Matt Talbot Launches $2.5 Million “Hope Lives Here” Campaign to Address Hunger and Homelessness in Lincoln
March 27, 2026

LINCOLN, Neb. — Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach announced Thursday evening the launch of its ambitious “Hope Lives Here” campaign, a three-year, $2.5 million initiative aimed at strengthening hunger relief efforts, expanding housing services, and securing long-term sustainability through endowment growth.

The campaign comes at a critical time for the Lincoln community, where 1 in 10 individuals experiences food insecurity and nearly 600 people are experiencing homelessness, according to the latest Point-in-Time Count.

“This campaign is about meeting urgent needs today while building a stronger, more stable future for our community,” said Alynn Sampson, Executive Director. “With increased resources, we can help ensure that everyone who comes through our doors has access to nutritious food, safe housing, and the support they need to thrive.”

Addressing Growing Needs

Since 2021, demand for services has surged, with the number of meals served and emergency food pantries distributed increasing by 60%. Last year alone, Matt Talbot provided more than 263,000 meals through onsite meals and the Fresh Choice Pantry, a 13% increase in dining room meals compared to the previous year. Comparing January 2025 to January 2026, pantry visits more than doubled and meals provided onsite increased by 25%.

This increasing demand for services, combined with rising food costs, have made it more difficult for volunteer groups to cover meal expenses, a model the organization has relied on for decades. The campaign will help transition to a more sustainable approach, ensuring uninterrupted meal service and a more equitable food model that doesn’t rely on volunteer capacity.

Campaign Priorities

The Hope Lives Here campaign focuses on three key areas:

• Hunger Relief ($952,141):
Sustain daily meal services, ensure the Fresh Choice Pantry remains stocked with fresh and healthy food, and support a new funding model for meal preparation.

• Housing ($1,156,350):
House 20 additional people annually using rapid rehousing strategies and supportive services.

• Endowment Growth ($391,509):
Strengthen the organization’s endowment to provide long-term stability.

A Community Investment

As Lincoln’s only community kitchen and outreach center with prevention services on-site, Matt Talbot plays a unique role in addressing both hunger and homelessness.

“This is more than a campaign, it’s a partnership with our community,” said Board President Tim McEwen. “Together, we can have an immediate impact, reducing hunger and homelessness for our neighbors right here in Lincoln.”

How to Get Involved

Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to support the campaign through financial gifts or by partnering with kitchen staff to sponsor, prepare, and/or serve meals.

For more information about the campaign or to contribute, visit mtko.org or contact Lori Wellman, Director of Development, at 402-817-0621 or lori.wellman@mtko.org.

To learn more about sponsoring, preparing, or serving a meal, contact Victoria O’Neil, Director of Volunteerism and Hunger Relief, at 402-817-0623 or victoria.oneil@mtko.org.

About Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach

The mission of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is to relieve hunger, overcome homelessness, address addiction, and provide outreach and advocacy in Lincoln.

Serving Lincoln for over 30 years, Matt Talbot is a community kitchen and outreach center providing daily meals, housing support, and prevention services to individuals experiencing hunger and homelessness.