The past few weeks have been difficult for many individuals around the world, as we’ve seen communities and governments work to contain the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. While Nebraska isn’t under a stay-at-home order just yet, Governor Pete Ricketts has declared a state of emergency, urging Nebraskans to stay away from crowded places and in groups of no more than 10 people.
Unsurprisingly, a number of incredible organizations and nonprofits in the Omaha area have teamed up to help locals through this unprecedented time, working tirelessly to provide food, housing assistance and other types of support to our community.
We are always proud to see examples of the pure selfless spirits of our community—whether it’s through natural disasters or global pandemics. So join us as we celebrate the many incredible COVID-19 relief efforts in the area. And if you’re looking to get involved, we’ve provided links to different ways you can help out these organizations during their efforts.
The Omaha Community Foundation
Together with several other local foundations, the Omaha Community Foundation has launched the COVID-19 Response Fund. This fund will provide flexible resources to the organizations in the metro area working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by the virus and the economic consequences of the outbreak. Those communities include residents without health insurance or access to sick days, people with limited English language proficiency, healthcare and low-wage workers, and communities of color, among others.
According to their website, “The first phase of this work is intended to be a rapid response to immediate needs. As we learn more about our local needs and the changing nature of this unprecedented situation, we will adapt our process.”
They are currently working very closely with United Way of the Midlands to help establish a housing stability fund to assist people in paying rent and mortgages during their crisis.
How can you help? You can donate to the fund online, here.
United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands has set up a Housing Stability Fund that will help anyone impacted by the virus pay their rent, mortgage and keep from losing their homes. Starting April 15, Omaha area residents will be able to apply for rent or mortgage assistance with the United Way. Applicants can receive a one-time payment of up to $1,500. These funds will be administered by the United Way’s 211 program.
In addition to the housing assistance fund, United Way is also collecting funds to help with food assistance, healthcare assistance, utility and energy assistance, and more.
They are also working to make sure locals have a reliable source of information for COVID-19, providing an extensive list of resources from Nebraska Medicine and state officials to use if you think you’re experiencing symptoms.
How can you help? You can contribute to any of their assistance funds, here.
SHARE Omaha
During this crisis, it isn’t just small businesses that are impacted—nonprofit organizations are also struggling. These vital organizations in the metro area help with everything from domestic abuse to providing food for children in need through the weekends. SHARE Omaha has created a list (which is updated hourly) providing information on nonprofits’ responses to the pandemic and how you can help them in their time of need.
According to their website, “The impact of COVID-19 on vital Omaha metro nonprofits is overwhelming. As you are thinking about how you can help, we encourage you to start small and keep listening and looking for opportunities to do good…Together, we can support these critical organizations and allow them to continue to serve our neighbors.”
How can you help? Scroll through SHARE Omaha’s list of organizations in need. Whether you’re looking to donate money, food, toiletries or your own time—there is a nonprofit that you can help listed.
Food Bank for the Heartland
Even when the world isn’t in the midst of a global pandemic—Food Bank For the Heartland is helping serve our community. This program distributes food to over 600 non-profit organizations in Nebraska and wester Iowa such as pantries, schools, emergency shelters and other meal providers.
Right now, Food Bank for the Heartland is continuing to do what they have always done: feed individuals in need. If you, or someone you know, is hungry, visit their website to locate child feeding sites, a mobile pantry list, a map of their pantry partners and more. They are also working closely with school districts and other organizations regarding distribution of meals to children, families and seniors.
How can you help? Food Bank for the Heartland is always accepting donations and applications for volunteers. Click here to learn more.
The Salvation Army of Omaha
For many years, The Salvation Army of Omaha has worked to help with any and all needs in the metro area—from poverty and disaster survivors to mental health assistance and domestic abuse. The COVID-19 pandemic is no different.
The local branch of the organization has bolstered its food pantry at The Burrow Center (6101 NW Radial Highway). The center will have pre-packaged boxes of food available for pickup between 9-11a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for those in need.
They have also set up a COVID-19 relief fund, to help with mobile food distribution and material-services assistance efforts (which includes help with utility bills and other essentials). According to their website, “A funding partner has offered to match donations dollar for dollar up to $250,000 through June 30th. What’s more, this match has been expanded to apply to donations that come in from all three of the areas that we serve: Nebraska, South Dakota and western Iowa. Donations to this fund will be designated specifically to cover basic needs expenses, helping those in need both in the metro area—and throughout Nebraska, South Dakota, and western Iowa.”
How can you help? Contributions to their fund can be made here.
Greater Omaha Chamber
The Greater Omaha Chamber is working hard to help support our business community during the outbreak. To do this, they are providing access to up-to-date information from trustworthy sources on loans, tax relief, general business resources and more.
Along with links to all of these resources, the chamber is also breaking everything down into layman’s terms, to help guide business owners through applying for disaster loans and how to care for their employees at this time. Because “we accomplish more together.”
How can you help? Head to their Member News page, where local businesses can post updates on how best you can help—from local restaurants that are now offering curbside pickup to local nonprofits that need support.
Nebraska Community Blood Bank
Nebraska Community Blood Bank is one of the only contracted blood sources for many local hospitals—including UNMC and Children’s Hospital. They are closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and is continuing to carry out their lifesaving mission in our communities.
Right now, they are urging individuals who feel healthy and well to make an appointment to give blood, platelets and plasma. As a safety precaution, they are no requiring donation appointments.
How can you help? If you are not showing symptoms and have not been in contact with someone diagnosed with or is suspected of having COVID-19, you can make an appointment to donate. Click here to get started.
#Together
Let us know if there are any additional organizations and relief efforts in the Omaha area. We’d love to share even more ways that the community can help during this time.