collective efforts of our supportive community over the past year, resulting in a
bountiful harvest for our fellow citizens in need. The spirit of Iowans helping Iowans is a
hallmark of our community, so it was no surprise that nearly 250 people attended the
celebration at The Rustic Rose Barn in Roland.
This year’s event recognized the support we received from the community, including the
zoning text amendment that allowed our home to operate in the Old Town
Neighborhood, fundraising for construction costs, and our achievement of opening by
our self-imposed deadline of July 31. Although the journey was often challenging, we
were guided by the Holy Spirit, which led us to significant success in our initiatives.
God shows a preference for the poor: the Lord’s words of hope and liberation areaddressed first of all to them. Therefore, even in their poverty or weakness, no oneshould feel abandoned. And if the Church wants to be Christ’s Church, it must be a Church in which the poor have a privileged place.
-Pope Leo – Dilexi te (“Love of the poor”)
The evening featured both silent and live auctions, showcasing a variety of goods and
services generously donated by local businesses. Our staff engaged with attendees,
generating interest in volunteer opportunities and ways to contribute financially to our growing ministry. The meal, catered by Babe’s Steakhouse, exceeded our expectations. Additionally, we enjoyed lively music performed by Dirk Van Houweling and Zach Gignac.
Before dinner, children had a great time enjoying hayrides and pumpkin painting outside the barn. It was a memorable evening shared with our friends who have supported us on our journey this year. We were especially blessed with beautiful weather after several rainy days leading up to the event — a special thanks to Mark Maggio for providing the hayrides over the picturesque landscape in Roland.
Our journey this year has been filled with uncertainty, but ultimately, it led to success.
We could not have accomplished this without the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the
prayers and support of our generous community. Our mission has always centered
around the people — whether they are our guests, volunteers, benefactors, or local
citizens — providing the support needed to complete the construction of our Orange
House for hospitality.
