As flood waters rose early Monday morning, the Story County Chapter of the American Red Cross became active in helping affected Ames residents.

The Red Cross opened an emergency shelter in the First Christian Church at 5th and Clark to assist the many Ames residents left homeless by the flood waters.

“It’s one of our designated shelters in case of any emergency,” said Amy Lenning, director of Help Central Information and Referral for the Story County Red Cross.

Since the doors opened early Monday around 2 a.m., 23 people had arrived as of 4 a.m., a shelter worker said. Iowa State senior Tony Wright was one of those who needed to seek the assistance of the Red Cross shelter as the floods started. Wright, who lives on the second floor of Prairie Meadow Apartments on South 5th Street, had to leave his home after water began rising around the complex.

“About 4 o’clock this morning a police officer knocked on our door and told us to evacuate,” Wright said.

“[The shelter] had cots set up for us and something to eat. Since then we’ve been waiting around,” he said.

By noon, Wright said, the flood water covered half of the first floor of the complex, where the garages and storage area are located.

Some of those originally left homeless by the floods have been able to leave the shelter to stay with friends or family, while others have even been allowed back into their homes, Red Cross workers said.

More residents may need to take advantage of the shelter as the rising water continues to threaten homes, but no one knows for sure how long the shelter will be needed. Whatever happens, the shelter will remain open as long as there are people who need the service.

Anyone who wants to volunteer at the shelter can contact the Red Cross at 232-5104. Those wishing to contribute money can send a check to the chapter at 426 5th St., Ames, IA 50010.

Red Cross officials said they have been very fortunate to receive food donations from several stores and business and do not have a need for food at this point.