FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of the Midlands Awards $50,000 Grant to Legal Aid of Nebraska to fund the Housing Justice Project in Omaha
OMAHA, NE - Legal Aid of Nebraska is pleased to announce it was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands’ (UWM) Community Impact Fund for its Housing Justice Project. Legal Aid’s Housing Justice Program helps create or maintain access to affordable housing for low-income Nebraskans.
Thanks to the generosity of UWM donors, clients in this program may benefit from legal services to nearly 40 hours for cases involving full representation to prevent housing loss, enforce the right to safe and habitable housing, and preserve the right to obtain and maintain housing. In addition, when Legal Aid receives an adverse case result we review the decision to determine if further review by a Nebraska Appellate Court is needed which could lead to an added twenty hours of service or more.
This funding was awarded thanks to a dedicated group of community volunteers who meticulously reviewed applications and highlighted our program's vital role in fostering a thriving community. Their commitment and insight underscore a collective effort through UWM to address pressing local needs, ensuring that this funding will directly contribute to meaningful, positive change.
Legal Aid serves individuals most likely to experience barriers to justice, particularly those with low income. In 2023, approximately 80% of Legal Aid clients were living at or below 125% of the federal poverty level (approximately $35,000 for a family of four), and nearly 33% were living in deep poverty at or below 50% of the federal poverty level (less than $14,000 for a family of four).
The scope of services is determined by the client’s needs and Legal Aid’s determination of the ability to meet them. Major activities include intake, screening for eligibility and assigning based on need; client outreach; providing legal services including (but not limited to) advice/counsel, potential appeals, eviction prevention, and mediation with landlords; and working in collaboration with other service providers to address housing instability with Nebraskans.
“United Way of the Midlands’ support for this program is greatly appreciated by Legal Aid of Nebraska. Housing stability is the fastest-growing area of requests for assistance, particularly since the eviction crisis was exacerbated by the pandemic. This grant will positively impact many lives in such a positive way. We appreciate everyone who made a contribution,” said Laurie Heel Dale, Executive Director of Legal Aid of Nebraska.
###
About United Way of the Midlands
Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – like 211 and JAG Nebraska – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.
