The Emergency Residence Project

Emergency Residence Project (ERP) began in the early 1980′s as the Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House. It was a single family home dedicated to sheltering the homeless in Ames and Story County. In the mid-1980′s, it transitioned to Emergency Residence Project. Since that time, the clients have shifted from single, transient men to also include Story County families. Vic Moss has been the shelter’s director since 1987 and Troy Jansen has been the assistant director since 1996. Over their tenure, Vic and Troy have witnessed the enormous pressures families at risk of losing their housing experience. (Including effects on their children.) To alleviate this, ERP has created two major programs. The Homeless Prevention Program helps families remain in their housing by providing rental or utility assistance. The Transitional Housing Program provides families with a place to stay while they locate affordable housing. A 4-plex was built next door during ISU’s Homecoming Blitz Build several years ago and houses most of the families in this program.

Rental Assistance; Utility Assistance