Mutual of Omaha Foundation Grants More Than $4 Million in 2018, Large Portion to Homeless Sector
The Mutual of Omaha Foundation directed approximately 25 percent of its 2018 giving to organizations that address issues of homelessness, homeless prevention and affordable housing, including the major emergency homeless shelters in the community: Siena/Francis House, Stephen Center, MICAH House, Open Door Mission, New Visions and Youth Emergency Services.
In total, the Foundation granted more than $4 million to nearly 80 organizations in 2018 (PDF). Of that, more than $1 million supported the homeless sector.
“There is significant work being done to turn the tide on how those facing homelessness in our community are served,” said Gail Graeve, executive director of the Mutual of Omaha Foundation. “We are proud of our investments in the organizations doing this important work, including the grant we provided to Heartland Family Service for their Navigating to Home Program – an approach that seeks to improve the way individuals experiencing homelessness access and navigate resources to improve their lives.”
The Navigating to Home program – in collaboration with community partners – offers comprehensive and consistent screening, referral, assessment and placement of homeless individuals and families.
The goal of this program is to reduce the overall length of homelessness that an individual or family experiences, which will ultimately create capacity in the existing system by moving households through more effectively. Navigation services are currently offered in three area emergency shelters: Siena Francis House, New Visions and Open Door Mission. Additionally, the program provides a navigator to work with residents of domestic violence shelters and a community navigator to work with those on the streets.
“Navigating to Home uses a variety of interventions, including navigation, rapid rehousing, diversion, prevention and street outreach, to help our community reach the goal of ending homelessness,” said Joanie Poore, Vice President at Heartland Family Service. “The program works alongside community partners to design, deliver, assess and adjust interventions based upon the current landscape and needs of those experiencing homelessness in our community.”
The Foundation considers funding requests from nonprofit organizations in the Omaha metropolitan area addressing issues of poverty. Grant applications are accepted twice per year.
The Mutual of Omaha Foundation was established in 2005 to continue the company’s longstanding tradition of supporting efforts that impact individuals and families throughout the community. For more information on the Mutual of Omaha Foundation and its mission, visit www.mutualofomahafoundation.org.
Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a full-service, multi-line organization providing insurance, banking and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit mutualofomaha.com.