Nebraska Employment
Nebraska Affordable Rentals
Nebraska Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries and More
NEBRASKA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE

Nebraska Happenings

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

ALSO:

If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOURS HAVE CHANGED TO:

1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DISASTER RELATED MATERIALS ARE NOW LOCATED ON OUR NEW “NEBRASKA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE” PAGE!

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May 3rd, 2012 SBA Event:

SBA’s HUBZone Initiative is Coming to Nebraska

WHO: Current Hubzone certified companies and companies interested in possibly becoming Hubzone certified.

WHAT: HUBZone education and matchmaking event, designed to maximize small business participation in the HUBZone Program.

WHERE: UNO Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68182

WHEN: May 3, 2012

Registration: 9am – 9:30am; Workshop: 9:30am – 11:30am

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Nebraska District Office, along with its resource partner, the Nebraska Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), will be hosting a HUBZone Initiative education and training event. SBA’s Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Initiative is designed to introduce your small business to the program, help determine whether your business is eligible, and support your business’ efforts to participate.

In Fiscal Year 2010, HUBZone firms were awarded approximately $12 billion in prime contracting, including approximately $3 billion in HUBZone set-asides. This spring, SBA will be conducting 68 HUBZone Outreach Initiatives at its District Offices around the country. The HUBZone Outreach Initiative will encourage businesses to participate in the HUBZone program, which promotes economic development in geographic regions that have been historically underutilized as business zones.

Register for the HUBZone initiative event at http://ptac.unomaha.edu/events.cfm and visit the SBA’s website at http://www.sba.gov/hubzone for more information on the HUBZone program.

Is your small business located in a HUBZone? Check out the HUBZone maps: http://www.sba.gov/content/hubzone-maps.

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Nebraska Head Start
Managing Agency Nebraska Department of Education http://www.state.ne.us
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Nebraska and a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
You can visit the Nebraska Head Start Association at: http://www.neheadstart.org/
You may also contact the Nebraska Department of Education by calling at: 402-471-2296

Posted 04-09-12

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FESTIVALS AND FUN TIMES:

Nebraska, Omaha
Miranda Lambert w/ Chris Young
Miranda Lambert Dates: May 10, 2012 – May 10, 2012
Location: CenturyLink Center Omaha
Omaha, NE
Douglas County
Event Hours: 7:30pm

Nebraska, Lincoln
Nebraska Charity Horse Show
Dates: May 31, 2012 – June 2, 2012
Location: Lancaster Events Center
Multi-Purpose Arena
Lincoln, NE
Lancaster County
Phone Number: 724-612-4300
Second Phone Number: 402-441-6545 Ext 103
Admission: Free

Nebraska, Omaha
Wild Willies Regional Chili Cook-Off
Dates: June 2, 2012 – June 2, 2012
Location: River City Yacht Club
151 Freedom Park Road
Omaha, NE
Douglas County

Nebraska, Omaha
Nebraska State Chili Cookoff
Dates: June 3, 2012 – June 3, 2012
Location: River City Yacht Club
151 Freedom Park Rd
Omaha, NE
Douglas County
Phone Number: 402-572-1479

Nebraska, Milligan
Milligan June Jubilee Fair
Dates: June 8, 2012 – June 12, 2012
Location:
Milligan, NE
Fillmore County
Phone Number: (402) 629-4446

Nebraska, Kearney
Nebraska Livestock Judging Classic
Dates: June 9, 2012 – June 9, 2012
Location: Buffalo County Fairgrounds
Ag Pavilion
Kearney, NE
Buffalo County
Promoter: Buffalo County Extension
Phone Number: 308-236-1235

Nebraska, Ravenna
Annevar Celebration
Theme this Year: Ravenna’s Party For Central Nebraska
Dates: June 14, 2012 – June 17, 2012
Location:
Ravenna, NE
Buffalo County
Description: Ravenna party for central Nebraska

Nebraska, Hastings
Nebraska Finals High School Rodeo
Dates: June 19, 2012 – June 23, 2012
Location: Adams County Fairgrounds
Hastings, NE
Adams County

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HELP Adult Services

Provides assistance to people with low or moderate incomes with disabilities and/or a chronic illness. Also offers support to family members who need respite and assistance. Programs include the Health and Medical Equipment Loan Program and presentations and workshops.

To learn more visit https://www.disability.gov/state/nebraska/health.

Updated 11-25-11

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Nebraska School Breakfast and Lunch Program

Managing Agency Nebraska http://www.state.ne.us

Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children by
providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school
lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition
standards.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Nebraska and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for
each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school. A listing of your state’s schools can be found here:

http://reportcard.education.ne.gov/District/DistrictSearch…

Program Contact Information

For information on the Nebraska School Breakfast and Lunch program please visit:http://www.education.ne.gov/ns/NSLP/

If you have further questions on these programs, please contact the Nebraska Nutrition Services toll-free at: 1-800-731-2233

Or you can call locally at: 402-471-2488

posted 06-21-11

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Nebraska Special Milk Program

Managing Agency Nebraska http://www.state.ne.us

Program Description
The Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in
other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast
Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have
access to a school meals program. The program reimburses schools and institutions for the milk they serve. In 2001, nearly 7,000
schools and residential childcare institutions participated, along with 1,300 summer camps and 562 non-residential childcare
institutions.

General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Nebraska, your household’s
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the household;
$33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household;
$54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the
household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates in
the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program.

http://www.education.ne.gov/

Program Contact Information

You may also contact your local school district if you have other inquiries regarding the program.

You can also call the Nebraska Department of Education-Nutrition Services office at: 1-800-731-2233

posted 06-21-11

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Nebraska Summer Food Service

Managing Agency Nebraska http://www.state.ne.us

Program Description
The Summer Food Service Program is a Federally assisted meal program that provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to help
children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need throughout the summer months when they are out of school. Sponsors
provide free meals to a group of children at a central site, such as a school, park, low-income housing complex, community center, or
camp. They receive cash subsidies from the USDA for each meal and snack they serve and for their documented administrative and
operating costs. Sponsors may also receive donated commodities from the USDA.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Nebraska, your household’s annual income before
taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three
people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six
people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger
households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply for the Summer Food Service program, contact the site nearest to you:

http://www.education.ne.gov/ns/sfsp/sfsp_sponsors.html

Program Contact Information

To learn more about the Nebraska SFSP, please visit:http://www.education.ne.gov/ns/sfsp/

For more information, please call Joan Orender of the Department of Nutrition Services at: 402-471-2746

Posted 06-21-11

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Nebraska Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Managing Agency Nebraska http://www.state.ne.us

Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant,
breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To be fully
eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have
certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Nebraska, pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum
woman, infant or child up to five years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition risk; and,
(2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family members who
participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:

http://dhhs.ne.gov/wic/Outreach/find-a-wic-clinic/index.htm

Program Contact Information

For more information on Nebraska WIC, please visit the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) office at:http:
//www.dhhs.ne.gov/wic/

Please see the following website for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

If you have questions about the WIC program call Nebraska DHHS toll-free at: 1-800-942-1171

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Program Description
Weatherization is making homes more energy efficient. Weatherization of a home typically involves the installation of attic, wall and
floor insulation and sealing holes and cracks with caulking, weather-stripping and other types of materials. In addition, all furnaces,
cooking stoves, and water heaters receive a safety inspection. Weatherization services do not include roof replacement, siding
repairs or replacement windows. An estimated 55,000 Nebraska households are eligible for weatherization assistance services.
Preference is given to persons over 60, persons with disabilities, and families with children under six.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Nebraska, your household’s annual income before
taxes must not exceed $21,660 if one person lives in the household; $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three
people live in the household; $44,100 if four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six
people live in the household; $66,540 if seven people live in the household; and $74,020 if eight people live in the household. For larger
households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
There are nine non-profit organizations which provide local Weatherization services. They are responsible for establishing eligibility,
performing an energy audit on the residence and scheduling the Weatherization work. To apply for local Weatherization services, go
to:

http://www.neo.ne.gov/wx/localcontacts.htm

Program Contact Information
For more information on the Nebraska Low Income Weather Assistance Program please visit:

http://www.neo.ne.gov/wx/wxindex.htm

To learn more about the program, you can also e-mail the Nebraska Energy Office at:
energy1@mail.state.ne.us

Managing Agency
Nebraska

http://www.state.ne.us

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The Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income people buy food. It’s not necessary to be receiving
other public assistance in order to be eligible, but people don’t receive SNAP automatically – they must apply and be found eligible.
SNAP benefits are given free of charge to households that meet the program guidelines for income and resources. A household can
be one person or a group of people who purchase and prepare meals together. If a group lives in the same house but buys food
separately, they may each qualify as a separate household. SNAP benefits can be used to buy only food. Alcoholic beverages, pet
food, tobacco, paper products, or other non-food items cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. The benefit amount is placed in an
electronic account, which can be accessed with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Most supermarkets and grocery stores
accept the EBT cards. Some “Meals on Wheels” services may accept them, and recipients over age 60 and their spouses may be
able to use them to pay for congregate meals.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Nebraska and fall into one of two groups: (1) those
with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and
checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$14,079 if one person lives in the household; $18,941 if two people live in the household; $23,803 if three people live in the household;
$28,665 if four people live in the household; $33,527 if five people live in the household; $38,389 if six people live in the household;
$43,251 if seven people live in the household; or $48,113 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $4,862 for
each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The SNAP application can be found at the following location:

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/fia/EA-117.pdf

Contact your local SNAP administering agency to apply for this program:

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/map/mapindex.htm

Program Contact Information
For more information on this program, please visit:

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/fia/fstamps.htm

Managing Agency
Nebraska

http://www.state.ne.us

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Program Description
The Federal Food Stamp Program helps low-income people buy food. It’s not necessary to be receiving other public assistance in
order to be eligible, but people don’t receive food stamps automatically – they must apply and be found eligible. Food stamp benefits
are given free of charge to households that meet the program guidelines for income and resources. A household can be one person
or a group of people who purchase and prepare meals together. If a group lives in the same house but buys food separately, they may
each qualify as a separate household. Food stamp benefits can be used to buy only food. Alcoholic beverages, pet food, tobacco,
paper products, or other non-food items cannot be purchased with food stamp benefits. The benefit amount is placed in an electronic
account, which can be accessed with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Most supermarkets and grocery stores accept the
EBT cards. Some “Meals on Wheels” services may accept them, and recipients over age 60 and their spouses may be able to use
them to pay for congregate meals. To apply, an application must be completed and given to the Nebraska Department of Health &
Human Services. For more information, contact the Health and Human Services Office nearest you. Or, you may download an
application form and mail it to the nearest Health and Human Services Office.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Nebraska and fall into one of two groups: (1) those
with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and
checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the household;
$26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the household;
$40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
A map of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offices in the state is available at:

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/map/mapindex.htm

You can also visit our Web site to download an application in English or Spanish and read more about the Nebraska Food Stamp
program. Click here:

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/fia/fstamps.htm

Managing Agency
Nebraska

http://www.state.ne.us

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Program Description
The Nebraska Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to help those with limited incomes offset the cost
of heating and cooling their homes. The program will partially pay the cost of your electricity, fuel oil, gas, coal, wood, kerosene,
propane, or other fuel source. Grant amounts are based on your income, type of residence, and the type of fuel that is used. To be
eligible for crisis assistance you must meet the resource and income guidelines, have attempted to keep your utility bills current but
unforeseen circumstances have created the crisis. In most instances the LIHEAP payment will be sent to the utility providers. There
is also a cooling program that is available to households in the summer. In order to be eligible for the cooling program there must be
someone in the household that is age 70 or older or meets some specific medical conditions that makes that person susceptible to
heat. The household must still meet the resource and income guidelines.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Nebraska, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $13,537 if one person lives in the household;
$18,212 if two people live in the household; $22,887 if three people live in the household; $27,562 if four people live in the household;
$32,237 if five people live in the household; $36,912 if six people live in the household; $41,587 if seven people live in the household;
$46,262 if eight people live in the household; and $50,002 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add
$4,675 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please contact the local administering agency near you:

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/map/mapindex.htm

Program Contact Information
Please visit the Nebraska LIHEAP web site for more information:

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/fia/energy.htm

Or call toll-free:
800-430-3244

Managing Agency
Nebraska

http://www.state.ne.us

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Program Description
Kids Connection is the state children’s health insurance program (SCHIP) being developed as an extension of Medicaid in Nebraska.
Its purpose is to provide health care to low-income uninsured children all across the state.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Nebraska, under 19 years of age or be a primary care giver with
a child under the age of 19, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent
resident, and you must have an annual household income before taxes of less than $25,908 if two people live in the household;
$32,568 if three people live in the household; $39,228 if four people live in the household; $45,888 if five people live in the household;
$52,548 if six people live in the household; $59,208 if seven people live in the household; $65,868 if eight people live in the household;
and $72,528 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,660 for each additional person in the home.
Depending on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state’s program information for
details.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program you may call (877) 632-5437 or download an application from the following site:

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/med/kidsconx.pdf

Program Contact Information
For more information on Nebraska Kids Connection and how to apply, please visit:

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/med/kidsconx.htm

Managing Agency
Nebraska

http://www.state.ne.us

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