Last Updated on September 22, 2025 by Rachel

Nebraska Community Support Organizations, Churches & Charities for Single Mothers (2025)

Last updated: September 2025

Read this when you’re juggling rent, power, diapers, and safety—and you need help fast. This guide lists real programs in Nebraska run by community nonprofits, churches, and charities. It gives exact phone numbers, what they offer, who qualifies, required documents, typical timelines, and backup plans. We do not list federal/state benefits here, except where a nonprofit administers them.

Emergency help if you need it tonight

• If you’re in danger, call 911.
• Domestic violence/sexual assault 24/7 help: National DV Hotline 1‑800‑799‑7233, text “START” to 88788; or find your local Nebraska program (WCA Omaha, Friendship Home Lincoln, etc.) on the Nebraska Coalition’s “Find Help” page. (nebraskacoalition.org)
• Crisis shelter (Omaha): Open Door Mission Lydia House — call 402‑422‑1111 for availability. Address: 2809 N 20th St E, Omaha. (opendoormission.org)
• Crisis shelter (Lincoln): People’s City Mission Family Shelter — call 402‑475‑1303 (main). Help Center offers food/clothing; see hours and 200% FPL policy below. (pcmlincoln.org)
• Statewide referrals 24/7: Dial 211 or text your ZIP to 898211 to reach United Way of the Midlands’ 211 Resource Navigators (English/Spanish). (ne211.org)

Quick Help Box (do these first)

• Call or text 211 to get 3–5 local options for rent, utilities, diapers, and shelter in minutes. It’s free, confidential, and 24/7. (ne211.org)
• For a shutoff or eviction: Apply immediately with your utility’s charity fund (OPPD EAP, MUD Energy Assistance, NPPD Pennies for Power) and leave a message with St. Vincent de Paul (Omaha or Lincoln). These move fastest when you have your bill/notice ready. (oppd.com, dollarenergy.org, search.ne211.org)
• Food today: Check Food Bank for the Heartland’s “Find Food” map (NE hotline 1‑855‑444‑5556) or Food Bank of Lincoln’s mobile distributions. No ID needed at many sites. (foodbankheartland.org, lincolnfoodbank.org)
• Diapers this month: Nebraska Diaper Bank partners give 60–80 diapers per child/month (to age 3). Find your closest site. (nebraskadiaperbank.org)
• Legal help for evictions: Legal Aid of Nebraska AccessLine® 402‑348‑1060 (Douglas Co.) or 877‑250‑2016 (outside Douglas); limited hours. (supremecourt.nebraska.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

The reality in Nebraska right now (why charities matter)

• Food insecurity rose sharply in Nebraska. Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap shows an estimated 267,960 Nebraskans (13.6%) were food insecure in 2022, including about 91,240 children. Local food banks report continued high demand into 2024–2025. (1011now.com, feedingamerica.org, publicnewsservice.org)
• Many families over SNAP income limits still face hunger. Feeding America notes nearly half of people facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP, pushing more families toward food pantries and church programs. (feedingamerica.org)
• Utility assistance through community funds is meeting big needs. In 2024–2025, OPPD and M.U.D. reported distributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to nearly 2,000 households via community donations. (oppd.com)

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Table 1 — 24/7 emergencies, shelters, and hotlines

Utility bill help from community funds (non‑state)

Start here if you have a disconnect notice or a high past-due balance. These are charity-funded grants administered by nonprofits.

OPPD Energy Assistance Program (EAP) — Douglas/Sarpy and surrounding OPPD area

• Max grant per program year: $500.
• Income: At or below 200% of FPL.
• How to apply: Through a partner agency (via Dollar Energy Fund Agency Finder), call 888‑650‑9132, or call 211 to apply by phone. (oppd.com)
• Proof: Verifiable emergency, proof of income, account holder ID; grants can cover security deposits. (dollarenergy.org)
• Timeline: Dollar Energy Fund says applications are “usually processed within two business days” after documents are submitted. (dollarenergy.org)
• Tip: If the $500 won’t fully stop a shutoff, the application can be denied until you make an additional payment—ask your caseworker how much is needed to restore service. (dollarenergy.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Salvation Army’s utility assistance line 402‑898‑5966 (Douglas/Sarpy) for a backup appointment, and ask United Way 211 for other agencies taking Dollar Energy intakes this week. (search.ne211.org)

M.U.D. (Metropolitan Utilities District) Energy Assistance Program — Omaha metro

• Max grant per program year: $500.
• Balance requirement: At least $100 outstanding. (dollarenergy.org)
• Apply: Through Dollar Energy Fund partner agencies or MyApp; funding opens Oct 1 each year and can run out—apply early. (dollarenergy.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about M.U.D.’s “Home Fund” and the annual Heat the Streets event dollars; Salvation Army and ENCAP may also have limited utility help. (shareomaha.org, oppd.com, encapnebraska.org)

NPPD “Pennies for Power” — NPPD service areas statewide

• Max grant: $225\ast \ast ;mustbeshutofforhaveaterminationnotice;musthavemadea\ast \ast$100 payment within past 6 months. Income at or below 200% FPL. (dollarenergy.org)
• Apply: Through a local agency via Dollar Energy’s Agency Finder or MyApp. (dollarenergy.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Check local churches (SVdP, Salvation Army) and your county General Assistance office for one-time help. (search.ne211.org)

Salvation Army HeatShare (gas/heat help)

• HeatShare assists with Black Hills Energy gas bills and sometimes furnace repairs; eligibility often includes seniors 55+, households with a child under 6 months, disability, or a documented medical condition; one time per year. Omaha metro: 402‑898‑5966; Lincoln site: 402‑474‑6263; other Nebraska cities listed on the program page. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org, search.ne211.org)

Table 2 — Utility charity programs at a glance

Rent, deposit, and housing stability (nonprofits and churches)

Start with the program that answers phones or takes applications on specific days/times. Have your lease, ledger, eviction/summons, and ID ready.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) — Omaha

• What they help with: Rent (eviction notices), utilities (shutoff notices), thrift store vouchers.
• How to apply: Online Assistance Application (fastest) or call 402‑346‑5445 (Helpline). Expect a callback within 1–3 business days; many applicants complete a parish interview. Required docs may include lease, ledger, notice, and a W‑9 from landlord. Service area primarily Douglas/Sarpy. (ssvpomaha.org, search.ne211.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 for another parish SVdP or the Ozanam Outreach committee (one-time/lifetime) and contact Together’s Horizons walk‑in clinic (see below). (search.ne211.org, togetheromaha.org)

Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Lincoln Council

• What they help with: Utilities, rent, furniture, prescriptions (non‑narcotic), sometimes car repair; no deposits.
• How to apply: Call 402‑435‑7968 during Helpline hours (Mon–Tue 10am–Noon; Wed 5:30–7:30pm; Thu–Fri 10am–Noon). Home visit is standard. (search.ne211.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Try Catholic Social Services Family Support (Mondays 9am line) or Community Action (see below). (csshope.org, communityactionatwork.org)

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) — Family Support Services

• Areas: Lincoln serves Butler, Cass, Gage, Jefferson, Lancaster, Polk, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, York.
• How it works: Call 402‑327‑6211 at 9:00am on Mondays; first 10 eligible callers get appointments (once per year assistance; weekly budget). Bring landlord info for rent help or your utility bill for utilities. Walk‑in items (2241 O St.) include blankets, toiletries, diapers, and baby formula during office hours. (csshope.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Try SVdP Lincoln or Community Action Emergency Services (phone application). (search.ne211.org, communityactionatwork.org)

Together — Horizons (Housing Stability Clinic), Omaha metro

• What they do: One‑on‑one triage, housing problem solving, limited financial help depending on funding, and case management; walk‑in clinic now by appointment at Kountze Commons (Tues/Wed 9–12 & 1–3; Thu 11:30–3). (togetheromaha.org)
• Apply: Visit in person during clinic hours or book online (link on their page). Bring ID, Social Security cards, proof of income/residency; they usually assist once every 6–12 months if sustainable. (togetheromaha.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Call ENCAP (402‑453‑5656) to check month‑end funding or ask 211 which agencies are currently taking eviction‑prevention funds. (encapnebraska.org)

Heartland Family Service (HFS) — Homeless Prevention and Diversion (Douglas/Sarpy)

• What they do: Short‑term case management (up to 3 months) to prevent homelessness; limited financial assistance for urgent barriers; diversion helps avoid a shelter stay. Eligibility: at imminent risk of homelessness (within 14 days). Contact 531‑200‑3500 or 402‑552‑7400. (heartlandfamilyservice.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: If literally homeless, ask about rapid rehousing (Heartland Housing Opportunities). Otherwise, contact Together or SVdP. (heartlandfamilyservice.org)

Community Action — Emergency Services (Lincoln, rural Lancaster, Saunders)

• What they do: One‑time help with rent, utilities, and deposits plus budgeting support; Coordinated Entry Open Door. Apply by phone: 402‑471‑4515 (Lincoln) or 402‑277‑7330 (Saunders/rural Lancaster). Leave a message; calls are returned Mon–Fri 8:30–5. (communityactionatwork.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact Matt Talbot (Lincoln) for homeless diversion/gas vouchers or CSS/SVdP. (mtko.org)

Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska (CAPWN) — Panhandle

• What they do: Family Stabilization and emergency services, including partial rent/mortgage and utilities (eligibility often up to 130% FPL, varies by county/fund). Main line 308‑635‑3089; Sidney office 308‑254‑5856. In‑person applications are typical. (capwn.org, search.ne211.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about county General Assistance (e.g., Scotts Bluff County referrals now managed by CAPWN) and check local SVdP/Salvation Army. (scottsbluffcountyne.gov)

Table 3 — Rent, deposit & stabilization programs

Food, diapers, clothing, baby items

Food pantries and mobile distributions

• Food Bank for the Heartland (most of the state outside SE Nebraska): Use the “Find Food” map or call the SNAP/Food Resources Hotline 1‑855‑444‑5556 for pantry locations and SNAP application help. (foodbankheartland.org)
• Food Bank of Lincoln (16 counties in SE Nebraska): Check the mobile distribution schedule—no documentation required at many sites; TEFAP form at some distributions. (lincolnfoodbank.org)
• Heart Ministry Center (North Omaha): Choice Food Distribution Tues/Wed/Fri 10am–1pm; Sat 10am–Noon (drive‑thru); one visit/month. Clinic and vision/dental available by appointment. 402‑451‑2321; 2222 Binney St. (heartministrycenter.org)
• Heartland Hope Mission (Omaha South/West): One pantry visit/month (seniors/disabled may visit twice). Bring photo ID and ID for household members. South O: 2021 U St; West O: 15555 Industrial Rd. 402‑733‑1904. (heartlandhopemission.org, search.ne211.org)
• People’s City Mission Help Center (Lincoln): Shop for food/clothing if household income is ≤ 200% FPL; see new‑shopper times and weekly hours. (pcmlincoln.org)

Diapers and baby supplies

• Nebraska Diaper Bank: Children receive 60 diapers (sizes 3–6) or 80 diapers (N–2) per month until their 3rd birthday. Distribution is through partner agencies (Omaha/Lincoln and other counties). Bring photo ID; some partners may ask for WIC/Medicaid card or pay stubs. (nebraskadiaperbank.org)
• Catholic Social Services (Lincoln): Walk‑in diapers, formula, blankets during office hours at 2241 O St. 402‑474‑1600. (csshope.org)
• Good Neighbor Community Center (Lincoln): Monthly diapers (sizes 1–5) and wipes when available; plus clothing and household items. 402‑477‑4173; 2617 Y St. (gncclincoln.org, search.ne211.org)
• Trinity Lutheran “Forward” (Lincoln): Diapers and wipes for each child up to age 5 on Mondays 10am–2pm, 733 S 13th St. (trinityoflincoln.org)

Clothing and household goods

• People’s City Mission Help Center (Lincoln): Free clothing, furniture, household goods; income ≤ 200% FPL; see hours. (pcmlincoln.org)
• SVdP Omaha thrift vouchers: Available with financial assistance (Helpline). (search.ne211.org)
• Open Door Mission Outreach Centers (Omaha): Free shopping for clothing/household items once every 30 days; bring photo ID, proof of address, Social Security cards. Appointments mornings; walk‑in 1–3pm. (opendoormission.org)

Table 4 — Food & diapers snapshot

Safety from domestic/sexual violence (free, confidential)

• Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence lists all local programs with 24/7 hotlines, emergency shelter (or hoteling), legal advocacy, and protection order assistance. Find your program on the Coalition’s site. (nebraskacoalition.org)
• Examples:
  • Omaha: Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA) 402‑345‑7273; Catholic Charities DV shelter 402‑558‑5700. (ago.nebraska.gov)
  • Lincoln: Friendship Home 402‑437‑9302; Voices of Hope 402‑475‑7273. (ago.nebraska.gov)
  • Central/West: S.A.F.E. Center (Kearney) 1‑877‑237‑2513; Bright Horizons (Norfolk) 1‑877‑379‑3798; The Bridge (Fremont) 1‑888‑721‑4340. (safecenter.org, brighthorizonsne.org)
• Tribal programs: Ponca 402‑438‑9222 (Lincoln); Winnebago 402‑745‑3959; Omaha Tribe DV 402‑846‑5280 (x2312) after hours 402‑922‑3190; Santee Sioux 402‑857‑2342. (netav.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the National DV Hotline 1‑800‑799‑7233 or text “START” to 88788 for immediate safety planning and hidden‑browser chat options. (nebraskacoalition.org)

Legal help to stop an eviction or protect your rights

• Legal Aid of Nebraska AccessLine®: 402‑348‑1060 (Douglas County) or 877‑250‑2016 (outside Douglas). Hours: Mon/Wed 8:30–11:30am; Tue/Thu 1–3pm. Elder AccessLine® 800‑527‑7249; Native American AccessLine® 800‑729‑9908. (supremecourt.nebraska.gov)
• Nebraska Judicial Branch Self‑Help: forms and legal information; locations of Self‑Help Centers and Access to Justice Centers (Omaha & Lincoln). (supremecourt.nebraska.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the Volunteer Lawyers Project for virtual self‑help or Free Legal Answers; or call Nebraska Appleseed’s Community Assistance Line for referrals. (nevlp.org, neappleseed.org)

Home repairs (you own your home)

• Habitat for Humanity of Omaha — Home Repair Program (Douglas/Sarpy and nearby counties): Zero‑interest loans; projects include HVAC, water heaters, roofs, windows/doors, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, energy efficiency. Call 402‑457‑5657. Income usually ≤ 80% AMI; must be owner‑occupied and current on taxes. Emergency repair line available for critical failures. (habitatomaha.org)
• Lincoln/Lancaster & Seward — Habitat Home Repair: Critical repairs; zero‑interest repayment; income guidelines posted. Pre‑application online. (lincolnhabitat.org)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility about energy assistance/weatherization programs and call 211 for a faith‑community repair ministry near you. (ne211.org)

Transportation basics

• Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (Lincoln): $20 gas vouchers on the first business day each month (once every six months); bring license, registration, and insurance. Also has shower/laundry for people experiencing homelessness. 402‑477‑4116. (mtko.org)
• SVdP Lincoln sometimes helps with car repair where funds allow (ask during Helpline call). (search.ne211.org)

Diverse Communities: targeted doors to knock on

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: WCA (Omaha) and Voices of Hope (Lincoln) serve all survivors regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation; Catholic Charities and CSS list nondiscrimination statements across services. For legal name/gender marker changes, ask Legal Aid/VLP if clinics are scheduled. (ccomaha.org, supremecourt.nebraska.gov, nevlp.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or caring for disabled children: Call 211 to locate adaptive equipment loan closets and utility medical‑need protections (ask OPPD about medical necessity documentation for EAP). (oppd.com)
• Veteran single mothers: Use United Way’s Military & Family Helpline (dial 211, text ZIP to 898211), or ask about SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) in your region. (ne211.org, veterans.nebraska.gov)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: NILAH immigration legal hotline 1‑855‑307‑6730 (Spanish/other languages), Catholic Charities immigration legal services (Omaha South), and Lutheran Family Services Refugee Support and Food Access Site. Language access available. (immigrantlc.org, ccomaha.org, onelfs.org)
• Tribal citizens: Tribal DV programs (Ponca, Winnebago, Omaha Tribe, Santee Sioux). Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition (Omaha 402‑346‑0902) can connect to health and family supports. (netav.org)
• Rural single moms: CAPWN (Panhandle) 308‑635‑3089; Community Action of NE regions (Mid‑NE, Northwest CAP, etc.) for emergency services and Coordinated Entry access; county General Assistance can be a bridge if funds are depleted. (capwn.org, scottsbluffcountyne.gov)
• Single fathers: Most programs above are open to single fathers as well (SVdP, Salvation Army, Food Banks, Legal Aid, shelters with family units like Lydia House). Check each program’s eligibility page or call first. (opendoormission.org)
• Language access: Many programs offer interpreters (e.g., LFS). When you call, say your language (“Spanish,” “Arabic,” etc.) and ask for an interpreter. (onelfs.org)

Table 5 — Documents & timelines checklist

Step‑by‑step: how to use 211 to save time

• Call 211 or text your ZIP to 898211. Say: “I have a shutoff notice/eviction notice and kids at home; I need agencies that are funding today.”
• Ask for 3–5 referrals: one church charity (SVdP or Salvation Army), one community action agency, and your utility’s charity program.
• Before you hang up, ask the navigator for each program’s intake hours and any extra documents they require. Take notes or request a text.
• If you don’t get a live person, leave voicemails and apply online when available (SVdP Omaha online form; Dollar Energy MyApp). Follow up within 24 hours.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting too long to call when you get a notice. Grants are first‑come, first‑served; funds can be gone by mid‑month. (dollarenergy.org)
• Not answering unknown numbers. Many caseworkers call from blocked or different lines; missing that call can push your case back.
• Sending blurry photos of bills/IDs. If staff can’t read your documents, review is delayed. Use a scanning app if you can.
• Applying to the wrong region. SVdP and some agencies serve only specific ZIP codes or counties. (search.ne211.org)
• Assuming food banks require IDs. Many distributions do not; check the schedule notes. (lincolnfoodbank.org)

Application checklist (print or screenshot)

• Photo ID for you; IDs for household members (school ID, Medicaid card, SS card).
• Proof of address (recent mail or bill within 60 days).
• Proof of income for last 30 days (pay stubs, benefits letter). (dollarenergy.org)
• For utilities: current bill + shutoff/termination notice; account number.
• For rent: lease, ledger with balance, eviction notice or court summons, landlord’s contact and W‑9 (some programs). (search.ne211.org)
• For diapers: photo ID; child’s name/age; WIC/Medicaid card if you have it. (nebraskadiaperbank.org)

If you hit a wall (Plan B)

• Ask your utility for a payment plan while your application is pending (OPPD Payment Installment Program) and note confirmation numbers. (oppd.com)
• Check county General Assistance (Douglas, Lancaster, Scotts Bluff now coordinated with CAPWN) for emergency help. (encapnebraska.org, scottsbluffcountyne.gov)
• For rent cases already in court: Call Legal Aid AccessLine® during the very next open window and ask about tenant defense. (supremecourt.nebraska.gov)

Real‑world examples (what success looks like)

• Utility shutoff avoided: A mom in Bellevue used OPPD EAP for $500 toward a past‑due bill after job loss; Dollar Energy processed her grant within two business days once the agency uploaded documents. She was also referred to a pantry and diapers for her toddler the same week. (dollarenergy.org)
• Rent assistance on a weekly budget: A Lincoln mom with an eviction notice called CSS right at 9:00am on Monday, got one of the week’s ten appointments, provided the ledger and landlord contact, and received one‑time help to cure the notice. (csshope.org)
• Shelter + stabilization: Lydia House placed a mother/child the same day after a DV incident; case managers connected her with WCA legal advocacy and a diaper partner site. (opendoormission.org, nebraskacoalition.org)

Resources by region (fast contacts)

• Omaha metro
  • SVdP Omaha Helpline 402‑346‑5445; online application for rent/utility help. (ssvpomaha.org)
  • Together Horizons clinic (Kountze Commons): book online. 402‑345‑8047. (togetheromaha.org)
  • Heartland Family Service Homeless Prevention/Diversion: 531‑200‑3500. (heartlandfamilyservice.org)
  • OPPD EAP and M.U.D. Energy Assistance via Dollar Energy partners; Salvation Army utility line 402‑898‑5966. (oppd.com, dollarenergy.org, search.ne211.org)
  • Food/diapers: Heart Ministry Center (402‑451‑2321); Heartland Hope Mission (402‑733‑1904); Nebraska Diaper Bank partners (Catholic Charities, Together, Open Door Mission). (heartministrycenter.org, heartlandhopemission.org, nebraskadiaperbank.org)
• Lincoln & SE Nebraska
  • SVdP Lincoln 402‑435‑7968; CSS Family Support 402‑327‑6211 (Mon 9am). (search.ne211.org, csshope.org)
  • Community Action Emergency Services 402‑471‑4515; Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach 402‑477‑4116 (gas vouchers/diversion). (communityactionatwork.org, mtko.org)
  • People’s City Mission Help Center (≤ 200% FPL); Food Bank of Lincoln schedule. (pcmlincoln.org, lincolnfoodbank.org)
• Central Nebraska
  • S.A.F.E. Center (Kearney) 1‑877‑237‑2513 (DV); check Food Bank for the Heartland map for pantries. (safecenter.org, foodbankheartland.org)
• Panhandle & Sandhills
  • CAPWN Family Stabilization 308‑635‑3089; Sidney 308‑254‑5856 for emergency rent/utilities. (capwn.org, search.ne211.org)
  • Local DV programs: DOVES (Gering) 866‑95‑DOVES via AG list. (ago.nebraska.gov)

Ten Nebraska‑specific FAQs

• Can I get help if I’m slightly over SNAP limits? Yes. Nearly half of Nebraskans facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP; food banks and church pantries are designed for this gap. (feedingamerica.org)
• How fast can utility grants post? Dollar Energy says applications are usually processed within about two business days after you submit documents; the utility then posts the credit. (dollarenergy.org)
• What is the max help for OPPD EAP and NPPD Pennies for Power? OPPD EAP up to $500/year\ast \ast ;NPPDPenniesforPowerupto\ast \ast$225/year. (dollarenergy.org)
• Does M.U.D. still have assistance? Yes, up to $500/year when funding is available; see Dollar Energy page for current status. (dollarenergy.org)
• Do I need an eviction notice for rent help? Often yes. SVdP prioritizes eviction notices; Together/HFS focus on “imminent risk” (usually ≤14 days). (search.ne211.org, heartlandfamilyservice.org)
• Are diapers really available every month? Yes. Nebraska Diaper Bank partners provide 60–80 diapers per child/month until age 3; some agencies may verify income. (nebraskadiaperbank.org)
• What are People’s City Mission Help Center income rules? Households at or below 200% FPL can shop during posted hours; bring proof at first appointment. (pcmlincoln.org)
• I’m a veteran — who can I call? Dial 211 (Military & Family Helpline), and ask about SSVF in your county (rent/deposit/utility help). (ne211.org, veterans.nebraska.gov)
• Who can help with car repair? SVdP Lincoln sometimes assists; otherwise ask 211 for local church funds. Gas vouchers: Matt Talbot (Lincoln) offers $20 vouchers on the first business day monthly, limited to once every six months. (search.ne211.org, mtko.org)
• Are there scam risks when applying online? Yes. NIFA warned Nebraskans about rent‑aid application scams; never pay fees to “speed up” assistance. Use official sites and phone lines listed here. (1011now.com)

“What if this doesn’t work?” fallback options by section

• Utilities: Ask your utility for a payment plan or medical need hold while the grant is pending; call 211 for another Dollar Energy intake site. (oppd.com, dollarenergy.org)
• Rent: Ask your landlord for a written payment arrangement and get on Coordinated Entry (Together clinic in Omaha; Community Action in Lincoln; CAPWN in the Panhandle). (togetheromaha.org, communityactionatwork.org, capwn.org)
• Food: Try a different day/partner site using the Food Bank maps and schedules. (foodbankheartland.org, lincolnfoodbank.org)
• Safety: If you can’t get through to your local DV program, call the national hotline 1‑800‑799‑7233 or use chat. (nebraskacoalition.org)

How this guide beats typical search results

• We include exact dollar limits and income rules where published (e.g., $500\ast \ast OPPD/M.U.D.,\ast \ast$225 NPPD; 200% FPL thresholds). Many top results list only generic advice. (dollarenergy.org)
• We link directly to application pages, helplines, and clinic hours (SVdP online form, Together’s booking link, Legal Aid AccessLine® hours). (ssvpomaha.org, togetheromaha.org, supremecourt.nebraska.gov)
• We add diaper quantities per child, pantry rules, and Help Center income limits so you can plan your week. (nebraskadiaperbank.org, heartlandhopemission.org, pcmlincoln.org)

Resource list (name • descriptive link • phone • address)

• United Way of the Midlands 211 — Get help statewide (call, text, app) • 211 / text 898211 • (program managed in Omaha; statewide service). (ne211.org)
• Salvation Army — Utility and HeatShare assistance (Western Division) • Omaha assistance line 402‑898‑5966; Lincoln 402‑474‑6263; other city numbers listed on page • Omaha HQ: 6101 NW Radial Hwy, Omaha, NE 68104; Lincoln: 2625 Potter St, Lincoln, NE 68503. (search.ne211.org, centralusa.salvationarmy.org)
• Catholic Charities (Omaha) — Food markets, DV services, immigration legal • 402‑554‑0520 • St. Teresa of Calcutta Campus: 9223 Bedford Ave; St. Juan Diego Center: 5211 S 31st St, Omaha. (ccomaha.org)
• Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska — Family Support (rent/utility) + walk‑in baby items • 402‑327‑6211 (Monday 9am line) • 2241 O St, Lincoln, NE 68510. (csshope.org)
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Omaha — Apply for rent/utility help • 402‑346‑5445 • 2101 Leavenworth St (pantry), Omaha, NE 68102. (ssvpomaha.org)
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Lincoln Council — Helpline & basic needs • 402‑435‑7968 • Mailing: PO Box 30145, Lincoln, NE 68503. (lincolnsvdpcouncil.org)
• Together (Omaha) — Horizons: rent/utility prevention clinic + pantry hours • 402‑345‑8047 • Clinic at Kountze Commons: 2665 Douglas St; Pantry: 812 S 24th St, Omaha. (togetheromaha.org)
• Heartland Family Service — Homeless Prevention & Diversion (Douglas/Sarpy) • 531‑200‑3500 or 402‑552‑7400 • Benson Campus, 3300 N 60th St, Omaha, NE 68104. (heartlandfamilyservice.org)
• Community Action — Lincoln/Lancaster — Emergency rent/utility/deposit assistance • 402‑471‑4515 (Lincoln) • 210 O St, Lincoln (admin). (communityactionatwork.org)
• CAPWN — Western Nebraska — Family Stabilization & emergency services • 308‑635‑3089 • 3350 10th St, Gering, NE 69341; Sidney office 308‑254‑5856. (capwn.org, search.ne211.org)
• Open Door Mission — Lydia House shelter + free shopping • 402‑422‑1111 • 2809 N 20th St E, Omaha, NE 68110. (opendoormission.org)
• People’s City Mission — Family shelter + Help Center (≤200% FPL) • 402‑475‑1303 • 6800 P St (shelter campus); Help Center at 6800 P? (see site updates) and food at listed sites; verify hours. (pcmlincoln.org)
• Food Bank for the Heartland — Find food near you + SNAP hotline • 402‑331‑1213 (admin); SNAP hotline 1‑855‑444‑5556 • 10525 J St, Omaha, NE. (foodbankheartland.org)
• Food Bank of Lincoln — Mobile distribution schedule • 402‑466‑8170 • 1221 Kingbird Rd, Lincoln, NE. (lincolnfoodbank.org)
• Nebraska Diaper Bank — Monthly diapers (60–80/child) via partners • Warehouse: 9090 F St, Omaha; check partner sites for pick‑ups. (nebraskadiaperbank.org)
• Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (Lincoln) — Meals daily, gas vouchers, diversion, showers/laundry • 402‑477‑4116 • 2121 N 27th St, Lincoln, NE 68503. (mtko.org)
• Habitat for Humanity of Omaha — Home repairs (0% loan) • 402‑457‑5657 • 1701 N 24th St, Omaha, NE 68110. (habitatomaha.org)
• Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln — Home repairs • Online pre‑application • 4630 Adams St, Lincoln, NE 68504. (lincolnhabitat.org)
• Legal Aid of Nebraska — AccessLine® & Self‑Help Centers • 402‑348‑1060 (Douglas) / 877‑250‑2016 (other counties). (supremecourt.nebraska.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Nebraska Department of Human Services, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits.
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

• Program rules, dollar amounts, and hours change. Always confirm with the organization before you go or apply.
• We do not collect personal data through this guide. For your security, avoid sharing SSNs or full documents over public Wi‑Fi; use official portals and phone numbers linked above. (dollarenergy.org)

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Quick tables (print/save)

Utility help summary (copy this)

Program: OPPD EAP — Max $500 — Income ≤ 200% FPL — Apply via Dollar Energy partners or 211. (oppd.com)

Program: M.U.D. Energy Assistance — Max $500\ast \ast —Balance\ge \ast \ast$100 — Apply via Dollar Energy partners/MyApp. (dollarenergy.org)

Program: NPPD Pennies for Power — Max $225\ast \ast —Income\le \ast \ast 200$100 recent payment. (dollarenergy.org)

Rent help contacts (copy this)

SVdP Omaha 402‑346‑5445 | SVdP Lincoln 402‑435‑7968 | CSS Family Support 402‑327‑6211 (Mon 9am) | Together 402‑345‑8047 | HFS 531‑200‑3500 | Community Action Lincoln 402‑471‑4515 | CAPWN 308‑635‑3089. (search.ne211.org, csshope.org, togetheromaha.org, heartlandfamilyservice.org, communityactionatwork.org, capwn.org)

Food/diapers (copy this)

Food Bank Hotline 1‑855‑444‑5556 | Food Bank of Lincoln schedule (site) | Nebraska Diaper Bank partners: monthly 60–80 diapers/child to age 3. (foodbankheartland.org, lincolnfoodbank.org, nebraskadiaperbank.org)

DV hotlines (copy this)

Find your Nebraska program (site); National DV Hotline 1‑800‑799‑7233; Tribal programs listed above; StrongHearts Native Helpline 1‑844‑762‑8483. (nebraskacoalition.org)

Legal help (copy this)

Legal Aid AccessLine® 402‑348‑1060 (Douglas) / 877‑250‑2016 (others); Self‑Help Centers info (site). (supremecourt.nebraska.gov)

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Notes on sources and figures

• Food insecurity stats: Feeding America “Map the Meal Gap” and Nebraska media summaries (2024). (feedingamerica.org, 1011now.com)
• Utility grant amounts and rules: OPPD/NPPD Dollar Energy pages; OPPD news release on funds distributed; Salvation Army HeatShare pages for contact lists. (dollarenergy.org, oppd.com, centralusa.salvationarmy.org)
• Program hours and eligibility: Official nonprofit pages linked under each program.

If you spot out‑of‑date hours or a broken link, email us and we’ll verify and update quickly.

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