Lincoln recently learned that they will be receiving $4 million in federal CARES Act funding to help individuals affected by the coronavirus put food on the table, make rent or mortgage payments and pay utilities. About $2.7 million of those funds will be used to help families experiencing homelessness, including $360,000 that will go to Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach. Earlier this summer MTKO received funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 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 of theses funds are being used for existing clients who are participating in a Rapid Housing Program. These existing clients are currently working with their Housing Case Manager from Matt Talbot or one of our partners, Community Action Partnership, Targeted Adult Services Coordination, ResCare, Friendship Home, Lincoln Family Services, Center Point and CEDARS. These clients currently have a housing plan and once they are housed will receive financial assistance up to 6 months. Applicants had to show needs caused by Covid-19, including a loss of employment, reduced work hours, or reduced income due to being sick, caring for a sick loved one, or to care for a child. Income qualifications were based on current earnings for those at or below 80% of median income in Nebraska, which is just more than $59,000. These housing participants have already been identified. More information about the food, housing and utilities assistance is available on the Resident Resources page at covid19.lincoln.ne.gov.
