Relief and assistance programs available during COVID-19 pandemic
Nebraska Homeowners Assistance Fund
The NHAF is available to help Nebraska homeowners who have experienced or continue to experience a financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic after January 21, 2020. The fund was established for the purpose of preventing homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures and displacement of homeowners. Find eligibility details and apply at nebraskahaf.com
State of Nebraska - Department of Health and Human Services:
- Assistance Programs
- Children, families, and seniors
- Hotlines and online signup for services
Emergency rental and utility assistance program
The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program provides funds to assist Nebraska low-income households who are struggling to pay rent and utilities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Proof of financial need is required, and applicants must provide all required documents. Only applicants who meet all eligibility guidelines will be considered.
Households seeking financial support can apply by visiting the state’s Coronavirus website at Coronavirus.Nebraska.gov.
Nebraska will continue to operate the ERA Program until funding is no longer available from the U.S. Treasury, or until Sept. 30, 2022.
COVID Community Response Fund (United Way)
One-time grants are available for individuals or for families living in Saline County who are experiencing difficulties in paying for essential expenses due to hardships caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Grants are for short-term COVID-19 related hardships, and may be requested for expenses such as the following: housing costs, transportation costs (car payments, repair or other transportation-related expenses), utility bills, child care, groceries, and medical bills. Funds will be paid directly to the service provider.
Need Help or Have Questions?
- Call: 402-729-6510
- Email:UnitedWay.Cornhusker@gmail.com
COVID-19 Relief for Refugees and Asylees
Refugee Empowerment Center in Omaha is coordinating financial housing-related assistance (rent, mortgage, utilities, and technology) for Nebraska's refugee communities. The funding is from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), so anyone falling under their definition of 'refugee' may apply for this assistance, including: be a refugee, SIV, victim of human trafficking, asylee, Cuban or Haitian parolee; have arrived within the United States within the last 5 years.
- Call: (402) 554-0759
Nebraska Strong Recovery Project
Region V Systems is continuing the efforts of the Nebraska Strong Recovery Project in Crete by providing support by connecting people with vouchers for therapy in this area to provide crisis counseling.
- A survivor can call the Hotline and receive FREE vouchers
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Nebraska Rural Response Hotline 1-800-464-0258
- 24 Hours A Day/7Days A Week Nebraska Family Helpline 1-888-866-8660
- Nebraska Strong brochure
The above information is also available from the Community Assistance Office and director Nancy Tellez at City Hall.
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Crete NE 68333-0086
Phone: 402.826.6405
Released June 14, 2021:
CARES Act funding includes small business grants
The City of Crete - City Administrator’s office received information about an immediate grant opportunity made possible from Nebraska’s portion of the COVID-19 CARES Act funding.
The ‘Get Nebraska Growing’ grants program includes $230 million in Stabilization Grants for Small Businesses on a first-come, first-served basis. Local small businesses are encouraged to apply immediately. Find more information at the following link: https://getnebraskagrowing.nebraska.gov/nebraska-small-business-stabilization-grant/