Charities provide rental assistance to heart of Omaha
Residents of Omaha and Douglas County who are having trouble paying rent do not have to face eviction alone. There is rental aid available from several organizations that are committed to keeping people out of homelessness.
Many people don’t even realize that they are homeless. These are the ones that live with a friend on a temporary basis. Maybe their family tolerates them for a few more weeks. All it takes is one argument or domestic dispute to leave them with no place to sleep.
These charities work in conjunction with Douglas County Department of General Assistance to ensure that every reasonable effort is taken to help families avoid an eviction. While they cannot necessarily take over rent payments due to funding constraints, there are frequently payments made to help someone catch up on late rent. This can be a big boost to someone contemplating the choice of borrowing money at high interest just to put off the inevitable eviction.
Many people contact the county offices first to request help. Douglas County can provide emergency rent payments to select tenants, though it requires that residents exhaust all other forms of aid first. Any payouts that are authorized are contingent on that person completing job training or some other life skills classes. Community service may be an alternative form of “earning” the proceeds. A social worker can help to evaluate whether someone is a candidate for receiving rent help through the General Assistance program, or if that person should be referred to another source of funding. Residents may call 402-444-6215 to schedule an appointment at the Intake Center. This is located at 1111 South 41st Street, Suite 220 in Omaha.
Single mothers may be referred to organizations like Heart Ministry Center. While their Pathway program does not always provide direct payouts, the 12 week case management service has a 90% success rate for participants. Emergency cash aid can be provided for some situations. Single moms on low income may call HMC at 402-451-2321 for general information, or 402-739-2907 to speak with the Pathway program manager.
Seniors may find that the County’s General Assistance program is not designed to assist residents aged 65 or older. The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging can step in to provide the information needed by our Seniors to get the help they need. ENOA serves five counties and has an office on Center Street in Omaha. Residents may call 402-444-6536 to get assistance with staying in their homes.
Together is one of the most widely respected homelessness prevention services in Omaha. This charity has the cash to make a difference when delinquent payments threaten a family with eviction. Support is provided through government grants and generous support of area churches. Cash grants can be given to a person’s landlord to prevent an eviction. Help with a security deposit can also be given. Even utilities are eligible for support. Clients may call Together at 402-345-8047, or they may walk in to the office at 812 South 24th Street. Additional services are available through Supportive Services for Veterans and Families.
Nebraska AIDs Project administers the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) program. It provides emergency rent payments or tenant based rental assistance to individuals or families living with HIV. Eligible residents may call 402-552-9260 for immediate consideration.
Family Housing Advisory Services operates a Prevention Program to keep people in their current homes while exploring options for making the rent more affordable. The Second Chance Tenancy Program helps those who have already been evicted get approved for a new rental unit once they have completed case management and mentoring. Transitional housing is available to meet intermediate term housing needs while the person gets their situation under control. Graduates often continue to meet with a case manager and can even be eligible for matched savings grants if they pursue homeownership or save money towards education or to start a small business. Clients may call the housing helpline at 402-934-6763. FHAS is located at 2401 Lake Street in Omaha. They also operate a branch office at 3605 Q Street.
Whatever the situation, one of these agencies can discuss potential options, answer questions and help a distressed tenant deal with a rent problem. If a direct cash payment can be made, the payment is generally sent directly to the landlord. Often a referral is used if a different program is a better fit, or if the case manager feels that the client may be a candidate for more than one assistance program.