Nebraska Rent Relief: A Location-Based Directory of Current Assistance Programs

For Nebraskans facing financial hardship and the stress of housing instability, finding reliable Nebraska rent relief is a critical priority. While the primary statewide emergency programs from the COVID-19 pandemic have largely concluded, a robust network of financial aid, housing stability services, and legal support remains active across the state.

The challenge has shifted from applying to a single, centralized program to navigating a landscape of local and specialized resources. The purpose here is to serve as the most current and comprehensive directory of these vital services, organized by geographic location to provide a clear and direct path to the help available in your community.

The Current Status of Statewide Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)

To prevent confusion, it is important to understand the status of the large-scale programs that previously defined Nebraska rent relief. The Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, managed by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) for 91 counties, is no longer accepting new applications. Due to high demand and the distribution of final funds, the program has transitioned to a waitlist system for any applications received after its deadline.

Individuals who applied before the transition can check their application status through the official NebraskaRentHelp.org portal. This program was part of a temporary, nationwide initiative funded by the U.S. Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. As these federal funds have been expended, these emergency programs have closed, shifting the focus to more traditional and localized forms of assistance.

Your First Step: Connecting with Centralized Nebraska Resources

With the conclusion of the statewide ERA program, Nebraska has established two primary starting points for anyone seeking housing assistance. These centralized resources act as "front doors" to the state's network of social services. Beginning your search here is the most effective way to identify the aid available in your specific area.

Using Nebraska Find Help to Locate Local Services

Nebraska FindHelp, accessible at nebraska.findhelp.com, is a free social care network designed to connect Nebraskans with local programs and services. This platform is a comprehensive, searchable database created through a collaboration between NIFA and the national findhelp.org platform.

To use the platform, you simply enter your ZIP code. The system will then generate a list of local organizations providing support for a wide range of needs, including:

• Rent payment assistance
• Help with utility bills
• Affordable housing locators
• Food pantries
• Healthcare services
• Financial assistance and counseling

This tool is the state's primary method for directing residents to the community-based organizations that can offer direct support.

Contacting Nebraska 2-1-1

For individuals who prefer to speak with a person or may not have reliable internet access, the Nebraska 2-1-1 hotline is an essential resource. It is a free, confidential information and referral service operated by trained specialists who can connect you with the most appropriate local resources.

You can connect with Nebraska 2-1-1 in several ways:

• By Phone: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone.
• By Text: Text your ZIP code to 898211.
• Online: Use the live chat feature on their website or search their online database.  

Both Nebraska Find Help and the 2-1-1 hotline are designed to bridge the information gap and provide a clear, reliable first step for anyone in need of assistance.

Rental Assistance for Douglas and Lancaster County Residents

Nebraska's two largest metropolitan areas, Omaha and Lincoln, have a distinct set of resources and agencies. During the pandemic, Douglas and Lancaster counties administered their own federal ERA funds separately from the rest of the state. While those specific ERA programs have also concluded, a strong network of local non-profits and housing authorities continues to provide support.

Housing Resources in Omaha and Douglas County

Residents of Omaha and the surrounding Douglas County area have access to several key organizations for emergency assistance and long-term housing solutions.

Emergency Financial Assistance

For immediate help with past-due rent or utilities to prevent eviction, several non-profits are primary points of contact. These include:

• Heartland Family Service: Offers a range of programs aimed at strengthening families and preventing homelessness.
• Together, Inc.: Provides short-term financial assistance for rent, utilities, and deposits to households enrolled in their programs to avoid or end homelessness.
• Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc.: Delivers homeless prevention services, rental counseling, and financial assistance.
• Catholic Charities of Omaha: Offers programs that can assist with housing stability.

Long-Term Housing Programs

For sustainable, affordable housing, the area is served by two Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). These agencies administer federal programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Public Housing. It is important to note that these programs are not for immediate crises, as they often have long waiting lists.

• Omaha Housing Authority (OHA): Manages approximately 4,300 housing vouchers and various public housing units within its jurisdiction, which includes Omaha, Ralston, Papillion, LaVista, and Millard.
• Douglas County Housing Authority (DCHA): Administers the Section 8 program for parts of the county, enabling low-income families to rent from private landlords with rental assistance.

Legal Support for Tenants

The Tenant Assistance Project is a critical resource for renters facing eviction in Douglas County. This court-based program, a collaboration between legal aid, law schools, and the bar association, connects tenants with attorneys and provides resources to help them navigate their eviction hearings.

Housing Resources in Lincoln and Lancaster County

The Lincoln area has a dedicated infrastructure of organizations providing housing support. The city's primary ERA-funded portal, the Lincoln Prevention Assistance Common Fund (LPAC), ceased accepting applications as its funds were expended. However, other vital resources remain.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Residents in need of immediate help with rent or utilities should contact local providers directly. Key organizations include:

• Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties: Provides emergency financial assistance for past-due rent, deposits, and utility bills for qualifying households. They can be reached at 402-471-4515.
• Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska: Offers an Emergency Services Program that can provide financial assistance for rent and utilities.
• St. Vincent de Paul Society: Provides assistance with rent, utilities, and other emergency needs.  
• The Salvation Army: Offers limited rent and utility assistance based on available funding.

Long-Term Housing Programs

The Lincoln Housing Authority (LHA) is the primary administrator of federal housing programs for the city. The LHA manages the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides rental subsidies to eligible low-income households to rent in the private market. As with other PHAs, applicants should anticipate a long waiting period.

Legal Support for Tenants

Tenants in Lancaster County facing eviction have access to crucial legal help through programs operated by Legal Aid of Nebraska and the UNL Tenant Assistance Project. These organizations provide free legal representation and guidance to tenants at eviction court, which can be instrumental in preventing homelessness.

Rental Assistance in Nebraska's Other 91 Counties (Balance of State)

For residents living outside of the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan areas, assistance is delivered through a network of regional non-profits and agencies. The primary sources of funding and support are the Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program and the state's nine Community Action Agencies.

The Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program (NHAP)

The Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program (NHAP) is a critical source of funding for housing stability services throughout the state. NHAP combines state funds with federal money from the HUD Emergency Solutions Grant. This money is then distributed as grants to a network of non-profit agencies across Nebraska.

Individuals do not apply directly to NHAP. Instead, you access these funds by contacting the designated local service provider in your area. NHAP-funded activities are focused on preventing and ending homelessness and include:

• Homelessness Prevention: Providing emergency financial assistance to households at imminent risk of losing their housing, which can include payments for past-due rent.
• Rapid Rehousing: Offering short-term rental assistance and services to help individuals and families who are currently homeless to quickly move into permanent housing. This can include help with security deposits and initial rent payments.

Finding Your Local Community Action Agency

For most Nebraskans in the 91 counties, the most direct path to emergency financial assistance is through their regional Community Action Agency. These nine agencies form a statewide network dedicated to helping low-income individuals and families. They are the primary on-the-ground providers that administer various state and federal programs.

Identifying the correct agency for your county is the most important step. The following directory provides the name, primary service area, and contact information for each of Nebraska's Community Action Agencies.

Contacting Your Local Public Housing Authority (PHA)

For long-term, income-based rental assistance through federal programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), you must apply through your local Public Housing Authority. These agencies manage the application process and waiting lists. To find the correct PHA for your city or county, you can use the official directory provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Specialized Housing Support Programs in Nebraska

Beyond general rent relief, Nebraska offers several specialized programs designed to assist specific populations or address particular needs, such as utility costs or legal challenges.

Assistance for Nebraska Veterans

Veterans facing homelessness or housing instability have access to dedicated federal programs administered locally. These programs combine financial assistance with comprehensive case management.

• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): This program provides case management and temporary financial assistance to very low-income veterans at risk of homelessness. Services can include help with rent, utility deposits, and moving costs.
• HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH): This program pairs HUD's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) with case management and clinical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is designed for veterans experiencing homelessness.
• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: Any veteran who is homeless or at risk can call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 access to trained counselors who can provide immediate assistance.

Help with Utility and Energy Bills

For many households, high utility costs are a major driver of housing instability. Several programs specifically target this issue.

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This federally funded program helps low-income households with their home energy bills. Nebraskans can apply for LIHEAP through the ACCESS Nebraska website or by calling 1-800-383-4278.
• Utility Company Programs: Major utility providers like Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) and Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) often have their own customer assistance programs. Contact them directly to inquire about payment plans and assistance funds.

Legal Protection for Tenants Facing Eviction

Receiving an eviction notice is a legal process, and understanding your rights is critical. Financial assistance alone may not be enough if you are already facing a court date.

• Legal Aid of Nebraska: This statewide, non-profit law firm provides free civil legal assistance to low-income Nebraskans. Their attorneys can provide representation in eviction court and help tenants enforce their legal rights. Apply for assistance by calling 1-844-268-5627.
• Tenant Assistance Project: This initiative provides on-site legal assistance and resources for tenants on their court date in Lancaster and Douglas counties. The project aims to prevent immediate evictions by ensuring tenants have access to legal counsel.

Protecting Yourself from Assistance Scams

Scammers often try to take advantage of people in vulnerable financial situations. The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority has issued warnings about fraudulent offers related to rental assistance. To protect yourself, remember these critical points:

• No Application Fees: Legitimate government and non-profit assistance programs will never charge you a fee to apply for help.
• No Social Media Applications: Official agencies will not ask for sensitive personal data through social media platforms.
• Verify Website Links: Only use official websites for applications. The authentic statewide ERA program website was NebraskaRentHelp.org.
• Payments Go to Landlords: Legitimate rental assistance funds are paid directly to your landlord or utility provider, not to you.

If you encounter an offer that seems suspicious, trust your instincts and contact a legitimate organization like your local Community Action Agency or Legal Aid of Nebraska for guidance.

Taking Action to Secure Housing Stability

While the large-scale, federally funded emergency rent relief programs in Nebraska have ended, the state maintains a strong, decentralized network of support for residents facing housing crises. The key to securing assistance is knowing where to look and taking the right first step.

For any Nebraskan struggling to pay rent or utilities, the path forward begins with connection. Start by using the state's centralized resource locators—nebraska.findhelp.com and the 2-1-1 hotline—to get a clear picture of the services available in your zip code. For those in the 91 counties outside of the major metro areas, your most direct point of contact is the regional Community Action Agency. By reaching out to these on-the-ground organizations, you can connect with dedicated professionals who can help you maintain your housing and move toward stability.

Frequently Asked Questions