Central Nebraska Community Services pays emergency rent assistance

As the primary rental assistance agency over a 21-county region, Central Nebraska Community Services (CNCS) surely has its work cut out for it. Yet the staff manages to make a dent in the problem thanks to a collaborative effort across seven regional offices.

CNCS is more than just a community action agency. This agency is often the only thing keeping hundreds of citizens from homelessness.

The biggest problem the agency tries to overcome is the reluctance of Nebraskans to ask for help. Many citizens would prefer to keep their problems private and try to work through a crisis on their own. Those that do finally turn to the agency find that their privacy is still maintained.

Emergency Assistance

Case managers are authorized to pay emergency assistance on behalf of tenants who are at risk of homelessness. Aid can be paid directly to a landlord in a situation where a tenant is unable to catch back up on arrears.

Financial assistance can be authorized to pay rent and/or utilities. There are some qualifying events that must occur in order for an applicant to become eligible.

A crisis situation should be documented in order for a case manager to be able to approve a cash payment. When a crisis creates a hardship situation that might otherwise be unrecoverable, CNCS emergency assistance can make the difference between financial ruin and economic recovery.

Transitional Housing

Tenants who have already been evicted often face the choice between shacking up with friends and family or going to a homeless shelter. A better alternative is offered though.

CNCS offers Project THRIVES as a transitional housing program that is available throughout the entire 21-county service area. THRIVES is more than just an emergency lifeline. It is also a stepping stone to permanent housing.

It works by helping homeless individuals and families recover from an eviction or homeless situation. Temporary housing can be obtained through careful leveraging of the agency’s resources. A case manager will work with each client to help them increase income and save money towards future rent. Over the course of many months, a client has the opportunity to recover from a financial crisis and plan for a future move to permanent housing.

If aid is required to move into a permanent rental property, CNCS can help find a funding match for the need. It provides a great option for those who have few other options.

Hall County residents have the option for permanent supportive housing. This subsidized rent opportunity is geared towards those who cannot work, such as elderly or disabled adults.

Request rental assistance

Clients who would like to speak with a case manager may call 308-745-0780 or one of these Family Outreach Offices:

  • Blaine, Custer, and Loup Counties: Call 308-872-6013.
  • Boone, Colfax, and Platte Counties: Call 402-564-1124 ext. 209.
  • Boyd, Garfield, Holt, and Wheeler Counties: Call 402-336-2270.
  • Brown, Keya Paha, and Rock Counties: Call 402-387-1035.
  • Greeley, Sherman and Valley Counties: Call 308-745-0780 ext 121.
  • Hall and Howard Counties” Call Grand Island Office at 308-385-5500.
  • Hamilton, Merrick, and Nance Counties: Call 308-946-3794.