Resources
Resources for Military Connected Individuals and Their Families
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Emergency & Crisis Support
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Health & Wellness Support
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Housing & Homelessness Support
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Employment & Financial Support
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Education & Training Support
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Legal Support & Advocacy
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Community Organization Support
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Leisure & Recreation Groups
Emergency & Crisis Support
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What they do: Provides 24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Serves: Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard/Reserve, and families.
Contact:
Phone: Dial 988, then press 1
Text: 838255
Chat: veteranscrisisline.net -
What they do: Connects individuals to housing, food, mental health, and financial services.
Serves: Veterans, active-duty members, and families.
Contact:
Phone: Dial 211 (Nebraska), Available 24/7
Website: https://uwm211.org/ -
What they do: Omaha-based; Provides emergency shelter, meals, and long-term recovery programs, including addiction recovery, job training, and transitional housing. Focuses on helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency through comprehensive support services.
Serves: Individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, including veterans.
Contact:
Phone: (402) 422-1111
Website: www.opendoormission.org -
What they do: Provides emergency assistance to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, including disaster relief, emergency financial support, and communication services during military emergencies. The organization also supports military families through preparedness education and recovery services following crises.
Serves: Active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard/Reserve members, and military families.
Contact:
Phone: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Website: www.redcross.org -
What they do: Provides emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and basic needs, as well as shelter services, food programs, and case management. Offers targeted support for veterans through housing stabilization and emergency assistance programs.
Serves: Low-income individuals and families, including veterans and military-connected households.
Contact:
Phone: (402) 898-7700 (Omaha area)
Website: www.salvationarmyusa.org -
What they do: A network of community-based food pantries and assistance programs that provide emergency food, hygiene items, and limited financial assistance.
Serves: Low-income individuals and families, including veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.
Bellevue Pantry / ENCAP (Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership): Provides food assistance, utility support, and case management.
www.encapnebraska.org
(402) 453-5656Patriot Pantry: Supports food access for militaryconnected families and veterans.
Lift Up Sarpy: Offers food distribution and emergency assistance programs within Sarpy County.
www.liftupsarpycounty.org -
What they do: Omaha-based emergency shelter. Offers emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and case management services. Provides coordinated entry into housing programs and support for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
Serves: Adults experiencing homelessness, including veterans.
Contact:
Phone: (402) 341-1821
Website: www.sienafrancis.org
Mental Health & Wellness Support
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What they do: Provides comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services, including medically monitored detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient programming, and relapse prevention.
Serves: Adults experiencing substance use disorders, including veterans. Multiple Nebraska locations (including Omaha and O’Neill)
Contact: www.valleyhope.org
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What they do: Provides community-based mental health services, including outpatient therapy, psychiatric rehabilitation, supportive housing, and intensive case management. Emphasizes recovery-oriented care for individuals with serious mental illness, including those experiencing homelessness or involvement with the criminal justice system.
Serves: Adults with serious mental illness, including veterans and individuals experiencing housing instability.
Contact:
Phone: (402) 341-5128
Website: www.community-alliance.org -
What they do: Provides comprehensive healthcare services to eligible veterans, including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, substance use treatment, PTSD programs, and rehabilitative services. Offers integrated care coordination and access to VA benefits, including telehealth and community-based outpatient clinics.
Serves: Eligible veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system. Locations: Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and community clinics
Contact:
Phone: (402) 346-8800
Website: www.va.gov -
What they do: Provides confidential, community-based counseling services for veterans, including individual and group therapy focused on readjustment to civilian life. Specializes in treatment for PTSD, military sexual trauma (MST), grief, and combat-related stress.
Serves: Combat veterans, veterans who experienced MST, and their families.
Contact:
Lincoln: (402) 476-9736
Omaha: (402) 346-6735
Sioux City: (712) 255-3808
Website: www.vetcenter.va.gov -
What they do: Stephen Center partners with individuals, families, and the community to overcome homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health concerns. Stephen Center’s Pettigrew Emergency Shelter is the only shelter in the Omaha area that keeps families together when seeking a place to stay. They provide safe shelter and case management for individuals and all types of family dynamics without separation. Stephen Center’s HERO Addiction Recovery program provides short-term and long-term treatment for individuals facing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, helping them overcome barriers to lasting recovery. Stephen Center’s Permanent Supportive Housing Program provides affordable housing and case management for individuals and families facing high barriers, including mental health challenges and physical disabilities, ensuring long-term stability and support.
Serves: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness or the threat of homelessness, individuals experiencing addiction, including veterans
Contact:
Hero Addiction Recovery
Phone: (402) 731-0238
Email: hero.admissions@stephencenter.orgPettigrew Emergency Shelter
Phone: (402) 731-0238
Email: info@stephencenter.orgPermanent Supportive Housing
Phone: (402) 731-0238
Email: info@stephencenter.org
Website: https://stephencenter.org/ -
What they do: Arch provides compassionate, evidence-based care to men struggling with substance use disorders. Through a combination of individual and group therapy, work and life skill building, and holistic approaches in a safe and supportive environments, they empower their clients with the tools and skills necessary to achieve long-term recovery and improve their overall quality of life.
Serves: Individuals struggling with substance abuse, including Veterans
Contact:
Website: https://archhalfwayhouse.org/
Phone: (402) 346-8898 and (402) 556-6425
Housing & Homeless Support
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What they do: Coordinates the regional homelessness response system for the Omaha/Council Bluffs region to ensure efficient placement into emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing programs by facilitating collaboration among community service providers.
Serves: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including veterans.
Contact: www.macchconnect.org
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What they do: Develops and provides affordable and supportive housing with case management for individuals experiencing housing instability.
Serves: Low-income individuals and families, including veterans.
Contact:
Website: www.metrohousingcollaborative.com
Person: Cynthia Holaday (Coordinated Entry Manager) -
What they do: Provides affordable homeownership opportunities through home construction/rehabilitation and low-cost mortgages. Participants must contribute “sweat equity.”
Serves: Low- to moderate-income individuals and families, including veterans.
Contact: www.habitat.org
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What they do: Offers housing-focused case management, including rapid rehousing and stabilization services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Serves: Individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including veterans.
Contact:
Phone: (402)-505-3523
Website: https://www.newvisionshs.org/ -
What they do: The HUD-VASH program combines HUD’s Housing Choice Vouches (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers, community-based outreach clinics, through VA contractors, or through other VA designated entities
Serves: Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Contact:
www.hud.gov/helping-americans/housing-choicevouchershomeless-veterans
Employment & Financial Support
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What they do: Provides workforce development services, including job search assistance, career counseling, resume development, and access to training programs. Offers priority of service for veterans through Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP), and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER), ensuring targeted support for veterans facing barriers to employment.
Serves: Veterans, eligible spouses, and job seekers statewide.
Contact:
Phone: (402) 471-9000
Website: https://dol.nebraska.gov/ -
What they do: A national nonprofit employment program that connects veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with job opportunities. Provides career placement services, resume assistance, and employer partnerships specifically focused on hiring veterans.
Serves: Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
Contact: www.vetjobs.org
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What they do: A U.S. Department of Defense program that promotes cooperation between civilian employers and members of the National Guard and Reserve. Provides employer mediation, education on employment rights under USERRA, and support for resolving workplace conflicts related to military service.
Serves: National Guard and Reserve members, veterans, and civilian employers.
Contact:
Phone: (800) 336-4590
Website: www.esgr.mil -
What they do: Provides centralized access to business development resources, including funding opportunities, training, and technical assistance. Supports veteran entrepreneurs by connecting them to local, state, and federal programs that assist with starting, growing, or scaling a business.
Serves: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, including veteran-owned businesses.
Contact: www.sourcelinknebraska.com
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What they do: Supports workforce development and economic growth through employer partnerships, hiring initiatives, and career development programs. Engages in veteran hiring efforts and collaborates with local organizations to connect veterans to employment opportunities and professional networks.
Serves: Job seekers, including veterans, and employers in the Omaha region.
Contact:
Phone: (402) 346-5000
Website: www.omahachamber.org -
What they do: Heartland Workforce Solutions operates the American Job Center for the Greater Omaha area. Through partnerships with workforce programs, education providers, businesses, and community organizations. They bring multiple services together under one system
Serves: Job seekers, including veterans, and employers in the Omaha region
Contact:
Phone: (402) 444-4700
Email: onestop@hws-ne.org
Website: https://hws-ne.org/ -
What they do: Provide services to help with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans and Service members in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled or unable to work in traditional employment.
Serves: U.S. military veterans and family members
Education & Training Support
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What they do: Provides comprehensive support for militaryconnected students, including assistance with GI Bill benefits, tuition discounts, academic advising, and career-focused degree programs. Offers flexible learning options (online and in-person) designed to support active-duty service members, veterans, and their families transitioning to civilian careers.
Serves: Active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard/Reserve members, and military spouses/dependents.
Contact:
Phone: (402) 293-2000
Website: www.bellevue.edu/military-students/ -
What they do: Offers dedicated support services for student veterans, including assistance with VA education benefits (GI Bill), academic advising, transition support, and access to veteran-specific resources such as lounges and peer networks. Provides career readiness programming and connections to internships and employment opportunities.
Serves: Student veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard/Reserve, and dependents.
Contact:
Phone: (402) 554-2340
Website: https://www.unomaha.edu/military-and-veteran-services/index.php -
What they do: Provides comprehensive services for militaryconnected students through its veteran support programs, including assistance with GI Bill certification, academic advising, tutoring, and transition support. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, along with career development resources and student veteran organizations.
Serves: Student veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members, and dependents.
Contact:
Phone: (402) 472-2030
Website: https://vetsuccess.unl.edu/ -
What they do: Provides accessible education and workforce training programs, including certificate and associate degree pathways aligned with high-demand careers. Offers dedicated support for veterans, including assistance with GI Bill benefits, academic advising, and transition support into the workforce or continued education.
Serves: Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members, and the general student population.
Contact:
Phone: (531) 622-2400
Website: https://www.mccneb.edu/getting-started/military-connected-student-resources/veterans-and-military-resource-center
Legal Support & Advocacy
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What they do: Provides statewide advocacy and assistance to veterans and their families in accessing federal and state benefits, including VA disability compensation, pensions, healthcare, and burial benefits. Employs accredited service officers who assist with claims preparation, submission, and appeals at no cost. Also supports coordination of veteran services across Nebraska.
Serves: Veterans, dependents, and survivors residing in Nebraska.
Contact:
Phone: (402) 471-2458
Website: https://veterans.nebraska.gov/ -
What they do: Legal Aid of Nebraska exists to promote justice, dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency through quality civil legal aid for those who have nowhere else to turn. They provide information, referrals, advice, self-help services, limited assistance, and extended representation to qualifying low-income individuals with legal issues.
Serves: Low-income individuals and families, including veterans and military-connected individuals
Contact:
Website: https://legalaidofnebraska.org/
Phone: (402) 348-1069 -
What they do: Provides free civil legal assistance to lowincome individuals, including veterans, in areas such as housing, consumer protection, family law, and public benefits. While based in Iowa, services may be relevant to veterans in the Omaha/Council Bluffs region, particularly for cross-state legal issues. Offers legal advice, representation, and self-help resources.
Serves: Low-income individuals and families, including veterans and military-connected individuals
Contact:
Phone: 1-800-532-1275
Website: www.iowalegalaid.org
Community Organization Support
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What they do: Provides advocacy, peer support, and assistance with accessing VA benefits, including disability compensation, healthcare enrollment, and claims navigation. AMVETS also promotes community engagement through volunteerism and leadership opportunities, supporting veterans’ reintegration and sense of purpose post-service.
Serves: Honorably discharged veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members, and their families. Local Nebraska posts available statewide
Contact: www.amvets.org
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What they do: Provides advocacy, VA claims assistance, financial relief programs, and peer support through a nationwide network of local posts. Offers programs such as Unmet Needs (financial assistance) and supports transitioning service members and their families through community-based services and outreach.
Serves: Veterans who served in overseas combat zones, as well as their families.
Contact:
Website: www.vfw.org
Nebraska Department Phone: (402) 464-0674 -
What they do: WWP is the nation’s leading veterans service organization, dedicated to improving the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured veterans, service members, and their families. It’s innovative programs and life-changing services strengthen mental, physical, emotional, and financial wellness — empowering warriors and their loved ones to thrive while helping prevent veteran suicide. Programs they have include: adaptive sports, alumni connection program, benefits services, community partners, family support, financial readiness, government affairs, independence program, international support, mental wellness, WWP peer support groups, physical health and wellness, Project Odyssey, Soldier Ride, Warrior Care Network, Warriors to Work, WWP resource center, WWP talk.
Serves: U.S. military veterans and their families
Contact:
Phone: 877-TEAM-WWP
Website: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Leisure & Recreation Support
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What they do: Provides opportunities for physical activity, social connection, and community engagement through fitness events, group workouts, and local chapter activities. Designed to support veterans, improve mental and physical health, and reduce social isolation through consistent peer interaction.
Serves: Veterans, service members, and community supporters. Local chapters available in Nebraska
Contact: www.teamrwb.org
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What they do: A rehabilitative golf program that introduces veterans to the game of golf as a form of physical and emotional therapy. Led by PGA professionals trained in adaptive instruction, the program supports recovery from physical injuries and mental health challenges such as PTSD.
Serves: Veterans with disabilities or those seeking rehabilitative recreation. Local programs offered in Nebraska
Contact:
Nebraska Facebook: PGA Reach
Nebraska Website: www.pgareach.org/pgahope -
What they do: Provides therapeutic fly-fishing programs that promote emotional healing, stress reduction, and social connection. Combines skill-building, outdoor recreation, and peer support to support veterans coping with physical and psychological challenges.
Serves: Veterans, particularly those with service-related injuries or mental health conditions.
Contact: www.projecthealingwaters.org
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What they do: Offers outdoor recreation experiences such as hiking, camping, and adventure-based activities designed to support mental wellness, resilience, and peer connection among veterans. Emphasizes experiential therapy and community-building in natural environments.
Serves: Veterans and military-connected individuals.
Contact:
Bravo Zulu Facebook Page -
What they do: Provides creative arts programming, including music and performance-based activities, as a form of therapeutic expression for veterans. Supports emotional healing, identity reconstruction, and social connection through participation in the arts.
Serves: Veterans and military-connected individuals.
Contact:
Hero’s Encore Facebook Page -
What they do: Offers trauma-informed art therapy and creative expression programs designed to support emotional healing and mental wellness. Programs may include visual arts, guided workshops, and community-based healing initiatives.
Serves: Individuals experiencing trauma, including veterans and military families.
Contact:
Facebook: Hearts for Healing -
What they do: Pulling wrenched to end Veteran suicide and bring empowerment to MST survivors. Work on cars for everyone to fund their charity. DTGI is a faith-based, peer support outreach for U.S. Military Veterans and the families that love them.
Serves: U.S. military veterans and their families
Contact:
Website: www.dogtagsgarage.org
Phone: (531) 283-5999
Email: info@dogtagsgarage.org
In partnership with the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant