Is your vision condition making it difficult for you to find help or get essentials you need during the pandemic? Outlook wants to help you. Call our help line at 531-365-5059, for assistance from people who understand vision challenges.
Information for Coronavirus
- Douglas County Health Department 402-444-3400
- JDRF: Visit the link for COVID-19 and type 1 diabetes specific information
- Douglas County Health Department - Community resources, community COVID-19 Information line, and community updates. 402-552-6645 between 8am-8pm/ Call 2-1-1 for assistance after 8pm.
- CDC
- CDC Self Check
- FEMA Coronavirus Response (ENGLISH)
- FEMA Coronavirus Response (SPANISH)
- FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control
- Nebraska Medicine - 1-800-922-0000
- Children’s Hospital
- CHI Health
- Methodist Health System - 402-815-7425
- OrthoNebraska - 402-609-2600 or email info@orthonebraska.com
- Living with a Visual Disability During the Coronavirus
- UNMC COVID-19 Resources
- KETV Announcement Page
- Omaha Scanner - Has a compilation of cancellations and closures, news an media releases, guidance and testing information, testing site information, potential exposure sites, assistance and resources, Nebraska case information, and a FAQ section.
- Nebraska Children
- NOISE Omaha (primarily North Omaha):
- List of resources and responses from the North Omaha community.
- IRS - Economic Impact Payment: check the status of your economic impact payment here
- City of Omaha Human Rights and Relations Resource Lists
Pick up/Delivery Services
- Omaha’s Lee Law Offices are coordinating volunteer efforts to help elderly and the homebound pick up groceries, medications and meals. If you need help, call 402-934-4409 or email legacy@leelawoffice.com.
- CVS is offering pharmacy delivery. Visit the website to find store location and request RX fill.
- Shopping Angels: If you can’t go to the store or need something picked up and delivered to you, Shopping Angels can help. There are two options. Option 1: Pre-order and pre-pay the store, then request Shopping Angels to pick up your order and deliver it to you. Option 2: You provide Shopping Angels your shopping list and reimburse the Shopping Angel upon delivery using cash, PayPal, or Venmo. Here’s how to get started: Call (402) 804-2051 or complete the online form here.
- Omaha Secret Helpers Grocery Delivery: Omaha Secret Helpers is an Omaha based organization. It includes a group of volunteers from the Omaha area working to bring groceries and supplies to those in high-risk demographics. Our focus includes but isn’t limited to the elderly and those who are immunocompromised. To request grocery delivery or volunteer, follow the link.
Elderly Specific Resources
- Elderly person in need should contact St. Vincent De Paul parish office at 402-496-7988
- Intercultural Senior Center: Food pantry for adults ages 50 and older who live in Douglas County. Home delivery, pick up and drive up options available. Home delivery should call 402-444-6529. Pick up and Drive up location is 5545 Center St. dates and times are Monday through Friday 10am and 4pm.
Rent/Utility Assistance
- St. Vincent de Paul: call 402-909-5168 and a volunteer will contact you within 24 hours
- Residents who fall behind on bills with MUD or OPPD. Disconnections for non-payment suspended through April 30th.
- Spectrum: Offering free internet during school shutdowns by calling
- Comcast: Offers free internet services to low income families during the outbreak. Must apply here.
- United Way: is assisting families with resources if bills begin to collect because of business closure
- Phone: Just dial 211
- If you have rent or utility needs NOW, our team is here for you. Please call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211 to explore your options for receiving assistance. Starting May 1, our 211 Helpline specialists will begin taking calls for our Housing Stability Program to assist those eligible with a rent or mortgage payment. Callers will then be referred to the Housing Stability Program application via text or email to go online and fill it out. If eligible, individuals will be connected to a program partner to address the housing assistance that is needed.
- The Department of Health and Human Services: is assisting people who are facing economic hardship.
- Phone: 1-800-383-2478 for economic assistance hotline.
- Nebraska Telephone Assistance Program/Lifeline: NTAP assists qualifying low-income individuals with obtaining and keeping telephone services by lowering monthly service and connection rates. Individuals can qualify for NTAP by participating in Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Pension Benefit/Survivors Pension Benefit, Federal Public Housing, or if household income is at or below 135 percent of the poverty level.
Financial Assistance
- Emergency Assistance (EA) to Needy Families with Children:
- Must have dependent child in the home
- If already on Economic Assistance program- no separate application just call and request assistance
- Must be sustainable
- High priority processing - usually a 24-hour turn around
- Only eligible one time in a 12 month period of time
- If you are on assistance already, just call to the Economic Assistance line and request emergency assistance
- Aid to Dependent Children (ADC):
- The ADC Program provides financial payments to dependent children, age 18 or younger, and eligible parents who meet financial eligibility requirements.During the national emergency, Good Cause will be granted to all Employment First individuals who did not meet the work requirement beginning the month of March until further notice. In addition, the requirement to develop and complete a self-sufficiency ADC/TANF contract before an ADC case is approved is being waived due to “good cause."
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
- Assists low-income households in meeting energy costs. Benefits are based on family size, income level, fuel type, and geographic residency in the state. Due to the impact of COVID-19, there may be an increase in the number of households requesting LIHEAP crisis assistance. DHHS may consider the inability to pay home energy costs as a result of the impact of COVID-19 as an extenuating circumstance.
- Prosperity Now resource page:
- Tax preparation information
- Housing & home-ownership assistance
- Financial assistance including - dealing with debt, protecting credit, disaster assistance loans for small businesses
- State/local policies
- Other: assistance for nonprofits , fundraising during financial crisis, information about student loan deferments, etc.
Food Pantry
- The Salvation Army is providing pantry orders. Anyone in need may pick up a food box at the Burrows Center, 6101 NW Radial Highway, between 9am-11am, and 1pm to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.
- Phone: 402-898-7700 (Divisional Headquarters)
- The NorthStar Foundation, the Learning Community of Douglas & Sarpy Counties and Millard Public Schools are distributing evening meals at three drive-up location sites through March 20. Sites will be open from 4 - 6 p.m. Families can pick up meals at: NorthStar Foundation at 4292 N 49th Street, the Learning Community of South Omaha at 2302 M Street and Millard Middle School at 12801 L Street.
- NorthStar Foundation Phone: 402-614-6360
- Learning Community Phone: 402-964-2405
- Millard Public Schools Phone: 402-715-8200
- Council Bluffs Public Schools District is offering daily drive-thru or walk-up meals at its schools from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children must be present to receive meals.
- Phone: 712-328-6446
- DC West Schools will provide students with daily breakfast and lunch pick-up meals from 11:30 a.m. to noon at these locations: Platte Valley Apartments in Valley; The Pines bus stop, 7516 N 286th Street; DC West MS/HS building in the bus lane, 401 S Pine Street, Christian Church parking lot in Waterloo, and Thrive Space parking lot in Waterloo.
- Phone: 402-359-2583
- Ralston Public Schools is offering daily breakfast and lunch pick-up meals for students. Families can pick up meals at Ralston High School and Ralston Middle School from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Phone: 402-331-4700
- Papillion La Vista Community Schools is offering FREE breakfast and lunches for all families in need. Pick up a week's worth of grab and go breakfast and lunches for any student ages 1-18. Every Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the following locations: La Vista Middle School (7900 Edgewood Blvd, La Vista, NE 68128) or Golden Hills Elementary (2912 Coffey Ave, Bellevue, NE 68123). You will be given enough FREE meals for the week for each child living in your home.
- Phone: 402-537-6200
- Westside School District: Families with children (ages 0-21) in the home can get five days’ worth of meals (to include breakfast and lunch) at the following sites: Westbrook Elementary (1312 Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE 68114) and Westside Middle School (8601 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68114) from 8:30am-1:00pm.
- Phone: 402-390-2100
- Mobile Backpack Program: Salvation Army, Westside Nutritional Services, Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, local school districts, and Food Bank for the Heartland are partnering to provide meal bags containing five breakfasts and five lunches including milk and fresh produce for a total of 10 meals. A meal bag will be offered for each child in the household. Mobile Backpack locations are as follows:
- MONDAY: Castellar Elementary (2316 S 18th St.) 12-2:00 pm, HopeCenter (2200 N 20th St) 1-3:00 pm, Wakonda Elementary (4845 Curtis Ave) 1-3:00 pm, Jefferson Elementary (4065 Vinton St) 3-5:00 pm, Abide Omaha (3223 North 45th St) 4-6:00 pm, Prairie Wind Elementary (10908 Ellison Ave) 6-8:00 pm
- TUESDAY: MCC South (2909 Ed Babe Gomez Ave) 6-8:00 pm
- WEDNESDAY: MCC, Career Center (5300 N 30th St. Bld. 23) 6-8:00 pm
- FRIDAY: Miller Park Elementary (5625 N 28th) 1-3:00 pm, NorthStar (4242 N 49th) 1-3:00 pm, Thomas Jefferson (2501 W Broadway, Council Bluffs) 1-3:00 pm, Wilson Middle (715 N 21st St, Council Bluffs) 4-6:00 pm, Completely Kids (2566 St. Mary Ave.) 4-6:00 pm
- Other Food Pantries:
- No More Empty Pots Emergency Food Relief:
- This service provides emergency response to urgent community needs for food relief. No More Empty Pots partners with local producers, businesses, community organizations and volunteers to meet the demand with available resources.
- If you or someone you know is in need of immediate food support, complete the Feeding Our Neighbors registration form at bit.ly/nmepfon.
- Pick up & delivery information: Pick up occurs Friday 8:00a – 10:00a or Saturday Noon – 2:00p at Cups Café at Florence (8501 N. 30th St., Omaha, NE 68112)
- Deliveries occur on Fridays and can be scheduled with Emily at communityharvest@nmepomaha.org
- If you cannot access email or online form, call 402-690-0888
- Project Hope, Inc (6201 N 60th St.): Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 11:00 am-2:45 pm
- Divine Mercy Center and Pantry (St. Vincent De Paul 2101 Leavenworth St.) call for hours 402-341-1689
- Families with children (0-21) in the home can get 5 days’ worth of meals to include breakfast and lunch as the following sites: Westbrook Elementary (1312 Robertson Dr.) and Westside Middle School (8601 Arbor St) from 8:30 am-1:00 pm
- Families with children (0-21) in the home can get 5 days’ worth of meals to include breakfast and lunch as the following sites: Westbrook Elementary (1312 Robertson Dr.) and Westside Middle School (8601 Arbor St) from 8:30 am-1:00 pm
- Heart Ministry Center (2222 Binney St.) will continue to offer an “express” pantry at the following times – Tuesday: Seniors (55+) 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Wednesday: 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Thursday: 3:30 pm-5:30 pm, Friday: 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am-11:00 am
- Open Door Mission is offering drive-thru assistance for food panty items, diapers and toiletries on its main campus (2828 N 23rd St East) and the Timberlake Outreach Center (2107 E Locust St) from 9-11 am on March 28th and April 18th.
- Youth Emergency Services Outreach Center: 1-3pm Monday-Friday. Youth will be able to get boxed or sacked meals. Outreach staff will assist youth not available at those times by appointment. 2679 Farnam Street, Suite 205, Omaha, NE 68131 402-345-5187
- Together Omaha
- Pantry hours effective immediately and until further notice: Monday-Thursday 12pm-3pm, Friday 12pm-2pm
- Pantry boxes will be distributed from the dock located at the backside of the parking lot. Staff will fill out the USDA waiver form to eliminate personal contact.
- No More Empty Pots Emergency Food Relief:
Food Security
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
- SNAP assists households with limited assets and income to buy the food they need for good health. Households qualify for SNAP benefits based on available household assets, income and certain expenses. If the household is eligible, SNAP benefits are placed on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for the household to buy food.
- If a SNAP recipient reports a layoff or if they have applied for unemployment due to COVID-19, they would be considered exempt from work requirements
- WIC - Women, Infants and Children:
- We provide healthy food at no cost, breastfeeding support, nutrition information, and referrals to about 38,000 people across the state each month.
Grocery Delivery
*Note these services are in high demand currently. Delivery might be delayed even up to several days.You may also not be able to use SNAP benefits with many of these services. Contact individual vender to verify which services are available and SNAP compatible.*
- Hy-Vee Aisles Online – order via website or app
- Hy-Vee, in partnership with DoorDash, will offer free grocery delivery to people 60 and older, as well as expectant mothers and those considered high risk for COVID-19. This will be available in communities where Hy-Vee Aisles Online delivery orders are fulfilled by DoorDash. The promotion with DoorDash can be used for any available Hy-Vee Aisles Online time slot and will cover as many as 20,000 free deliveries. If you fall into a high-risk category, please use promo code SPECIALDELIVERY at checkout and the $9.95 delivery fee will be discounted from your final total.
- Instacart – shop several retailers, including all leading grocers, via the Instacart app or website. Like a personal shopping service that delivers. Instacart offers gift cards that could be used by someone to place your order for delivery if you aren’t tech savvy. Local Instacart retailers include: Costco, Bakers, Aldi, Natural Grocer’s, Fresh Thyme, Family fare, CVS, HyVee, Sam’s Club, Petco
- Omaha Secret Helpers Grocery Delivery: Omaha Secret Helpers is an Omaha based organization. It includes a group of volunteers from the Omaha area working to bring groceries and supplies to those in high-risk demographics. Our focus includes but isn’t limited to the elderly and those who are immunocompromised. To request grocery delivery or volunteer, follow the link. https://www.omahasecrethelpers.com/
- Shopping Angels: We are a grocery delivery program that focuses on preventing the spread of COVID-19 to at-risk individuals. If you or anyone you may know are 60+ years of age, parents of young infants, or have heart, lung, or immune conditions that put you at high-risk, our services are available for you! To receive assistance, or request assistance for a loved one:
- CONTACT US by filling out our registration form. You can scan the code above, or get in touch via one of the following contact methods:
ON FACEBOOK
E-MAIL: SHOPPINGANGELSNE@GMAIL.COM
CALL: (402) 804-2051 - CONNECT WITH YOUR ANGEL: Once completing the form, your Shopping Angel will get in touch with you within a few days to discuss delivery details, to include your list of items, a budget, and delivery date/time.
- DELIVERY: Your items will be delivered at your doorstep. Payment for the items themselves is required via cash. Alternative payment methods may be arranged on a case by case basis with your Angel! You only pay for what is on the receipt - no extra delivery fees or charges! Wal-Mart does take EBT for payment of food items only and Baker's will be adding it very soon.
- CONTACT US by filling out our registration form. You can scan the code above, or get in touch via one of the following contact methods:
- Uber and Lyft will deliver groceries. Uber and Lyft gift cards are available for purchase at grocery and drug stores.
- Target – Call guest services for help placing orders by phone (800) 591-3869 or order online and utilize Uber or Lyft to pick up your order.
- Walmart – You may use SNAP benefits to pay for groceries if you do grocery pick up from store.
Senior Shopping Hours for Multiple Stores (pdf 59kb)
Education
- ObjectiveEd is offering free access to their digital curriculum to schools and teachers to use with their students with vision impairments through the end of the current school year.
- EducationQuest: EducationQuest offices are closed but they can still help you via phone or computer. Contact the nearest location for help: Omaha 888-357-6300 ext. 722 or 402-932-0437, Lincoln 800-303-3745 ext. 6653 or
402-479-6653, Kearney 800-666-3721 or 308-234-6310, Scottsbluff 800-303-3745 ext. 6654. Free tools are also available. - Freedom Scientific: We know many of you must remain at home and will need to continue to work or attend school remotely. To ensure that your life remains accessible we are offering those in the US and Canada a Free Home License of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion which will expire June 30, 2020.
- Is my email eligible to download a license? Type your college email address and choose Search to see if you qualify. If you don't have a college email address, then provide your personal email address.
- Types of Sponsored Licenses: Educational institutions in the United States with up-to-date multi-user licenses of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion, are qualified. All students, faculty, and staff with an active email address are entitled to receive free home annual licenses for their personally owned equipment.
- In addition, special licenses have been created to assist students and workers who must remain home during the COVID-19 crisis. A free short-term Home Annual License of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion (expires June 30, 2020) is available to anyone with a personal email address in the United States and Canada.
- These products require either a Microsoft Windows 10 or 7 operating system. Remote desktop and Citrix support are not provided. Contact Freedom Scientific Customer Service at 727-803-8000 with any questions.
- College Students in Need of Aira- As universities and colleges are shifting to distance learning, some materials and software are inaccessible. Aira is offering free service to college students for the remainder of the spring semester. Email support@aira.io for more information on the program.
- National Braille Press - Free downloads of three NBP titles
- Hadley Discussions - Hadley creates personalized learning opportunities that employ adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive- at home, at work, and in their communities. Social distancing has become the norm these days. And while that can be isolating, there are some ways to stay connected with people. Hadley is still offering our discussion groups every week. In these phone-in sessions, our learning experts share tips and insights on a topic. Then, we open the phone lines for questions. The link about entitled Hadley discussions will take you to a calendar and then click the sign up button.
Services
- Radio Talking Book Services: RTBS will continue broadcasting with remote readers. The Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star will be read remotely and broadcast in its same time slot. The 10 regional newspapers and the Wall Street Journal will also be read remotely and broadcast in their same time slots. Other programming will be the same for the near future.
- Sproutflix - A website featuring films with individuals with IDD as an enjoyable distraction during these times!
- Social Security and COVID-19: For information regarding Social Security benefits and processes during this time.
- Iowa Department for the Blind Library:
- IDB Read: With IDB Read you can call in and listen to one of our wonderful volunteer narrators read live on the phone, followed by a short chat about the book. IDB Read will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00pm-5:00pm, you call in and listen to our narrator, Christine Mach, read a cozy mystery. The first one is titled A Scone to DieFor by H.Y. Hanna.Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am – 11:00 am, you can call in and listen to our narrator, Bob White, read a western, titled Sackett’s Landby Louis L’Amour. Please call the library at 515.281.1323 to get the conference call number for IDB Read. We look forward to reading with you!
- Tech Time with Tyler: Wednesdays from 8:00am-11:00am you can call Tyler Swett, Accessible Media Specialist, and get your tech questions answered. The phone number to call is 515.452.1343.
- Braille Bits Online: Monday and Wednesday at 2:00 pm. starting March 30th. It will be conducted over Zoom, an online meeting platform that is very easy to use. Join us twice a week for 45 minutes as we listen to a Braille Bits podcast and have a fun and lively conversations surrounding all things Braille. Please contact Denise Bean at 515.452.1338 for more information or to register.
- Leader Dogs in Rochester, Michigan, offers an orientation and mobility program and you don't have to be a guide dog user or even want to become a guide dog user to participate. Join their mailing list for conference calls regarding their Leader Dog program at: Families@acblists.org or http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/families
- American Council of the Blind: ACB is offering community conference calls for individuals to stay connected during this time of social isolation.
- AA Meetings via Conference Call: Pause a While will host free conference calls for AA meetings at 2pm every day. Call (425) 436-6360; Access Code: 422932#
- United States Census Bureau: If you are having difficulty completing the 2020 Census information online, you can call the census at 1-844-330-2020 for assistance.
- The Nebraska Disabilities Hotline:
- Phone: 402-471-0801
- Y/TTY or Toll Free: 1-800-742-7594
- Email: shari.bahenski@nebraska.gov
- Address: The Hotline for Disability Services, 301 Centennial Mall South, Box 94987, Lincoln, NE 68509
- Nebraska Library Commission: Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) is part of a nationwide network of cooperating libraries headed by the National Library Service (NLS), a division of the Library of Congress. TBBS provides free audiobooks, audio magazines and Braille through the mail to individuals with a visual or physical condition, or a reading disability which limits use of regular print.
- More information can be found on TBBS main page: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/TBBS/
- Application information: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/tbbs/applyforservice.aspx
- Lastly, if you would like to get our newsletter you can sign up here: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/tbbs/newsletter.aspx
- United States Census Bureau: If you are having difficulty completing the 2020 Census information online, you can call the census at 1-844-330-2020 for assistance.
- Free legal assistance – Nebraska State Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project:
- VLP is a statewide pro bono program of the Nebraska State Bar Association, created by Nebraska lawyers with a common passion―an unwavering commitment to pursue equal justice under the law for the less fortunate and unrepresented in Nebraska.
- Enable Omaha:
- Refurbished computer, tablet, phones for families with school-aged children in Omaha
Transportation
- ENOA Rural Transportation offers services for elderly, disabled and general public. It covers Rural, Douglas, Sarpy, Washington & Cass counties. All vans are handicapped accessible. Minimum 24 hours advance notice is required. Available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost varies: 1-10 miles, $3 each way; 11-20miles $6 each way; 21-40 miles, $7 each way. Call 1-888-210-1093 to reserve a ride. *Currently only providing medical transportation and limited to one passenger at a time.
- Seniors Helping Seniors offers rides to seniors requiring transportation throughout Omaha and Sarpy County. Call to schedule with 24 hours notice: 402-331-3073. Seniors Helping Seniors can't serve persons confined to a wheelchair. Call for rates and more information.
- Goodwill Medical Transportation: Call 402-932-1550 for ride services between Monday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. It accepts Medicaid and private payment. Rates are $18 each way or $42 with wheelchair.
- GoGO Grandparent (Uber for seniors): Once set up, seniors just make a phone call for an Uber ride. No app necessary. Call 1-855-464-6872 to set up an account.
Mental Health
- Boys Town National Hotline: 1-800-448-3000 or visit the organization's website here. It's open 24/7, 365 days a year, and is staffed by specifically trained counselors. This is a great resource for parents/caregivers and families. Email for speech- and hearing-impaired: hotline@boystown.org.
- Methodist Health System has launched the Methodist Emotional Support Line. The free, confidential service can be accessed by dialing (402) 815-8255 (TALK) and is available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
- Methodist Health System has launched the Methodist Emotional Support Line. The free, confidential service can be accessed by dialing (402) 815-8255 (TALK) and is available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Iowa Family Helpline: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 515-243-6147
- Women’s Crisis Line, Women’s Center for Advancement: If you are in need of domestic violence or sexual assault help services, you can call this hotline at any time.
- Phone: 402-345-7273
- Email: info@wcaomaha.org
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress: Talk with a counselor, a doctor, or a clergy member anytime of the day or week. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Interpreters are available as well.
- Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
- Messaging: text TalkWithUs at 66746
- Nebraska Family Helpline: A great resource for families concerned about a youth experiencing mental or behavioral health issues. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Helpline: 1-888-866-8660
Religious Services
- How to reach out to church services: Many denominations are streaming services on the internet.
- For smartphones: there are apps for almost all denominations
- Apps for Christian radio stations.
- There are services available on cable channels.
- For those that have a radio they can access Christian services via radio.
- Here is a link to stations across the state for AM and FM radio: https://www.christianradio.com/stations/?state=NE
- Below are the stations for Omaha and Lincoln
- KCRO 660 AM Omaha
- KCRO 106.7 FM Lincoln
- KVSS 102.7 FM Omaha, Lincoln, and Iowa
- KCVN 104.5 FM Lincoln
- KLCV 88.5 FM Lincoln
Unemployment Services
- NEWorks: Unemployment Services:
- File for unemployment insurance (UI) as soon as you receive notice that you are being laid-off, furloughed, let go or their place of work is closed due to COVID. Dept. of Labor has made this process more rapid and several requirements are being waived for UI claims such as searching for new work and the one-week wait period.
- Nebraska Department of Labor
Lincoln, NE. Specific Resources
Basic Needs
- myLnk (Lincoln/Lancaster County): For resources regarding COVID-19 in Lincoln.
Food Pantry
- Grab-n-go Breakfast and Lunch (through Lincoln Public Schools)
- Lincoln Public School students can go to any of these sites for a meal. Student must be present. One meal per student.
- Monday-Friday from 11am-12:30pm (or while supplies last
- SCHOOLS: Belmont, Arnold, and Hartley elementary schools, Park middle school, and Northeast high school.
- Food Bank of Lincoln (Food BackPacks and Food Pantries)
- Schools with LPS BackPack Program: For those families currently receiving BackPacks from the Food Bank of Lincoln, they intend to continue distribution of BackPacks on the regularly scheduled Friday afternoons. They will begin BackPack distributions according to each school's regularly scheduled dismissal time and continue for 30 minutes.
- School Food Markets: At this time, Food Markets will temporarily take place outside the school building during the school’s regularly scheduled day and time. To simplify the distribution and increase health and safety, most of the food will come pre-bagged, except produce, bread and meat, which will be bagged onsite. Look for us to be set up in areas close to the front door of your school.
- LPS Emergency Pantry: Following our standard LPS closure policy, the LPS Emergency Pantry will NOT be open while LPS is closed. For more information about accessing the Lincoln Food Bank distribution locations visit their website.
Other Food Resources
- Granite City Food and Brewery: Every child will get a free lunch of a turkey sandwich, chips, and fresh fruit. No purchase is necessary. If you are unable to come to the store to pick up lunch, please give us a call at (402) 466-1900 and we can arrange delivery.
- Bethany Coffee Shop: Any child in need of a meal will be given something to eat during the LPS school closings. Sack lunches are available to any child who asks without question.
- Lincoln Fresh Stops: Delivers fresh fruit and produce around Lincoln. You can find a schedule on their website.
- They also deliver to rural areas as their resources allow. The schedule and location is at the link above.
Health
- Bryan Health: COVID-19 Hotline - (402) 481-0500
- A nurse will answer medical questions about the COVID-19 coronavirus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- ezVisit: In addition, Bryan Health ezVisit is offering complimentary visits for individuals experiencing symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. Enter the promo code COVID19 at the payment screen and the visit will be free.
- COVID-19 Online Screening Questionnaire: To access the COVID-19 screening tool, visit or download the Bryan Health ezVisit app. The screening is free. Patients are asked a series of questions.
- Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing: Bryan Health will offer a drive-thru testing location at our Bryan LifePointe Campus where individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 - and have completed a screening - can be tested. The opening of the drive-by testing location will occur as soon as we receive confirmation of delivery of additional test kits. You can find more information at the Bryan Health website.
Housing / Utilities
- ALLO Internet Services: Families who are eligible for the FCC Lifeline program with a student in the LPS district who qualify will receive 50 Mbps upload and 50 Mbps download internet and home Wi‐Fi service at their residence for $10.For more information on the Community Connect Program for families, visit their website.
- Youth Eviction Prevention Program