Grow Omaha
Non-Profit News

Habitat for Humanity’s Pope Leo Village build project kicked off this weekend as more than 50 Habitat for Humanity of Omaha volunteers, staff, homeowners and guests began construction on the first of 20 homes to be built over the next two years at Habitat Omaha’s Bluestem Development near 52nd & Sorensen Parkway. The Pope Leo Villages project is designed to promote volunteerism for young people, and includes 20 Habitat affiliates nationwide. This is the first Pope Leo Village build in Omaha.

Heartland Bike Share launched a Free Rides program on Monday that gives all residents in the HBS service area – which spans from downtown Council Bluffs to Mahoney State Park– unlimited 60-minute rides on any of its 400-plus pedal-assisted e-bikes already in place around the Omaha metro. To access Free Rides, residents 16-and-older can complete a short, one-time application to verify residency, similar to a library card application. Following approval, riders will be able to use the Heartland Bike Share’s Bicycle app at any of its 87 stations to check out an e-bike.

The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement launched My City Greater Omaha with the Greater Omaha Chamber this spring. Its goal is to advance civic engagement and leadership among 25 participants in a free, eight-week program. Participants will learn how civic systems work, build further leadership skills and confidence, and make meaningful connections with other leaders and organizations in the community.

Adaptive Crossroads, which supports individuals with physical and developmental disabilities and seniors, is moving into a new location at 156th and Maple on May 1st.

Spark CDI and its urban design hub, the Fabric Lab, are hosting a groundbreaking for Phase 2 of the North Omaha Trail tomorrow, April 17, at 2 p.m. at 26th & Lake Street. Phase 2 of the trail follows a route from 24th & Ohio Street to the Baby Bob bridge downtown and is funded with $8 million from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

Hillside Solution’s curbside composting program launches on April 20. Curbside Compost Club will be the city’s first residential composting service. More than 350 residents across city council districts 1 and 3 have already expressed interest, with more than 75 households signed up ahead of launch. Hillside Fund, the organization’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, supports the mission by expanding access through education and sponsored memberships.

HomeWoven will hold a groundbreaking ceremony April 23 for an affordable housing construction project in South Omaha. The project will provide three affordable homes at 5449 South 51st Street and a total of five in South Omaha for income-qualified, first-time buyers. HomeWoven is a local nonprofit that provides home repairs, accessibility modifications and affordable homeownership opportunities.

Omaha chefs are participating in a one-night competition on April 24 at Zenia in Elkhorn benefitting Collective for Hope and its annual Comfort Food Classic. Now in its 19th year, the Comfort Food Classic coincides with Collective for Hope’s 25th anniversary. Participating restaurants include Against the Current, Le Voltaire and 30hop, with additional featured offerings from local vendors like Rebel Rise Bakery, a 100-percent gluten-free bakery.

CenterPointe announced that it has reimagined its annual fundraiser, Centered Together, which will take place on Thursday, May 14 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the CenterPointe WellBeing Garden on 11th Street. The event will bring the community together for an evening of connection, joy and impact. A short program beginning at 6:30 p.m. will highlight CenterPointe’s programs and mission and recognize outstanding individuals and organizations making a difference in the community.

April 15 is the third annual Avenue Scholars Day, which aims to shine a light on the organization’s summer boot camps. Held in collaboration with Metropolitan Community College and Clarkson College, the camps will provide hands-on training in healthcare, the skilled trades and transportation. These day camps help students explore career paths, earn certifications and prepare for future job opportunities.

Youth Emergency Services has announced the establishment of a permanent housing space at 2566 Farnam Street. The space, which will be called the YES House, will create a centralized location for housing and supportive services, expanding capacity and improving access to care as the demand for youth homelessness services continues to rise in Omaha. At full capacity, the YES House will include 24 apartments with 32 beds, offering young people safe places to land for the short- and medium-term. In addition to housing, the YES House will offer increased access to food, a clothing boutique, onsite mental health and nursing services, and stronger connections to community partners, ensuring youth can find the care, resources and support they need in one place when they need it.

The property already houses YES administrative offices, minimizing transition costs and allowing the organization to begin utilizing the building immediately. YES anticipates housing all staff and core services at the YES House by Fall 2027.

In partnership with Together, the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement is starting a food delivery program to support local immigrant and refugee families facing growing barriers to accessing groceries, including recent SNAP cuts and limited transportation. CIRA is asking for volunteers to pick up pre-packed groceries and deliver them directly to a family’s home.

MICAH House celebrated its 40th anniversary this week. The emergency shelter is located at 1415 Avenue J in Council Bluffs.