Basic Needs
Everyone needs help from time to time. The resources listed below can help your family with food, clothing, heating assistance and much more.
Popular Questions
In order to stop the utility company from cutting off your gas or electricity, you MUST NOT disregard letters sent to you. Call the gas or electric company or an advocate immediately and ask for help. Many community action agencies will be able to assist you in dealing with the gas and electric companies. They may also be able to refer you to an agency that may have funds available to help you pay your bill.
View this FAQ or these tips for more information on how to avoid your utilities being disconnected and this page to learn more about your rights.
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and non-profit private schools and residential child care institutions.
Children may be determined “categorically eligible” for free meals through participation in certain Federal Assistance Programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or based on their status as a homeless, migrant, runaway, or foster child. Children enrolled in a federally-funded Head Start Program, or a comparable State-funded pre-kindergarten program, are also categorically eligible for free meals. Children can also qualify for free or reduced price school meals based on household income and family size. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for reduced price meals. Schools may not charge children more than 30 cents for a reduced price breakfast.
Visit their website for more information on how to apply.
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to children each school day.
Children may be determined “categorically eligible” for free meals through participation in certain Federal Assistance Programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or based on their status as a homeless, migrant, runaway, or foster child. Children enrolled in a federally-funded Head Start Program, or a comparable State-funded pre-kindergarten program, are also categorically eligible for free meals. Children can also qualify for free or reduced price school meals based on household income and family size. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for reduced price meals. Schools may not charge children more than 40 cents for a reduced price lunch.
Visit their website for more information on how to apply.
Search for food banks in your area on the Food Bank for the Hearland website or the Nebraska Resource and Referral System.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offers a varity of programs to assist families in need of economic assistance. For more information visit their website.
The Deparment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers federal aid to local housing agencies to assist low-income residents with rental assistance. Visit the HUD Website for resources in applying for public housing and housing vouchers, locating subsidized apartments, and more.
United Way has the 211 resource hotline that you are able to call into Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. You can reach the hotline by calling 211 or (866) 813-1731. Trained operator are able to help you assess your needs, provide information and refer you to services.
You can also directly search for items you are needing on the 211 website or the Nebraska Resource and Referral System (NRRS) website.
The Nebraska Deparment of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The LIHEAP Program provides heating assistance, cooling assistance, year round crisis assistance, emergency furnace repair and replacement, fan program and weatherization services for eligible Nebraska citizens/households.
For more information on eligibilty and to apply for this program visit the DHHS website.
For locations of local food pantries visit the Foodbank for the Heartland webiste or call 1-855-444-5556.
To apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website. SNAP benefits can be used by families to buy food at supermarkets and grocery stores that accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
