The Homeless Prevention program also provides short-term in-home case management services and financial assistance as needed. The focus of the program is on housing stabilization and helping clients develop a plan to prevent future housing instability. With the help of this grant, individuals, children, and families will develop stable housing, increase their incomes, and prevent a return to homelessness. In 2019, nearly 350 clients participated in this program. 92% exited to permanent housing and did not return to homelessness within three months after exiting the program.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a woman and her husband contacted the Homeless Prevention program for assistance on rent and utilities for their family. The father was self-employed was unable to find work at the time due to the pandemic, and the mother struggled to find steady work while she waited for unemployment assistance. They had to use all of their savings to pay their bills and ran out of personal resources to continue doing so. The employees in the Homeless Prevention program helped the family with financial assistance to continue to living in their home and to maintain their quality of life.
About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area for more than 95 years. Guided by best practices and community input, it approaches poverty in a specific way – a “united” way. With the support of volunteers, community partners, and donors, UWM invests donor dollars efficiently and effectively in our local community. These dollars fund basic needs, education, and financial stability programs at local nonprofits, creating a circle of support for people in need. Please visit unitedwaymidlands.org for more information.
About Heartland Family Service
Since 1875, Heartland Family Service has responded to the needs of our area’s most vulnerable children and families. In 2019, our agency connected with over 60,000 individuals through direct services, education, and outreach. Our programs serve individuals of all ages — from infants in our Family Works program to seniors in our Generations Community Center. We operate from over 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa. We provide critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of our community through the following program areas: Child & Family Well-Being, Counseling & Prevention, and Housing, Safety, & Financial Stability.
