Community Resources
While RISE can only provide reentry and case management services to RISE program participants and graduates, we understand the need to find help. Please use the ongoing resource list below if you or a loved one is coming out of incarceration in Nebraska and needs information on housing, mental health, or identification/birth certificate support.
Immediate/Crisis
Crisis hotlines, emergency shelters, domestic violence support, etc.
| Resource Name | Description | Eligibility (Who Qualifies?) | Intake Process | Barriers | Service Area | Website | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | National network providing free, confidential emotional support and crisis resources 24/7. | Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress. | Call, Text, or Chat online 24/7/365. | None (Free service). | Nationwide (connects to local crisis centers). | 988lifeline.org/chat/ | 988 |
| Nebraska Family Helpline | 24/7 service providing a single point of entry for accessing behavioral health services for youth and families in Nebraska. | Families, youth, or professionals seeking mental health or behavioral health crisis help for a youth (under 19). | Call 24/7. | None (Free service). | State of Nebraska. | dhhs.ne.gov (search "Family Helpline") | 888-866-8660 |
| Crisis Text Line | Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support via text message. | Anyone in crisis. | Text START or HOME to 741741. |
None (Free service). Standard message rates may apply depending on carrier. | Nationwide. | crisistextline.org | Text 741741 |
| CenterPointe (Crisis Services) | Provides 24/7 crisis line, emergency protective custody screening, and crisis walk-in services for adults and juveniles. | Adults and juveniles experiencing a mental health crisis. | Crisis Line: Call 24/7. Walk-in: Mon-Fri, 8 AM–5 PM for crisis assessment. | Call or walk-in for initial assessment; services may have cost/insurance requirements. | Lincoln/Lancaster County (Region 5). | centerpointe.org | 402-475-6695 (Crisis Line) |
| The Bridge Behavioral Health | Provides medical withdrawal services, residential treatment, and recovery support for substance use and co-occurring disorders. | Individuals with substance use and related behavioral health needs. | Call for assessment/intake. | May require insurance/self-pay for treatment programs; crisis services may be free. | Lincoln/Lancaster County. | thebridgenebraska.org | 402-477-3951 |
| Community Alliance | Offers a comprehensive range of services individualized to address your unique mental health needs and integrated with the physical health care and social supports to help you achieve a more hopeful and purposeful quality of life. | Individuals struggling with mental health and substance use issues. | Call to schedule an intake appointment. | Accepts Medicaid (Heritage Health) and other insurance; sliding scale may be available. | Omaha Metro Area. | community-alliance.org | 402-341-5128 |
| Nebraska Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Hotline | Provides immediate, confidential support, resources, and referrals for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. | Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, their families, and friends. | Call 24/7. | None (Free and confidential). | State of Nebraska. | 800-891-5800 | |
| Open Door Mission (Emergency Shelter) | Provides emergency shelter, services, and meals for men, women, and families experiencing homelessness. | Individuals and families experiencing homelessness. | Walk-in or call for intake/availability. | Must abide by program rules; capacity limits. | Omaha Metro Area. | opendoormission.org | 402-422-1111 (Admin) |
| People's City Mission (Emergency Shelter) | Provides emergency shelter, food, clothing, and addiction recovery programs. | Men, women, and families experiencing homelessness in the Lincoln area. | Walk-in or call for intake/availability. | Must abide by program rules; capacity limits. | Lincoln/Lancaster County. | pcmlincoln.org/ | 402-475-1303 |
| Richard Young Behavioral Health (Crisis) | Offers a 24-Hour Access Center for crisis evaluation and services. | All ages in need of behavioral health crisis services. | Call for access. | Services may have cost/insurance requirements; No charge for Crisis Response. | Region 3, including Buffalo, Kearney, and other Greater Nebraska counties. | region3.net | 1-800-930-0031 (24-Hr Access Center) |
Basic Needs
Food pantries, clothing closets, furniture banks (e.g., Bridges to Hope), etc.
| Resource Name | Description | Eligibility (Who Qualifies?) | Intake Process | Barriers | Service Area | Website | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Ministry Center | Provides a food pantry, clothing closet, and health services. | Low-income individuals/families; specific programs may have additional requirements (e.g., USDA commodity rules). | Walk-in during pantry/closet hours (Wed, Thu, Fri). | Pantry: USDA commodities require picture ID, recent mail, and SSN for all household members. Non-USDA pantry is available without documentation. | Omaha, NE (Douglas County). | heartministrycenter.org | 402-422-1111 |
| Food Bank of Lincoln | Distributes free food through a network of partner agencies and directly via drive-up/walk-up pantries. | Individuals/families experiencing food insecurity. | Walk-up/Drive-up at distribution events; check schedule online. | None for general distribution (No questions asked for some programs). | Lincoln and surrounding 16 counties in Southeast Nebraska. | lincolnfoodbank.org | 402-466-8170 |
| Good Neighbor Community Center | Provides food distribution (perishable and non-perishable), assistance, and referrals. | Individuals/families in need of food and support services. | Call or Walk-in for food distribution during hours. | Limited to one food distribution per month. | Lincoln, NE. | gncclincoln.org | 402-477-4173 |
| Bridges to Hope | Provides free furniture, clothing, household goods, and hygiene products to individuals reentering society after justice involvement. | Individuals soon to be or recently released from correctional institutions ("Reentrants"). | Appointment/Referral recommended. Reentrant can access the warehouse twice in 18 months. | Eligibility requires justice involvement. | Lincoln, NE area (serves reentrants across Nebraska). | bridgestohopene.org | 402-420-5696 |
| Catholic Social Services (St. Martin de Porres) | Offers a variety of services including food, diapers, baby food/formula, half-price clothing, and personal care items. | Families and individuals in need. | Walk-in or call; half-price clothing has cost. | Lincoln, NE. | cssisus.org | 402-327-6200 | |
| Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach | Serves hot meals twice daily, every day of the year, and provides outreach and referral services. | Anyone in need of a meal. | Walk-in for meals during serving hours. | None (Free meals). | Lincoln, NE. | www.mtko.org | 402-477-4116 |
| WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) | Provides supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals. | Pregnant women, breastfeeding women (up to 1 year), non-breastfeeding women (up to 6 months), and infants/children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines and are at nutritional risk. | Appointment required for enrollment; call for initial screening. | Requires proof of income, residency, and nutritional risk determination. | State of Nebraska (Local clinics available). | dhhs.ne.gov (search "WIC") | 402-435-7968 (Lincoln-Lancaster Co Health Dept) |
| Salvation Army (Omaha/Lincoln) | Provides emergency food, clothing vouchers, utility assistance, and emergency disaster services. | Individuals/families meeting low-income guidelines; program eligibility varies. | Call for Appointment or walk-in for emergency services (check local hours). | Services may be limited by funding/eligibility requirements. | Omaha Metro and Lincoln Areas. | centralusa.salvationarmy.org/omaha (or salvationarmyusa.org/ne/lincoln) | 402-474-6263 (Lincoln) |
| Heartland Hope Mission | Large client-choice food pantry and resource center providing food, clothing, and other essential items. | Individuals/families meeting low-income/poverty guidelines. | Walk-in during pantry hours; bring required documentation (ID, proof of address, etc.). | Requires photo ID for head of household and proof of address. | Omaha/Council Bluffs Metro Area. | heartlandhopemission.org | 402-733-1901 |
| Nebraska DHHS Economic Assistance | State program for various benefits including SNAP (Food Stamps), ADC (Cash Assistance), and Medicaid. | Individuals/families meeting specific income and asset limits (varies by program). | Apply Online (ACCESSNebraska), by Phone, or in-person at a local DHHS office. | Requires extensive documentation (ID, income, assets, etc.). | State of Nebraska. | dhhs.ne.gov (search "Economic Assistance") | 800-383-4278 |
Housing
Transitional housing, rent assistance, sober living, etc.
| Resource Name | Description | Eligibility (Who Qualifies?) | Intake Process | Barriers | Service Area | Website | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP) | Provides Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program (NHAP) funds for prevention, shelter, and rent assistance. | Individuals/families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the service area. | Call for screening/appointment. | Income limitations; funding availability. | Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Dodge, Washington Counties (Omaha Metro). | encapnebraska.org | 402-453-5656 |
| Community Action Partnership of Lancaster & Saunders Counties | Offers homelessness prevention (rent/utility assistance) and Rapid Rehousing services. | Individuals/families at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness in the service area. | Call for assessment/appointment. | Income/crisis eligibility rules; limited funding. | Lancaster & Saunders Counties (Lincoln Area). | communityactionatwork.org | 402-471-4515 |
| Open Door Mission - Lydia House | Sober emergency and transitional living for single women and women with children. | Single women and mothers with children experiencing homelessness, willing to maintain sobriety. | Call for intake/availability. | Must maintain sobriety; 6-month program maximum; capacity limits. | Omaha Metro Area. | opendoormission.org | 402-829-1531 |
| Stephen Center - Transitional Housing Program | Sober living apartments for single adults who completed the HERO addiction recovery program or are chronically homeless. | Single adults who are chronically homeless or have completed a recovery program and require sober support. | Referral/Application process; preference for graduates of Stephen Center's program. | Must be sober; program fees/rent required; up to 24 months. | Omaha, NE. | stephencenter.org | 402-715-5494 |
| Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. (FHAS) | Provides Tenant Services, Homeless Prevention, and financial assistance. | Tenants/families in need of counseling, eviction assistance, and rental assistance. | Call for a consultation or appointment. | Income and residency requirements for financial assistance programs. | Omaha Metro Area. | fhasinc.org | 402-934-6675 |
| Fresh Start Home | Transitional living program for women who are 19 and older without children. | Women 19+ who are homeless and without dependent children in their custody. | Call for screening/intake. | Must follow program rules; not for women with children. | Lincoln, NE. | freshstarthome.org | 402-475-7777 |
| Youth Emergency Services (YES) Transitional Living | Long-term housing and support services for runaway/homeless youth. | Homeless youth, ages 16-21, willing to engage in case management, school, and/or work. | Apply online or call for screening. | Participants pay monthly rent (first two months free); must attend school/work. | Omaha Metro Area. | yesomaha.org | 402-345-5187 |
| Murphy’s Turning Point | Affordable sober living homes (three-quarter way houses) specializing in relapse prevention. | Men and women 18+ who are clean/sober for 30 days upon interview; no registered sex offenders. | Call House Manager for interview. | Weekly fee (approx. $105/week); required sobriety time. | Omaha, NE. | N/A | |
| Parent-Child Center | Provides Emergency Shelter, Homelessness Prevention, and Rapid Rehousing services. | Families and children experiencing or at risk of homelessness. | Call for availability and intake. | Funding/capacity limitations; must meet program criteria. | Lexington (Greater Nebraska - Dawson County Area). | parentchildcenter.org | 308-324-2336 |
| S.A.F.E Center | Provides Emergency Shelter, Homelessness Prevention, and Rapid Rehousing, specializing in domestic violence support. | Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault experiencing or at risk of homelessness. | Call for services/shelter availability. | Eligibility is based on victim status and needs. | Kearney (Greater Nebraska - Buffalo County Area). | safecenter.org | 308-237-2599 |
Health
Mental health clinics, addiction recovery, Medicaid enrollment, etc.
| Resource Name | Description | Eligibility (Who Qualifies?) | Intake Process | Barriers | Service Area | Website | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska DHHS Medicaid Assistance | State program for medical benefits (Heritage Health). | Low-income children, pregnant women, elderly, blind, disabled, and other eligible adults. | Apply Online (ACCESSNebraska), by Phone, or in-person at a local DHHS office. | Requires extensive documentation and income/asset verification. | State of Nebraska. | dhhs.ne.gov (search "Medicaid") | 855-632-7633 |
| Community Alliance | Integrated behavioral health care, including psychiatric, therapy, and primary care services, focusing on recovery. | Individuals struggling with mental health and substance use issues. | Call to schedule an intake appointment. | Accepts Medicaid (Heritage Health) and other insurance; sliding scale may be available. | Omaha Metro Area. | community-alliance.org | 402-341-5128 |
| CenterPointe (Treatment Services) | Provides a continuum of care including detox, residential treatment, sober living, and mental health services. | Adults and juveniles in need of mental health and substance use disorder treatment. | Call for screening/appointment. | May require insurance (including Medicaid) or self-pay for treatment programs. | Lincoln, NE. | centerpointe.org | 402-475-6695 |
| Lutheran Family Services (LFS) | Offers therapy, substance use evaluations/treatment, and medication management. | Individuals and families in need of mental and behavioral health services. | Call for appointment; open access hours available at some locations. | Accepts most major insurance and Medicaid. Sliding scale may be available. | Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and other NE locations. | onelfs.org | 402-441-7940 (Lincoln) |
| Northpoint Nebraska | Inpatient addiction treatment and mental health services (44-bed facility). | Adults struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. | Call 24/7 for same-day admission screening. | Requires insurance verification (accepts many carriers) or self-pay. | Omaha Metro (serves the Heartland). | northpointnebraska.com | 888-351-3834 |
| Mental Health Association of Nebraska | Peer-run organization offering support, benefit analysis, supported employment, and respite (KEYA House). | Individuals with lived experience of mental health issues; key focus on peer support. | Call the Warm Line for initial contact and resources. | Free services (peer support, KEYA House respite is free). | Lincoln, NE (Warm Line may serve broader area). | mha-ne.org | 402-261-5959 (Warm Line) |
| Region II Human Services | Behavioral Health Authority for 17 West Central Nebraska counties, providing direct and contracted services (SUD, Mental Health). | Residents of the 17-county service area in West Central Nebraska. | Call or walk-in during Open Access hours for Substance Use Disorder evaluations. | Publicly funded services; may require income/residency proof. | 17 counties in West Central NE (e.g., Lincoln, Red Willow, Keith). | r2hs.com | 308-636-8972 (Recovery Assistance Line) |
| Valley Hope of O'Neill | Residential and outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. | Individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. | Call 24/7 for assessment and insurance verification. | Requires insurance verification (accepts many carriers) or self-pay. | O'Neill, NE (Greater Nebraska). | valleyhope.org | 402-336-0008 |
| OneWorld Community Health Centers | Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) offering medical, dental, behavioral health, and substance use services. | All individuals, regardless of ability to pay. | Appointment required; accepts walk-in for urgent care. | Offers a sliding fee scale based on income for the uninsured; accepts all insurance (including Medicaid/Medicare). | Omaha Metro Area. | oneworldomaha.org | 402-734-4001 |
| CEDARS | Provides a range of youth behavioral health services, including crisis stabilization, counseling, and respite care. | Youth experiencing behavioral health concerns and their families. | Call for assessment/intake. | May require insurance or be covered by state funds for certain crisis services. | Lincoln, NE. | cedarskids.org | 402-434-5437 |
Employment & Education
Job training, GED programs, second-chance employers, etc.
| Resource Name | Description | Eligibility (Who Qualifies?) | Intake Process | Barriers | Service Area | Website | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College (MCC) GED/ESL | Noncredit instruction in basic skills and GED test preparation (General Education Degree). | 16+ years of age; not enrolled in secondary school; basic skills deficient or English-language learner. | Attend an Adult Education information session; complete pre-assessment. | Free classes and testing; 16/17 year-olds need state permission. | Omaha Metro Area. | mccneb.edu (search "GED/ESL") | 531-622-4060 |
| Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) - Services for Justice-Involved | Provides reemployment services, job search assistance, career planning, and connections to second-chance employers. | Workers with past criminal records or other barriers to employment. | Contact local American Job Center or NDOL office. | Services are free; may require ID or residency proof for some programs. | State of Nebraska (Local American Job Centers). | dol.nebraska.gov (search "ReentryServices") | 402-444-4700 (Omaha Office Example) |
| Goodwill Omaha - Employment Solutions | Offers job search assistance, career planning, and reentry employment programs. | Individuals facing barriers to employment, including those with criminal records. | Call to schedule an appointment. | Services are generally free. | Omaha Metro Area. | goodwillomaha.org | 402-951-2919 |
| Heartland Workforce Solutions | One-Stop Career Center providing job training, career services, and connections to employment opportunities. | All job seekers, including those who are justice-involved or dislocated workers. | Walk-in or call for intake/services. | Services are generally free; training services may have specific eligibility (WIOA). | Omaha Metro Area. | hws-ne.org | 402-444-4700 |
| Nebraska Adult & Dislocated Worker Program (WIOA) | Provides occupational skills training, on-the-job training (OJT), career counseling, and assistance with financial aid. | Adults 18+ (low-income, public assistance) and individuals who have lost their jobs (dislocated workers). | Contact local American Job Center/NDOL office for eligibility determination. | Services are free; requires eligibility determination; training limited to approved providers. | State of Nebraska. | dol.nebraska.gov (search "WIOA") | 402-444-4700 (Omaha Example) |
| Community Action Partnership of Lancaster & Saunders Counties (SNAP Next Step) | Provides employment and training services for individuals receiving SNAP benefits. | SNAP recipients who are not exempt from work requirements. | Call for enrollment and assessment. | Requires enrollment in the SNAP program; must meet work/training engagement criteria. | Lancaster & Saunders Counties (Lincoln Area). | communityactionatwork.org | 402-471-4515 |
| South Central Community Action Partnership (SCCAP) - Education/Job Training | Provides GED assistance, job readiness, and training referrals in the South Central Region. | Low-income residents of the 13-county area. | Call or visit a local SCCAP office for intake/application. | Requires income verification and residency in service area. | 13 counties in South Central NE (e.g., Adams, Clay, Hall, Merrick). | sccap.org | 402-463-8686 |
Legal & Admin
ID/Birth certificate services, expungement clinics, voting rights, etc.
| Resource Name | Description | Eligibility (Who Qualifies?) | Intake Process | Barriers | Service Area | Website | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska DHHS Vital Records | Issues certified copies of Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates. | Individuals who meet the "proper purpose" (e.g., self, direct family, legal representation) for the record. | Walk-in, Mail, or Online Application. | Fee is required ($17 for birth, $16 for others); requires current government-issued photo ID. | State of Nebraska (records since late 1904/early 1909). | dhhs.ne.gov (search "Vital Records") | 402-471-2871 |
| Legal Aid of Nebraska - AccessLine® | Non-profit law firm providing free civil legal representation to low-income residents. | Low-income residents of Nebraska; income guidelines apply. | Call the appropriate AccessLine® for initial screening and intake. | Civil cases only (no criminal defense, personal injury, etc.). | State of Nebraska. | legalaidofnebraska.org | 877-250-2016 (Statewide) |
| Legal Aid of Nebraska - Clean Slate Project | Focuses on helping clients get dismissed criminal charges sealed and past convictions set aside (expungement). | Nebraskans with dismissed charges or convictions eligible for set-aside/sealing under state law. | Call AccessLine® for intake and referral to the project. | Free service, but client may be responsible for court filing fees if fee waiver is not granted. | State of Nebraska. | legalaidofnebraska.org (search "Clean Slate") | 877-250-2016 |
| Creighton Law School Civil Legal Clinic (Milton R. Abrahams) | Provides free legal services for eligible low-income residents in civil (non-criminal) matters. | Low-income residents of Douglas County. | Call Mon-Thurs (9 AM - 4 PM) for intake screening. | Limited to civil matters; low-income eligibility. | Douglas County (Omaha). | https://www.creighton.edu/law/law-clinics-academic-opportunities/clinics/abrahams-legal-clinic | 402-280-3068 |
| University of Nebraska Civil Law Clinic | Handles a variety of civil cases for eligible low-income Nebraska residents. | Low-income residents of Nebraska. | Call for application/screening. | Limited to civil matters; clients may pay nominal administrative and court filing fees. | State of Nebraska. | law.unl.edu/civil-law-clinic/ | 402-472-3271 |
| Nebraska Immigration Legal Assistance Hotline (NILAH) | Hotline to screen for immigration legal services and refer to partner organizations. | Immigrants and refugees in Nebraska. | Call the toll-free hotline. | None (Free hotline screening). | State of Nebraska. | nilah.org | 855-307-6730 |
| Nebraska Judicial Branch - Self-Help | Provides information and forms for self-representation, including instructions for Adult Record Sealing. | Any Nebraska resident needing guidance on court processes; must be eligible for sealing under state law. | Access Online and download forms; self-file in the appropriate court. | Requires a personal commitment to self-filing; may have court/copy fees. | State of Nebraska. | nebraskajudicial.gov (search "Adult Record Sealing") | N/A |
| Center for Legal Immigration Assistance (CLIA) | Provides immigration legal consultation and representation. | Immigrants and refugees needing legal assistance. | Requires a preliminary consultation (fee required) to determine service. | Requires a consultation fee of $50; must make an appointment. | Lincoln, NE. | clianeb.org | 402-471-1777 |
| Native American AccessLine® (Legal Aid of NE) | Specialized legal intake line for Native American individuals. | Native American individuals who meet Legal Aid's income eligibility guidelines. | Call the dedicated hotline during hours (Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 12 PM). | Limited to civil matters; income eligibility required. | State of Nebraska. | legalaidofnebraska.org | 800-729-9908 |
| Election Office (County-level) | Local offices responsible for voter registration, absentee ballots, and election information. | All eligible voters and citizens needing to register or update information. | Walk-in to the office, mail-in form, or online registration. | Must meet state and federal voting requirements (age, citizenship, residency); requires proof of ID/address for first-time voters. | Local County (e.g., Douglas, Lancaster, etc.). | N/A (Find on County websites) | 402-444-8683 (Douglas County) |
Free Narcan
NARCAN®️ Nasal Spray may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Since most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed for first responders, as well as family, friends, and caregivers—with no medical training required.
Needle-free
Designed for ease of use in the community setting
Inhalation not required
Requires no specialized training
Medicaid Resources for ALL Nebraska Providers
Medicaid will cover, dependent on the provider; check this link as a reference.
Car seat or booster seats for those who get a prenatal check up during their first trimester.
Electric breast pumps.
Doulas during childbirth.
YMCA memberships.
Online doctor's appointments.
GED testing materials.
GED testing fees.
Cell phones.
Gift cards for completing preventative care visits and screening.
RISE Programs
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In-Prison Program
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Youth + Family Program
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RISE Business Academy
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RISE Reentry Services