How can you get involved as an advocate?
Communicate with your elected officials:
Our research shows 1 in 4 households in the Greater Omaha Metro are housing cost-burdened. Your elected officials need to hear from you about the specific situation in your community. Advocate for zoning policies responsive to your community’s needs and more funding for housing initiatives. You can communicate with your elected official – individually – letting them know what action you are requesting from them. Here is a sample template (to locate the email address of your City Councilmember, visit the Omaha City Council website):
I, a resident of your district, would encourage you to ___________. Affordable housing is important for our city because __________. This is important to me personally because _____________.
Learn about:
Renters’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities
Improve housing stability in your community by:
... helping to prevent eviction. If you are a lawyer or know someone who is, volunteers are always needed with the Volunteer Tenant Assistance Project (TAP), contact Laurie Heer Dale at volunteerlawyersproject@nevlp.org for more information.
Advocate for rapid access to flexible emergency assistance dollars to support:
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renters who encounter a financial challenge that leaves them unable to pay their rent in full by elevating the work of Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (MACCH) through their Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
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homeowners who encounter a financial challenge that leaves them unable to pay their mortgage in full, by elevating the work of Nebraska Housing Assistance Fund through NIFA.
Ready to take more action?
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Our reading guides have both books and podcast suggestions for you to learn more about the affordable housing ecosystem.
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Our article covers the federal definition of affordable housing, as well as provides historical context, and our thoughts on the topic.