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FEED THE SOUL OF THE CITY with Matt Talbot

BOLD HOPE EXPANDS

A campaign for Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach

BOLD HOPE EXPANDS is a facility expansion campaign that will strengthen outreach efforts by building a north addition to the existing facility (two offices and a training space) and a 3-stall garage for storing the agency van and household items for clients. Construction started in July 2022 and is the final phase of our relocation to N. 27th Street which began in 2010. 

For 30 years and counting, Matt Talbot has been a critical part of Lincoln’s safety net for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or poverty. We are committed to growing and adapting our center to meet emerging needs in the community. Because of that commitment, Matt Talbot has experienced significant growth and is serving more people through more programs.

  • Last year Matt Talbot provided nearly 180,000 meals through onsite prepared meals, emergency food pantries, and the distribution of donated high-quality food.

  • We saw a 35% increase in the number of on-site meals provided last year, serving an average of 220 meals a day.

  • Last year we served a total of 2,774 unduplicated clients, a 20% increase from the previous year and a 62% increase from 2020.

  • Last year over 2,000 guests were served across all services, a 36% increase from the previous year.

  • More than 44,000 services were provided last year, an increase of 7% from 2021.

  • During the pandemic housing programs were expanded by 48% to serve more unsheltered individuals and families

  • Matt Talbot’s staff has grown by 39% in the past 5 years (and by 127% in the last 10 years).

As a result of expanding programs to meet community needs, we are experiencing growing pains. New staff need office space. And the growth in housing programs has highlighted a need for space to store donated furniture, mattresses, and household items for clients.

The expansion will strengthen our outreach efforts by allowing us to:

  • Meet privately with guests in a space near the dining room.

  • Host nutrition classes for volunteers.

  • Have more space to distribute donated healthy foods and garden produce.

  • Facilitate tenant and alcohol education classes in an open and accessible space.

  • Provide office space for a new human resources position and the current Director of Hunger Relief & Volunteerism.

  • Store household items for homeless clients who are moving to a new apartment, creating efficiencies by having items onsite and eliminating the costs of renting storage units. This will also allow clients some choice in “shopping” for donated items.