Thousands of people in the Omaha area struggle with homelessness on a daily basis.  Underlying causes can send families and individuals into unstable living conditions.  Transitional housing provides relief but it's only one of the many services necessary to help Omaha families reverse the cycle of poverty.

Did you know?

In 2010, 2,847 people in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area were homeless for the first time¹.

Homelessness continues to be a serious issue in our community as families struggle to remain independent in a tough economic climate. Shelters and transitional housing are increasingly important as individuals and families work towards stability. That's why this week's Issue at Hand is Homelessness in the Omaha metro area.

So what causes families and individuals to become homeless? 

According to a survey conducted by the MACCH, job instability, substance abuse, economic hard times and domestic violence were leading factors causing homelessness². 

In addition to transitional shelters, services addressing these root causes are necessary to help the homeless become independent.  Substance abuse counseling from Catholic Charities Omaha, financial literacy courses from Family Housing Advisory Services, Domestic violence counseling from Women’s Center for Advancement: all of these United Way funded services are essential to breaking down the cycle of homelessness.

So where can the homeless find help?

Micah House, an emergency homeless shelter located in Council Bluffs, serves the Omaha area by providing shelter for families and individuals. 

With the help of United Way funding, their facility offers families the help they need to get back on their feet.  By providing food and support with career and housing searches, Micah House gives hope to families that homelessness is only temporary.  

If you are in need of services or are interested in more information, contact MICAH House at:
1415 Avenue J, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 323-4416
http://www.themicahhouse.org

Did you know?

In 2010, over 1,000 people in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area utilized transitional housing³.

These housing options provide individuals and families with temporary housing for periods of 16 weeks to 18 months. Living independently after being homeless for a long period of time can seem daunting.  If families can prepare properly, they are more likely to avoid homelessness in the future.  Through the United Way funded programs at The Salvation Army, families are given the time to rebuild their lives before they move on to a permanent housing solution. 

Did you know? 

Last year, United Way earmarked $266,000 for shelter and transitional housing programs. 

Giving families a place to stay while they work to overcome other issues is important to overcoming homelessness permanently.  One less worry gives parents the chance to focus on finding employment and overcoming debt and children the chance to focus on their education.

¹Home Sweet Home: 2010 Progress Report on Preventing & Ending Homelessness in Douglas, Sarpy & Pottawattamie Counties. Rep. Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless, Winter 2010. Web. 9 Jan. 2011. <http://www.macchomeless.org/pdf/Final%20report_lo.pdf>.
² Ibid
³ Ibid