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.
Bridge to Independence (b2i)
Voluntary extended support for young adults ages 19 to 21 who are leaving Nebraska foster care. Participants get a caseworker, a monthly payment, and health coverage through Medicaid or the ACA if eligible. Apply with the B2I application form; if you are still in care, ask your case manager.
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.
People's City Mission
Lincoln's main emergency shelter at 110 Q Street, serving the city since 1907, with meals, a free medical clinic for uninsured residents at 401 N 2nd St, and a Homeless Prevention Center at 26th and O providing food, clothing and household goods. Safe Place sites give runaway and homeless youth immediate help.
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.