Community Action Opens Office in Wahoo

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties (Community Action; www.communityactionatwork.org), a nonprofit organization based in Lincoln, celebrated the opening of a new office in Wahoo on July 12, 2017. From this office, the agency will operate its Emergency Services program, which provides financial assistance with rent and utilities to near-homeless and homeless households paired with case management. This expansion is possible through a grant from the Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program.

The need for assistance with rent and utilities is significant. In Saunders County alone, according to 2015 Census estimates, over 2,000 individuals live in poverty – a number that has grown by 55% over the past 15 years. Households living in poverty are often just one life event (e.g. unexpected medical bill, job loss) away from crisis. Community Action’s Emergency Services program provides the emergency assistance necessary to keep families safely and stably housed in times of financial crisis.

Households seeking assistance with rent must have an eviction notice; those seeking assistance with utilities must have a disconnection notice. Security deposit assistance is also available to individuals and families transitioning out of homeless situations.

Applications are taken over the phone Monday through Friday. Residents of Saunders and rural Lancaster Counties may call (402) 277-7330 to apply. Lincoln residents may call (402) 471-4515.

Community Action offers 15 programs and services in the impact areas of early childhood education, homelessness prevention, financial well-being, and hunger relief. Its mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. For more information, and to learn how to help, visit www.communityactionatwork.org.