Food and Housing Insecurity

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.

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!

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 16^th 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

Jenny Schroeder, Volunteer Services Manager ~ 402-457-5657 ~ jschroeder@habitatomaha.org
1701 N 24^th 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

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)

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

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. 24^th 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.