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Explore Programs

Students in need of basic resources such as food, housing, or general support in life, may work with an Advocacy Counselor at any MCC location to determine which community resource(s) would be beneficial for their circumstances.

The following is a grouping of local resources in the Omaha area. Please consult with an Advocacy Counselor with questions about additional resources based on your needs.

Basic Needs

Food Bank of the Heartland – Find a food bank near you. Nebraska residents can call: 855-444-5556; Iowa residents can call: 855-944-3663.
Together Omaha – Provides assistance for families in need of food and shelter.
Nebraska Diaper Bank – Provides diapers to low-income families.
Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Enroll and learn more about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Share Omaha – Access to food, hygiene products, healthcare, job interviews, bedding, medical and mental health services.
Youth Emergency Services (YES) – Provides services to young adults, those previously in foster care, housing and legal assistance, food, health, clothing and more.
211 Nebraska – Offers assistance with food, utilities, clothing, rent, shelter, etc. Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211.

Shelter & Housing Assistance

Omaha Housing Authority – Inquire about public housing, housing vouchers, and affordable housing. Also offers job training, self-sufficiency and homeownership programs.
Regional Rental Assistance – Rental assistance program serving those 18-26 in transitional living and connects adults impacted by serious mental illness or of extremely low income with access to decent, safe and affordable housing.
Siena Francis House – Warming Center during cold months, emergency shelter, food, case management, and more.
Threshold – provide referrals for supplies, shelter and housing, food and water, health care, mental health support, substance use care and more.
Together, Inc. – homeless prevention organization working to keep families in their homes; provides navigation services for rapid rehouse, as well as financial, educational and employment assistance.

Immigration, Refugee & Legal Support

ACLU Nebraska – Additional resources on immigrant rights for individuals and employers in Nebraska.
African Immigrant Family Services (AIFS) – Emergency relief for those who qualify, health and wellness literacy, employment services, housing assistance, transportation, translation services and community integration.
Center for Immigrant & Refuge Advancement (CIRA) – Downloadable rights and planning guides in English and Spanish, plus where to find trusted legal help.
Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim – Community building programs, health and wellness education, preservation of language and traditions, community garden, housing assistance, legal services, arts and culture.
East African Development Association of Nebraska – Short-term rental, emergency utilities and temporary food assistance, mentoring and tutoring; assistance securing unemployment benefits and immigration naturalization test preparation.
International Council for Refugees & Immigrants (ICRI) – Youth services, case management, mental health and peer support, plus career and economic advancement.
Islamic Center of Omaha – Facilitates the practice and education of Islam in the community based on Quran and Sunnah.
Latino Center of the Midlands – Parenting classes (for Spanish speakers only), legal assistance, interpretation services, housing and food assistance; health, wellness and community building programs.
Nebraska Afghan Community Center – Build a unified, educated and self-sufficient Afghan community in Nebraska.
Immigrant Legal Center & Refugee Empowerment Center – Empowering immigrants and refugees to live with confidence and free from fear. Offering legal services, refugee resettlement, social work, education, and advocacy to meet the ever-changing needs of immigrant communities.
Omaha Center for Refugee & Immigrant Services (OCRISI) – Housing advocacy, employment support, healthcare access, mental health support, legal aid and cultural orientation.
Refugee Empowerment Center – Legal representation, refugee resettlement, mental health support.
Somali Community Services – Education and legal services, employment assistance, computer classes, financial and housing assistance and family crisis intervention.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Nebraska AIDS Project – Free and confidential walk-in testing for HIV/AIDS. Condom distribution and education/prevention programs available.
Omaha For Us LGBTQIA+ Center – Provides support groups, LGBTQIA+ training and informational meetings, therapy, food pantry, and gender affirming clothing closet.
OutNebraska – Advocates for reform, connect with local and state reps, connect and lift up allies and celebrate LGBTQIA+ people through fun events. Provides inclusion training and engagement in community conversations to help ensure a welcoming environment for all.

Family, Parent & Guardian Support

Behaven Kids – Individual and family services available for trauma, anger management, defiance, family conflict, anxiety, self-destructive behavior, depression and substance abuse.
Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS) – Support for pregnancy and caregiving; offers supports for food, healthcare, living expenses, emotional and mental health support, legal advice and more.
Smart Gen Society – Advice, tips, and support for parents to keep children safe online.
Latino Center of the Midlands – Leadership group for teens that focuses on healthy relationships, substance abuse, goal setting, defining personal identity, pregnancy and STI prevention plus anger management and violence prevention.
Region 6: Young People’s Peer Group – For ages 16-26, helps youth and young adults build relationships with their peers, share problems and experiences with peers who have been through similar situations.