Matt Talbot has provided temporary emergency shelter in hotels for unsheltered individuals & families experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. This project was initially funded by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, NE DHHS, and NE Children & Families Foundation and in partnership with Lincoln’s Community Response Collaborative coordinated by United Way. Community CARES funding was later awarded to provide additional funding for hotel stays.
Clients were referred from the Homeless Coalition’s Coordinated Entry list and assigned a case manager from Matt Talbot or a partnering agency (CEDARS, CenterPointe, Community Action Partnership Lancaster/Saunders County, Friendship Home, Lutheran Family Services, and Targeted Adult Service Coordination) to help bridge them to appropriate and affordable permanent housing. While some only need help with a deposit payment, households are eligible for 6-9 months of rental assistance. The housing portion of the project is funded by the Emergency Shelter Grant/CV through the Urban Development Department.
Although the need continues, project enrollment is complete and we do not have any more hotel vouchers.
A total of 134 people representing 46 households were served through this project (62 adults and 72 children). To date, 78% of households have been successfully bridged to permanent housing.
Thank you to all partners for expanding emergency shelter & housing opportunities to the unsheltered homeless during the pandemic!
