Help in Nebraska
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 20 places in Nebraska, most of them in Omaha and Lincoln, plus 9 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (13) and after prison or jail (12).
Nebraska 211
Free information and referral line covering Nebraska for food, shelter, utility help, transportation, legal and disaster services. Dial 2-1-1, call the toll-free number, text your ZIP code, or use live chat from 7 am to 10 pm daily.
Open Door Mission
Gospel rescue mission in north Omaha with 917 shelter beds across the Garland Thompson Men's Center and Lydia House for women and families. Walk in for men's shelter; call ahead for women and families. Also serves three free hot meals daily at the Hospitality Center, runs the New Life Recovery Program and a 90-day Next Step halfway house for men in early recovery, and offers GED tutoring and job coaching.
Safe Haven
Concealed emergency shelter for people fleeing domestic violence or sexual assault in the Omaha area. Reach the 24-hour line to ask about space; the location is not public.
Women's Center for Advancement (WCA)
Free, confidential help for anyone in the Omaha area experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking. Survivor advocacy, support groups and classes. The crisis hotline answers around the clock; a separate information line is available for non-emergencies.
Voices of Hope
Lincoln crisis intervention and advocacy for people of all genders harmed by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, incest or childhood abuse. The crisis line is staffed 24 hours; the office keeps weekday hours for appointments and walk-ins.
Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Statewide membership coalition that does not provide direct services but maintains the Find Help directory of local Nebraska programs offering emergency shelter, transportation, legal and medical advocacy, and 24-hour helplines. Interpreters and translated documents are available on request.
Legal Aid of Nebraska AccessLine
Free civil legal help for Nebraskans with limited income, including housing, benefits, protection orders and the Clean Slate Project for sealing dismissed charges and setting aside convictions. Call the AccessLine during its limited phone hours or apply online through LawHelpNE; no walk-ins.
iServe Nebraska (ACCESSNebraska)
Nebraska's portal for applying for SNAP, Medicaid and other economic assistance. Apply online at iserve.nebraska.gov or call the Omaha, Lincoln or statewide toll-free lines during business hours; an automated benefit inquiry line runs 24 hours.
Nebraska Vital Records
State office for certified Nebraska birth certificates. Order online at nevitalrecords-dhhs.ne.gov, by mail with a $17 check or money order payable to Vital Records, or visit the first floor of the State Office Building in Lincoln. A no-fee certificate is available for voting ID purposes with proof of identity.
Nebraska State ID Card
Free state identification card for any Nebraska resident who is a U.S. citizen; non-citizens pay $10 to $29 depending on card length. Apply in person at any Driver Licensing Office with proof of citizenship or lawful status, two proofs of Nebraska address, and a verifiable Social Security number.
National lines that work in Nebraska
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.