Churches That Help with Rent in Lincoln, NE

Paying rent can become very difficult during hard times. Many families in Lincoln, Nebraska, struggle with job loss, medical bills, or unexpected expenses. The good news is that several churches and faith-based organizations in Lincoln offer emergency rental assistance, financial aid, and housing support. The most reliable options include Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and local assistance ministries such as City Impact and Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach.

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Non-Profit Organizations & Churches That Help with Rent in Lincoln, NE

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Lincoln Council)

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Lincoln Council) offers emergency financial assistance for rent and utility payments to residents of Lincoln, NE. Their process is unique, as it requires a mandatory home visit by a pair of volunteers in order to verify needs and establish a personal connection. To initiate the process, you must call their central helpline. Generally, they do not accept requests for monetary aid without a prior appointment.

Phone: 402-435-7968 (St. Gabriel Call Center)

If they determine that they can provide you with assistance based on the initial telephone assessment, a pair of volunteers (Vincentians) will schedule a time to visit you at your residence.

Purpose: To verify your housing situation, review documentation, and listen to your concerns.

Budgeting: The home visit team can also assist you in planning a simple financial budget to prevent future crises.

Confidentiality: All information shared is kept in strict confidence.

Required Documentation

Please have these documents ready to show the volunteers during the home visit:

Identification: A valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or state ID) for all adults residing in the household.
Proof of Need: An eviction notice or an overdue rent statement.
Lease Agreement: A written rental or lease agreement, signed by both you and the landlord.
Income Verification: Your most recent pay stubs (covering at least one month) or benefit award letters (SSI, disability, etc.).

Limitations

No Deposits: Generally, they do not provide assistance for the payment of security deposits.
Geographic Limits: Assistance is organized through local parish “conferences” that serve specific neighborhoods.
Frequency: As a charitable organization, they typically offer one-time emergency aid rather than recurring monthly support.

Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Southern Nebraska

Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Southern Nebraska offers limited emergency rental assistance through its Family Support Services program. This assistance is designed to “bridge the gap” for households that can afford the majority of their rent but are short a small amount needed to cover the full balance.

Assistance Details

Maximum Amount: Generally limited to $300.
Payment Policy: Typically, CSS only approves funds if they serve as the final payment required to settle the bill.
Frequency: Households are eligible to receive assistance only once per year.
Direct Payment: Checks are issued directly to the landlord, never to the individual applicant.

The application process is highly competitive and operates on a weekly budget.

Receiving Applications by Phone: Call 402-327-6211 (direct assistance line) or 402-474-1600 (main office).

Online Application: For those located in the Lincoln area, online forms are generally accepted only on Mondays, starting at 9:00 a.m., until all weekly slots have been filled.

Process: Telephone interviews have largely replaced in-person appointments.

Required Documentation

If selected for an assessment, you will likely be required to submit:

Photo ID: For all adults in the household.
Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs or benefit letters (SSI, TANF, etc.).
Lease Agreement: An approved lease agreement detailing the rent amount and address.
Landlord Letter: A written statement from your landlord confirming that they will accept a $300 guarantee from CSS to help you retain your housing.

Address: 2241 O St, Lincoln, NE 68510

General Hours: Monday – Thursday (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), Friday (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Website: csshope.org

The Salvation Army (Citadel Corps)

The Salvation Army (Citadel Corps) in Lincoln provides emergency financial assistance for rent, mortgages, and utilities to help families maintain housing stability during times of crisis. Their assistance is generally provided as a one-time grant and is subject to the availability of funds.

To apply for assistance, you must contact their Social Services Department to schedule an appointment with a social worker.

Phone: 402-474-6263 (Select the Social Services option)

Address: 2625 Potter St, Lincoln, NE 68503

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Online Portal: You can also start a confidential application at SAHelp.org by entering your zip code.

Eligibility and Requirements

The Salvation Army generally requires proof of a specific emergency or financial hardship that has prevented you from paying your rent.

Required Documentation:

Valid photo ID for all adults in the household.
Proof of income for all adult members (pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letters, etc.). A lease agreement and a statement or payment ledger from your landlord showing the current amount owed.
Eviction notice (if applicable).
Proof of emergency: Documentation of the unexpected expense or situation (e.g., medical bills, car repair receipts, or proof of lost work hours).

Income Limits: Assistance is often reserved for households that meet specific income guidelines (frequently at or below 200% of the federal poverty level).

Lincoln Berean Church

Lincoln Berean Church offers financial assistance—including help with rent—through its On-Call Team and specific outreach programs such as CarePortal. The church’s On-Call Team is available to walk alongside individuals who are struggling to “make ends meet” or who are navigating major life crises. They offer spiritual, emotional, and physical support, including assistance for those struggling to meet their financial obligations.

Lincoln Berean also actively utilizes CarePortal, an online platform that directly connects the church community with families in crisis within Lincoln. This program frequently addresses urgent needs, such as rental assistance to prevent eviction, or the provision of “bedding or household items” for families in need.

You may request assistance by completing the Crisis Assistance Request Form on their website or by calling the church’s main office.

Phone: 402-483-6512

Good Neighbor Community Center

The Good Neighbor Community Center (GNCC) in Lincoln offers limited emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities to individuals facing a crisis, such as an eviction notice or a utility shut-off. Since their funds are very limited and often run out quickly each month, they strongly encourage applicants to also seek assistance from other local agencies. They primarily serve low-income individuals, refugees, and immigrants in Lincoln and Lancaster County.

You must call first to inquire about fund availability and to schedule a mandatory appointment.

Phone: 402-477-4173

Location: 2617 Y St, Lincoln, NE 68503

Note: Be prepared to provide proof of your income, expenses, and current housing crisis.

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders County

The Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties offers one-time emergency financial assistance for back rent, security deposits, and utility bills to help prevent homelessness. This assistance is complemented by case management and budgeting support to help households maintain long-term housing stability.

The agency also offers Supportive Housing for homeless families, although this requires a referral through the “All Doors Lead Home” Coordinated Entry system rather than a direct application. Additionally, they offer eviction prevention services, which include landlord-tenant mediation and information regarding tenants’ rights.

The agency also offers supportive housing for homeless families, although this requires a referral through the “All Doors Lead Home” Coordinated Entry system, rather than a direct application.

Criteria: Eligibility varies based on available funding; however, applicants are generally required to meet low-income guidelines and have a “solvable gap”—meaning they must demonstrate their future ability to cover their living expenses once the one-time assistance has been received.

You must complete the application by phone.

Phone (Lincoln/Lancaster): 402-471-4515

Phone (Saunders/Rural Lancaster): 402-277-7330

Tip: Follow the prompts to contact the “appropriate needs office.” You will likely need to leave a voicemail; staff members will return calls in the order they were received, during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach focuses primarily on assisting individuals and families who are currently homeless—or at risk of becoming homeless—through case management and long-term housing programs. Unlike a standard emergency grant program, the assistance they offer is typically linked to ongoing support and is subject to specific eligibility criteria.

Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention: Matt Talbot offers short-term rental assistance and support services to help individuals exit homelessness quickly or to prevent them from falling into it.
Permanent Supportive Housing (First HOPE): This program serves individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, offering rental assistance for a period of up to six months once a housing plan has been established.
Transitional Housing: They manage transitional homes for homeless men and women with a substance use diagnosis. Participants pay a small monthly fee and receive counseling.
Tenant Education (RentWise): A 6-module program that teaches successful renting habits. Completion of this program earns a certificate that can help convince landlords to rent to you.

The best way to get started is by speaking with the extension staff in the dining hall. They are available Monday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or call Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach at 402-477-4116 for general inquiries.

United Way 2-1-1

The United Way 2-1-1 helpline serves as a centralized coordination hub for rental assistance in Lincoln, Nebraska, connecting residents to a database of over 13,000 local programs and services. It is the most comprehensive tool available for identifying which specific churches or agencies currently have active funding. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone. If your phone service provider does not support three-digit dialing, call 402-444-6666.

Helpline specialists will ask you several questions to determine which programs best fit your specific situation.

Assessment: Be prepared to discuss your employment status, current income, and household size.
The Issue: You will be asked how you fell behind on your rent payments and what your plan is for maintaining payments in the future.
Documentation: If the 2-1-1 service has direct funding available (which varies seasonally), you will be required to complete an application form; processing for assistance may take approximately 10 business days.
Referrals: If 2-1-1’s direct funds have been exhausted, they will provide you with a list of local partners—such as the Community Action Partnership or Catholic Social Services—that may have alternative resources available.

Conclusion

Lincoln, NE, boasts a robust network of churches and faith-based organizations committed to preventing homelessness. Whether you are facing eviction, are behind on rent, or need assistance with utility payments, these churches can provide immediate relief and connect you with long-term support programs.