Lancaster, Adams, and Nemaha County Catholic Charities assistance programs.
Churches and staff that are part of Catholic Charities focus on helping people across southern Nebraska, regardless of their age, race, or religion. While more limited, they may also from time to time have cash assistance for expenses such as heating bills or rent.
Several centers and resources are focused on providing food, meals, and nutrition. Some examples of the regional food pantries are listed below. Please note that the Catholic Charity pantries rely heavily on both food and monetary donations from churches, individuals, local business, schools and organized food drives.
- The Hastings Nebraska based St. Anthony food pantry can pass out about a weeks worth of groceries for each qualified family.
- Lincoln Nebraska St. Francis Food Pantry also will provide groceries and canned goods. As supplies allow it can pass out up to one weeks worth of goods. Hundreds of families are served per month.
- Both of the locations referenced above will also provide emergency food assistance when someone is faced with a crisis.
- Another option in Hastings and Adams County is the Open Table Sack Lunch Program. It will offer free meals and so called sack lunches to anyone in need of help. The lunches are distributed daily by Catholic Social Services and many volunteers at their main office. This particular Open Table Sack program was created as part of a collaborative effort of more than 25 churches, non-profit agencies, organizations and churches in the Hastings area. 402-463-2112.
Last, but not least, the St. Andrew Rolling food pantry visits multiple communities across southeastern Nebraska. It was created in partnership with the Food Bank of Lincoln. So this is more of a mobile unit and it helps hundreds of people per month. This mobile pantry can be found in the following towns and counties, including Auburn, Crete, Ashland, David City, Falls City, Superior, Geneva, Lancaster, Fairbury, Hebron, Pawnee City, Imperial, Tecumseh, Holdrege, Seward,, Sutton, Harvard, and also Orleans.
Emergency cash assistance may be paid out by Catholic Charities as well. They have offices in Auburn, Lincoln, Hastings and maybe some other sites in southern Nebraska. When possible, the charity will pay out cash grants in an effort to help needy and low income individuals. Money can be used for rent, utility bills, security deposits, prescription medicines and other goods. This particular crisis program can ramp up when a great need presents itself. For example, fans may be passed out during extreme summer heat.
In addition to cash, receive budgeting advice. Qualified clients can meet with staff to acquire the skills needed to improved financial literacy.
Housing and sheltering the homeless is offered. This is a basic need for human sustenance. Some of the Catholic Charity centers and shelters are below.
Lincoln Nebraska - The St. Margaret of Cortona Housing Program is offered in partnership with Housing and Urban Development, the Lincoln Housing Authority, the the Catholic Charity Diocese of Lancaster County. Clients can receive transitional housing, case management, and supportive services. This is offered to the homeless and low-income individuals and families.
Hastings Nebraska and the St. Agatha Supported Housing Program is for homeless women and children from the southern part of the state. Support services, shelter, and housing is offered to victim of domestic violence. This also includes counseling, education, free food, clothing, furniture and vehicles or repairs if needed.
Paul VI Heights is a housing unit that is based in the Nebraska region too. Dial (402) 438-1138 for intake at this facility. Another Catholic Charity shelter/housing unit is St. Gianna Women’s Homes, and this is strictly for victims of domestic violence and those escaping abortion. CSS offers employment, education, and short term counseling services for families left homeless because of domestic violence.
Assistance is offered for refugees and immigrants too. This particular program works with the U. S. Department of State as well as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Newcomers can get help with housing needs, education, job training and cultural orientation. The short term goal is to get newcomers to be self-sufficient, and this is offered in Lincoln and other areas such as Nemaha County. The Catholic Charity Lady of Guadalupe Center offers ESL, GED, citizenship classes, and even free computer literacy classes. It is a leading place to call for legal immigration work.
Catholic Charity thrift stores operate throughout the region in Lincoln, Hastings, Auburn and Imperial Nebraska. Individuals or families who cannot afford to buy items in the stores can apply to receive free goods and vouchers through a number of emergency services programs. All items sold at the stores, and all money raised, are put into paying for the emergency financial assistance services programs.
How to apply for Catholic Charity resources in Southern Nebraska
The main office of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is located at 2241 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Call (402) 474-1600 or (800) 981-8242. However they have offices in Hastings (Adams County) as well as Auburn (Nemaha County).
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