Matt Talbot received a $50,000 grant to provide temporary emergency shelter in hotels for unsheltered individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This project was made possible by funding received through U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), Nebraska DHHS, and Nebraska Children and Families Foundation and in partnership with Lincoln’s Community Response Collaborative coordinated by United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County.
All people served through this program will be referred from the Lincoln Homeless Coalition’s Coordinated Entry list and have a case manager. So far, 26 people (including twelve children) have been assisted since the program began on May 1. In addition we have had one successful completion - a family (mother and two children) transitioned into permanent housing from this program.
This program was initiated to help support our community’s public health by providing shelter to those facing homelessness in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of May 1st, there were 64 unsheltered individuals in Lincoln. This program addresses that need by providing 30-60 days of temporary shelter as a bridge to permanent housing. Hotel guests will maintain close contact with their case managers and be working toward finding permanent housing within 4- 6 weeks. In addition, Matt Talbot staff will drop off food for lunch and dinner Monday – Friday if needed.
“When we were approached about this project we felt it was very much in line with our vision to defeat homelessness since it acts as a bridge to permanent housing,” said Matt Talbot’s Executive Director Susanne Blue. “We already had several of the program guidelines in place and it has been a wonderful way to step up even more during this crisis. We're thankful to United Way and the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation for providing this unique opportunity to help people experiencing homelessness.”
“We’re honored to support Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach and their work with our community’s most vulnerable residents during this time of crisis,” said Meagan Liesveld, Executive Director at United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster. “We know how vital it is for all residents in our community to maintain their safety both during and outside times of crisis, and we are lucky to have partners like Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach to do the hard work of helping our community when in need.”
