In the Gospel, Jesus says that the two greatest commandments are to love the Lord with all your heart and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself. For the volunteers at the Ames Romero House, these words are more than just principles, they are put into action.
The Ames Romero House is a mission to service and hospitality to people experiencing poverty of many different forms. Established in 2020, the home is part of the broader Catholic Worker movement. Founded by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin in 1933, Catholic Worker is a decentralized lay movement for social and economic justice based on the teachings of the Gospel and Catholic social teaching. There are approximately over 200 Catholic Worker communities in the USA.
“To be a Catholic Worker is to see Jesus in the guest, and you might see him when someone is hungry, thirsty, imprisoned, in the hospital, or without clothes,” volunteer Taylor Burkhead said. Burkhead is one of the live-in volunteers, which means that he actually resides at The Romero House. “Anything within the corporal and spiritual works of mercy…the Catholic Worker is like the Sermon on the Mount,” Burkhead said.
As a volunteer-based nonprofit organization, the House, located in Ames’ Old Town District, provides free shelter, meals, showers, and laundry to 20-50 guests every weekday. But of all the services they provide, the most important is intentional community.
“The biggest need is fellowship. Bringing them to the table, talking about their day, about what’s on their mind, makes them feel like they’re part of a community, like they have dignity, and that’s important,” Executive Director David Thielen said.
Respect for human dignity is a guiding principle in The Romero House. “We are a Catholic-based organization, and that means treating the individual as a human, and not as a number or a welfare recipient. We give them dignity,” Thielen continued.
The Romero House hopes to call attention to some of the social issues within the local community. “People should know there’s a need in Ames for people who need housing, who need support and don’t have meals…a lot of people seem to think that Ames does not have a homelessness issue,” Thielen said. “There is a population that needs help here. We’re here to do our part and serve those in need.”
All community members, regardless of religious affiliation, are welcome in The Romero House, either as guest or volunteers. People who are interested in the House’s mission can apply to volunteer through the official website.
Guests at The Romero House appreciate the sense of community and support they find.
“I like to have conversations with the people. There’s always food, and showers, and everything else…there’s a lot of stuff available, I like that. You’re not pressured to do nothing and to act a certain way or anything like that, you know, things are just kind of laid back and there’s just a vibe,” Dakota Veber, a frequent guest at The Romero House, said. “Everyone’s allowed to come, everyone’s welcome here, they don’t discriminate or nothing. Just act right is all, and you’re fine to come in.”
The Romero House serves those from all religious backgrounds, and guests with a diverse array of beliefs feel comfortable in the House.
“I’m an atheist, and I come here, simply because of the fact that they accept me for who I am. They help you regardless of your beliefs, gender, religion…they’re very accepting of people and whatever faults they might have. I feel really welcome here,” James, a frequent guest at The Romero House who requested not to have his last name published, said.
Since last fall, The Romero House, which is located in downtown Ames’ Old Town Historic District, has been hoping to expand. The plan is to move services to 702 Clark Ave, the house down the street, informally called “The Orange House” by volunteers and guests due to its orange-colored exterior. It is currently being renovated.
Initially using a residential home for social services was prohibited by zoning laws. After months of petitioning and discussions at city council meetings, the staff succeeded in getting an amendment to the zoning law approved in January, which allows social service provider homes like The Romero House to operate in the area.
Some members of the Old Town District have opposed the presence of a social service provider within the neighborhood, citing fears of potential crime rates. Throughout this process, The Romero House has navigated this issue through community outreach.
“We had to try to work with the neighborhood and the city to make them comfortable with what we were going to do,” Thielen said. In spite of the backlash, many local residents came out in support of the House and volunteers sent letters of support to the mayor and to members of the city council.
Social services will move to the “orange house” at 702 Clark Ave. Because the Romero Trust owns both houses, one will be a residential property for staff, and the other will provide social services.
“Hopefully we can get more live-in [volunteers] in the orange house. That would be great. Maybe some more hours too, more time to house people,” daytime volunteer Joshua Knott said.
The Romero House has high hopes for the future. Thielen said he is excited to open the new house this summer. “It’s much, much bigger than our current location. More people can come into the home, and we’ll offer additional services,” he said. “The house will be beautiful inside and outside…it’ll be a beautiful addition to downtown Ames.”
