Food and Housing Insecurity

Find Local Community Partners interested in Food and Housing Insecurity below.

David Hilber ~ bensonplantrescue@gmail.com ~ (402) 933-3867

7224 Maple St. Omaha, NE 68134 ~ Facebook Page

The Benson Plant Rescue (BPR) engages in organic recycling to combat global warming.   Proceeds from plant sales fund the Community Produce Rescue’s (CPR’s) mission of food reclamation and assist the Omaha Public Library with children’s books and computers.

Since 1999, BPR-CPR has rescued plants/produce from retailers/gardeners.  This  North Omaha effort to improve the community with low cost plants (BPR) and FREE produce (CPR)  has expanded into a nationally recognized model of environmental innovation.

BPR’s all-volunteer staff not only sells plants but dispenses knowledge about their care and culture,  making this more like a neighborhood club than a garden center.  Our motto says it all:  “Growing Community, Not Just Plants.”

Miah Sommer, Executive Director ~  miah@thebikeunion.org ~ 402-238-5890

1818 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102 ~ http://www.thebikeunion.org/

The Bike Union and Coffee provides workforce development and life skills for young adults impacted by the foster care system. 100% of your purchases go toward supporting our community programming. We have a unique approach to volunteering. Our greatest need is awarenesses of the stats that young adults who have aged out of foster care face. We ask volunteers meet with us over coffee and we can share some facts about foster care with them. With that knowledge, we hope they will invite someone for a coffee meeting at The Bike Union and share these statistics. In this way more and more people hear about foster care and how supporting The Bike Union can help alleviate this problem.

Dave Vankat, Senior Director & Community Relations ~ davev@ccomaha.org ~ (402) 829-9238

3300 North 60th Street, Omaha, NE 68104 ~ https://archomaha.org/discover/

Catholic Charities ministers to the greatest and most fundamental needs of our community. Since 1926, Catholic Charities has had a rich tradition of serving and advocating for the voiceless, hungry, addicted, abused, and forgotten individuals and families annually throughout the area.

At Catholic Charities, we . . .

-give shelter and safety to battered women and children

-feed the hungry

-assist immigrants during times of need

-develop new small business owners

-listen to and counsel people with mental illness

-partner new mothers with experienced mentors

-promote health and recreation to children and seniors

-reunite adoptive families

-support and guide those faced with untimely pregnancies

-teach children

-seniors and families life skills

 

Requirements: Some volunteer roles require background checks or bi-lingual (Spanish) ability.

Linda Robincheau, Volunteer Coordinator ~ lrobincheau@catholiccharitiesdm.org ~ 712-256-2059 ext. 101

1215 N Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA ~ https://www.ccomaha.org/program-and-services/domestic-violence

Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program provides domestic violence and sexual abuse services to anyone faced with these issues through our 24-hour emergency shelter, crisis phone line, court advocacy, educational groups and outreach to under-served populations in nine counties surrounding Council Bluffs in southwest Iowa.

Types of Service: Assistance with daily activities, child care, collect or distribute clothing and personal care items, domestic abuse outreach, environmental clean up/yard or garden work, music or art activities, non-partisan advocacy work, office support or clerical and computer work, tutor or teach

Requirements: Background check

Clarissa Newman, Campus Coordinator ~ clarrissa.newman@lakincampus.org  ~ 712-323-4416

1415 Avenue J Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 ~ https://www.lakincampus.org/

The Charles E Lakin Human Services Campus is a unique collaborative that is home to American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club, Heartland Family Service, MICAH House, and The Salvation Army. The Campus, a separate non-profit, holds events throughout the year for children and families that participate in the programs of the partner agencies, and serves as a place where all children and families in need can find resources and training to better enable them to be productive and contributing citizens. /  / Annually, the Campus hosts a number of events. The goal of the Campus events is to provide children and their families the opportunity to participate in activities they may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience in a safe, familiar and convenient location for them. We want to facilitate activities with the children and families that encourage families to spend time together and give them ideas of activities they can do to create lasting memories and traditions in their own homes. Our annual activities include an Easter Egg Hunt, Water/Summer Party, Back to School Extravaganza, Trunk or Treat and Holiday Celebration. During our events children and their families get to play games, make crafts, and take home donated books. We also have a Campus garden where families and children can learn gardening basics and then use the food in their own kitchens. Together, as a Campus, we collaborate to provide lasting positive memories to children and their families experiencing difficult situations, these experiences can assist the healing and rebuilding process. Spanish language helpful. All volunteers are background checked through the sex offender registry database.

Shannon Gennardo, Community Engagement Coordinator ~ garden@omahasprouts.org ~402-707-2860

4002 Seward St. Omaha, NE 68111 ~ www.omahasprouts.org

Volunteers are needed year round to assist in the gardens, farm, and education center: weeding, watering, planting and harvesting, painting, organizing, building projects, etc. Opportunities change with the season, with spring, summer and fall having the highest need. Hours are flexible. The work is physical and fun! Volunteers can help with a one-time project or have a dedicated time commitment.  Please call/email Community Engagement Coordinator Shannon Gennardo at 402-707-2860 or garden@omahasprouts.org

 

Ismael Alvarez Del Castillo, Development Coordinator ~icastillo@completelykids.org  ~ 402-397-5809 ext. 204
2566 St. Mary’s Ave, Omaha, NE 68105 ~ www.completelykids.org

Completely KIDS needs volunteers to build caring, confident youth and future leaders. Volunteers are needed to work with youth Monday through Friday in our after school programs at elementary and middle schools and evening programs in area homeless shelters. We are looking for energetic individuals and groups to help the youth with homework, skill development, enrichment activities, and exposure to positive role models. An extra set of hands is always appreciated in this fun environment.

Find us on: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram

Meredith Metcalf, Deputy Director ~ 402-453-5656 ext. 227 ~ mmetcalf@encapomaha.org

2406 Fowler Avenue Omaha, NE 68111 ~ encapnebraska.org/get-involved/

1 in 8 Nebraskans is food insecure, and many of those are seniors.

Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership’s (ENCAP) Nutrition Center provides food boxes to seniors in Omaha and across Douglas and Sarpy Counties. We need your help to make this happen!

We are looking for individuals and groups who want to give back, move and pack boxes for delivery, and provide a smiling face to our seniors. We are looking for both one-time volunteers and folks who want to serve on an ongoing basis.

A typical day may include packing boxes, checking clients in, or helping clients to their cars with their food.

Please give us a call, email, or stop by! Look forward to meeting you!

Susie ~ susied@essentialps.org ~ 402-554-0121 ~ https://essentialps.org

Benson Area               6220 Maple St., Omaha NE    68104

Maple Village              3029 N 93rd St., Omaha NE  68134

Bellevue                      908 W. Mission Ave., Bellevue, NE 68005

EPS is dedicated to helping expectant women and parenting families make life-affirming choices for themselves and their children through medical services, education, professional counseling, material assistance and resource information. Since 1973, Essential Pregnancy Services (EPS) has existed as a haven for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Our work is founded on the principle of upholding the dignity of all persons – born and unborn – through compassionate care for women. We believe it is our responsibility to offer our time and resources to assist women, facing the most difficult circumstances, to understand their pregnancy and to learn about all options available to them. Our accurate medical information, factual and science-based education, and informational resources empower women to make informed decisions for themselves and their health. All services are provided at no cost.

 VOLUNTEER

EPS offers many ways for you to gift of your time and energy to our life-saving mission. Call EPS during business hours at 402.554.0121. Descriptions of many of the volunteer opportunities at EPS are below.

Client Advocates meet individually with women to provide a listening ear and support while administering pregnancy tests and STI screenings. Client Advocates are also trained to share community resources.

EPS needs licensed nurses. If you are a registered nurse, please inquire about volunteering your time to help cover shifts and support staff at our centers in Benson, Bellevue and Maple Village.

EPS has boutiques in Benson and Bellevue. Volunteers assist with sorting donations, taking inventory, stocking shelves, processing clients at the register, and assisting clients in shopping.

EPS resource rooms in Benson and Bellevue offer clients of our parenting program, Beginning Essentials, a work space to read articles on parenting with optional DVD viewing. Volunteers provide a welcoming environment, offer assistance to clients as needed, and keep the area clean.

EPS is in need of ongoing administrative assistance. Volunteers will be trained to assist with various office tasks, including; mailing, filing, organizing content for newsletters, and more.

Baby Showers are possible thanks to the support of volunteers who donate food, organize donations, prepare shower gifts, take photos, and assist on the day of these events. On average, we have about forty clients attend each shower with one to three families members each.

To assist us with urgent donation requests, follow us on Facebook and visit our page often for current posts. Search for us at Friends of Essential Pregnancy Services.

 

Spencer Cohort, Warehouse Volunteer Coordinator ~ volunteer@foodbankheartland.org ~ (402) 331-1213

10525 J Street Omaha, NE 68127 ~https://foodbankheartland.org/

Volunteers in the warehouse are needed to sort and repackage food, assemble packs of food for our backpack program and work special events in our community. One-time and repeat volunteers are both welcome. We can accommodate individual volunteers but prefer to have groups 4-20 people. Individual volunteers are welcome Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to Noon. Groups of 12-20 are scheduled Monday through Friday from 1 pm to 3:30 PM. Office volunteers are requested to help in checking Supplemental Nutrition Assistance applications for their correct entry in our data system before we send it to DHHS. Typically, volunteers commit for 3 months working at least 2 hours per week. All interested volunteers (or group representative) should complete the volunteer application form on our website here.

Catherine Schroeder ~ (712)323-7756 ~ info@gabrielscorner.com
#131, South 16th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 ~ www.gabrielscorner.com

Opening hours vary, so please call first.  (Volunteers are always welcome.)

Our free services include:

  • Free pregnancy tests (ID must be provided)
  • Free ultrasounds
  • Caring, professional, confidential counseling
  • Referrals
  • Proof of pregnancy forms
  • Financial assistance (in emergencies) and babies material needs…. from birth to 3 yrs. (diapers, clothes, and larger items like car seats, cribs etc. when available)
  • Post abortion counseling
  • Adoption information and resources
  • Information on Medicaid
  • Se habla espaniol

Habitat for Humanity

Saturday Weekly Service with Habitat Restore

Molly Carrig ~MollyCarrig@creighton.edu https://omahahabitatrestore.org/

Join members of the Creighton community to volunteer at a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. All are welcome, you don’t need to be a member of the CU Habitat club to join. All you need is an open mind and a heart ready for service. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to meet your community! At the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, we will be helping to process donations while building relationships, proceeds from the ReStore go to build more Habitat homes in the Omaha community. Transportation is provided. You must register ahead of time.

Service dates and sign ups coming soon!

CU Habitat Club

Ryan Boepple ~ RyanBoepple@creighton.edu.

CU Habitat welcomes all members of the Creighton and Omaha communities to sign up and volunteer at our builds. We work hard to make sure that these volunteer experiences are fulfilling and we appreciate the hard work and contributions these volunteers bring to the program. Our chapter also offers something different, however, for those volunteers wanting to get more involved in CU Habitat – membership! Chapter members become involved in all areas of our organization and are offered a wider range of service-oriented opportunities and privileges. Basically, while volunteers help us work on the home, members go beyond this and participate in the social, developmental, reflective, and organizational facets of the club.

 

 

Jenny Schroeder, Volunteer Services Manager ~ 402-457-5657 ~ jschroeder@habitatomaha.org
1701 N 24th Street Omaha, NE 68110 ~ https://habitatomaha.org/volunteer/local-opportunities/ 

Habitat for Humanity builds housing in partnership with low-income families. Volunteers are needed for construction work, vacant lot clean up, working at the Habitat ReStore, and in our office. Hours are flexible between 8:30am – 3:30pm, Wednesday – Saturday. We love to have individuals or groups (8-10 people) participating once or on a continuing basis. In 2019, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha will build or renovate more than 50 homes. Houses are built with donor contributions, volunteer labor and donated materials. We have a diverse set of opportunities available for volunteers of all skill levels.  To learn more about getting involved with our construction, ReStore, office and creative opportunities please visit our website!

Jon Firmature ~ (402) 292-6560 ~ executivedirector@hfhsarpy.org

1001 Ft Crook Rd N Ste 207, Bellevue, NE 68005 ~ https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=NE

Habitat for Humanity of Sarpy County builds affordable housing in partnership with clients. Volunteers are needed for construction work, vacant lot clean up, working at the Habitat Home Store, on committees, helping with events, and in our office. Hours vary depending on what you would like to do: Office hours are M-F 9am-4pm; the Habitat Home Store is open T-TH 12-6pm, F & S 9am-5pm. We would love to have individuals or groups (8-10 people) participating once or on a continuing basis and ask that all volunteers sign up online through the Habitat for Humanity website, linked above.

Requirements: Certain training required for certain volunteering role

Lori Tatreau ~ 402-779-8499~ volunteers@svdpomaha.com
1710 Izard St, Omaha NE 68104 ~ www.holyfamilyomaha.org

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Making sandwiches, packing lunch bags, handing lunches out at the door, driving vans to deliver and hand out lunches
  • Sorting, hanging, organizing clothing donations, handing clothing and toiletries out at the door
  • Event support such as check in table, picking up trash, cleaning tables, greeters, running elevator, security
  • Street Team marketing- hang posters around town, social media sharing

Gardens/ Grounds

  • Planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, landscaping

Administrative/ Office (in person or possibly remote)

  • Fundraising, marketing, spreadsheets, mailing etc.; can be tailored to your interest and experiences

Drives- gather needed items for us

  • Toiletries, new socks, new underwear, pantry staples, blankets, winter coats, hats, gloves

Sonia Gray, Volunteer Manager ~ sonya@incommoncd.org ~ (402) 933-6672

1340 Park Ave, Omaha, NE 68105 ~ incommoncd.org/join/

inCOMMON alleviates poverty at a root level by uniting + strengthening vulnerable neighborhoods. Because the greatest strength of any neighborhood are the residents who call these places home, we’re committed to transforming neighborhoods through neighbors. Through a variety of community-based and resident-led initiatives, residents are finding ways to rebuild their neighborhoods together, as well as setting a community course away from poverty and toward sustainable futures for themselves and their families. Volunteers are a vital part of all of our activities! For some volunteer opportunities, certain qualifications are beneficial (i.e. Spanish-language skills are beneficial to an ESL tutor), but we also have many opportunities available that do not require special skills–there is a place for everyone!

Jill Conway, Executive Director of Kountze Commons Community Outreach Center, 402-341-7761, jill@kmlchurch.org

The Kountze Food Pantry’s mission is simple: feed anyone who comes through the door. The Pantry is a guest-choice pantry, which demonstrates respect for guests and decreases waste by allowing individuals to choose the food they receive. A social worker is present to refer guests to primary care and behavioral health services within Kountze Commons when appropriate.

 

A volunteer is responsible for providing guests with the appropriate food depending on availability, and may include canned goods, dry beans/rice, boxed food, frozen meat, produce, dessert, bread, limited hygiene products, and clothing.  Volunteers also help with carts, loading/unloading, sorting, and cleaning.  Time Commitment: varies depending on volunteer availability and day.  The Monday pantry is open 3 hours (10 am to 1 pm) and Friday pantry is open 2 hours (5 pm to 7 pm).

 

There may also be specific times each year when large shipments of dry goods/cans are received and volunteers are needed to sort and organize.

 

Below are the links to sign up to volunteer. 

 

https://www.kountzecommons.org/support-us

 

http://form.jotform.com/200834787701155

Kayla Terrillion, Child Program Specialist ~ kterrillion@themicahhouse.org ~  712-323-4416

1415 Avenue J, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 ~ www.themicahhouse.org/volunteer

MICAH House is an emergency family homeless shelter serving the Council Bluffs and Omaha metro area. Since 1986, the MICAH House has been a haven for families and individuals experiencing a housing crisis. The shelter provides the resources and support services necessary to regain self sufficiency and reenter the community.

Special requirements: Completion of MICAH House Volunteer Application Form (located on our website) and review of MICAH House Volunteer Handbook.

 

Mark Welsch, Omaha Coordinator ~ NFPOmaha1970@gmail.com ~ 402-453-0776

PO Box 6418, Omaha NE 68106 ~ nebraskansforpeace.org

Nebraskans for Peace is a statewide grassroots advocacy organization working nonviolently for Peace with Justice through community building, education and political action.

As the oldest statewide Peace & Justice organization in the country, Nebraskans for Peace is the acknowledged voice on peace and social justice issues in Nebraska politics. We have continually advocated for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts, while steadfastly promoting the rights of all people throughout our decades-long history. We address issues of military intervention and foreign policy, economic justice, the environment, Palestinian rights, stopping climate change, nonviolence education, capital punishment, gender and racial equality. Nebraskans for Peace is committed to standing up for what is right, and we are committed to upholding this tradition of conscience, justice and peacemaking for generations to come.

Volunteers with Nebraskans for Peace work in the following activities:

1. Recruit other volunteers – at reserved tables at events, from friends, family and associates
2. Organize events where our issues are discussed
3. Set up and participate in meetings with grasstops (leaders in our community) to talk about our issues
4. Call elected officials to urge them to do the right thing on our issues
5. Write to elected officials to urge them to do the right thing on our issues
6. Set up meetings to talk with elected officials and/or their staff about our issues
7. Meet and talk with elected officials and/or their staff about our issues
8. Organize vigils and protests to draw the public’s attention to our issues

 

Emily Barber, Community Engagement Manager~ ebarber@nmeomaha.org ~ 402-502-1642

8501 N 30th St Omaha, NE 68112 ~ https://www.nmepomaha.org/

No More Empty Pots is a grassroots non-profit corporation that connects individuals and groups to improve self-sufficiency, regional food security and economic resilience of urban and rural communities through advocacy and action. To help support this effort, No More Empty Pots, collaborates with an array of public and private organizations, businesses, communities, individuals, and entrepreneurs.

We offer several volunteer opportunities, including: gardening at the Florence Community Garden, helping with food prep in our production kitchens, and data/evaluation in our administrative office.

 

Garrett Ross ~ GarrettRoss@OpenDoorMission.org ~ 402-829-1548

2828 N 23rd St E, Omaha, NE 68110 ~ https://www.opendoormission.org/

The Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the need of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change that breaks the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Daily, Open Door Mission offers 917 safe shelter beds to those experiencing homelessness, serves more than 3,500 meals to feed the hungry and empowers more than 1,000 people living in poverty to remain in their own homes through homeless prevention resources. Volunteer opportunities include prepping and serving food in the kitchen, sorting items in our Manna Food Pantry and Outreach Centers, front desk at Lydia House, special events (banquets, Toy & Joy Shop, etc)

Hannah Vlach-Wyble ~ (402) 305-8139 ~ RestoringDignity@live.com
https://rdomaha.org/

Restoring Dignity is composed of people in the Omaha community who volunteer their time and resources to help impoverished refugee families. Over the course of a weekend, we go into individual family homes and clean, organize, and bring needed household items. New projects are listed every other month. We assist refugee families in two main areas: (1) teaching basic cleaning skills and providing them with cleaning supplies and (2) bringing these families basic household furniture such as dressers, beds, chairs, and tables. In addition, we also provide basic household items, such as toilet paper, towels, light bulbs, and bed sheets. Everyone can help in some capacity, and we need around 35-45 volunteers per family that we assist. Join us as we aim to restore dignity and hope to the lives of struggling refugee families here in the Omaha area.

Jeri Janz, Volunteer Coordinator ~ jjanz@sienafrancis.org

1702 Nicholas St, Omaha, NE 68102 ~ https://sienafrancis.org/

About the Siena/Francis House Video

Founded in 1975, Siena Francis House is Nebraska's largest provider of services to individuals experiencing homelessness. While Siena Francis House provides emergency shelter, food and clothing to individuals experiencing homelessness, our ultimate goal is to end homelessness by helping each and every guest achieve housing out in the community. As part of this effort, Siena Francis House also provides Permanent Supportive Housing for formerly homeless, disabled persons on our campus.

 

Volunteers make a tremendous difference at our organization on a daily basis. If you are wondering how to help the thousands of people we serve each year, Siena Francis House offers a variety of meaningful volunteer options. You could help serve a meal in our dining room, assist in meal preparation in the kitchen, receive and organize donations on our loading dock and in our pantry, help out in our laundry room, assist in grounds and maintenance or provide transportation to our clients.  Opportunities are available to anyone who is looking for a one-time volunteer experience, or those who are interested in a more regular/ongoing volunteer commitment for any of the following volunteer positions: • Meal Service Volunteer (for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) • Kitchen Volunteer • Dock & Pantry Volunteer • Laundry Service Volunteer • Volunteer Driver • Maintenance Volunteer • Daily Campus Clean-Up Volunteer.

 The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha is continuing the legacy of the Holy Family Church with the various programs including Closet Door Ministry, Sack Lunch Program, Churchyard Community Garden, and more. Walking distance from campus, you can work in a garden, make sack lunches for individuals experiencing food insecurity, or sort clothing donations with the Closet Door Ministry. Individuals and groups are welcome!

Contact: Austin Bryant, Office & Volunteer Coordinator

Address: Holy Family Community Center, 1715 Izard St | Omaha, NE 68102

Email: volunteers@svdpomaha.com

Phone: (402) 536-9216

Devon Lee, Volunteer Director ~ (402) 715-5445 ~ devon.lee@stephencenter.org
2723 Q St, Omaha, NE 68107 ~ www.stephencenter.org

Volunteers at Stephen Center serve in a variety of capacities, 7 days a week 24 hours a day. Current volunteer needs include serving in the shelter office, as a front desk receptionist, overnight volunteer and assistance at the Stephen Center Thrift Store. To view additional volunteer opportunities please visit our website at www.stephencenter.org and click on the “How You Can Help” tab. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer you may fill out the online application and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Types of Service: Assistance with daily activities, collect or distribute clothing and personal care items, office support/ clerical or computer work.

LaJoanna Newsome ~ (402) 898-6000 ~ LaJonna_Newsome@usc.salvationarmy.org

10755 Burt Street. Omaha, NE 68114 ~ https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/

The Salvation Army seeks volunteers to help improve lives in our community. Various one-time and on-going opportunities including TurkeyFest, Toyland, and bell ringing. Volunteer numbers vary depending on the event. Some registration is required prior to volunteering.

Craig Howell, Director Community Partnerships  ~ (402) 345-8047 ext. 218 ~ chowell@togetheromaha.org

812 S. 24th Street, Omaha, NE 68108 ~ www.togetheromaha.org

Together.  Collaborating to End Hunger and Homelessness. We provide necessary resources to individuals and families in our community so they can maintain their homes. Volunteers support Together by helping in our pantry. We can host small and medium groups as well support special projects such as building maintenance and donation drives for food, hygiene, kitchen essentials, and house hold items such as plates, cups, small appliances, silverware, and pans. Your support provides hope, dignity, and compassion to those that otherwise would not have it. We can accommodate any number of volunteers and welcome both long-term and one-time service. No special skills required but Spanish is helpful.