United Way of the Midlands Awards $75K to the Stephen Center

The Stephen Center (https://www.stephencenter.org/) was recently awarded a $75,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands (https://www.unitedwaymidlands.org/). In response to COVID-19, the United Way modified its 2020 community investment process to address immediate needs. They made an initial investment in funded programs on July 1, but a portion of the funds will be withheld for later-in-the-year disbursement. This will allow United Way and its partners to address mid- and long-term needs as they arise. With homelessness on the rise, Stephen Center’s mission was flagged among organizations providing basic needs programs and other essential community activities important in stabilizing individuals and families.

Stephen Center provides emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing to an average of 185 people daily. These individuals often need help to navigate their way to housing stability. Stephen Center case managers assist clients to set goals, plan, and execute steps to achieve success. With the help of this grant, Stephen Center clients will have the support to increase housing stability, increase treatment completion rates, increase measurable income, and increase goal achievement toward self-sufficiency and stabilization. In 2019, case-management support helped 86% of individuals who exited Stephen Center’s emergency shelter or Permanent Supportive Housing programs move to positive housing destinations.

United Way of the Midlands focuses the efforts of many to help their neighbors stand strong—by addressing basic needs and fostering success in the classroom and the workplace. Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center partners with the community, families, and individuals to help overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. The sober campus includes a homeless emergency shelter, inpatient/outpatient co-occurring treatment, and permanent supportive housing for disabled and low-income individuals. For more information, visit www.stephencenter.org.