Heartland Hope Mission

Results: In 2018, Heartland Hope Mission, through our Hunger and Homelessness Prevention Program, served food to 45,207 people. This number was only slightly higher than the number of people served in 2017, but the previous two years reflected tremendous growth. (25% increase in clients served in 2016 over 2015, and another 20% increase in 2017 over 2016). Pantry audits were utilized to ensure clients received a 7-9 day supply of food for each member of their household, allowing them to prepare well-balanced meals in their homes. Heartland Hope Mission has begun serving more than one pantry per month to clients who fit within certain categories, as determined by a Client Service Specialist: (1) during the pendency of a client's SNAP (food stamps) application and/or if a client is denied SNAP for being just slightly over the income guidelines or for having a felony conviction; (2) head of household is elderly or disabled; (3) during the summer months, families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced lunch during the school year; and (4) clients in a crisis situation as determined by Client Service. Pantry audits show an overall rating of excellent and Heartland Hope Mission provides a good balance of food and follows USDA “MyPlate” guidelines. In 2018, Heartland Hope Mission provided clothing to 22,122 people, distributed 16,454 hygiene items, assisted 58 people with SNAP (food stamps) applications, distributed 989 packs of diapers, and made 2,833 referrals to other community agencies. Our organization served Thanksgiving pantries to 2,956 people /903 households, including: choice of a whole turkey, a ham or a turkey breast (for smaller families); stuffing; instant potatoes; canned gravy; cranberry sauce; corn; macaroni and cheese; green beans, cream of mushroom soup and fried onions; dinner rolls; fresh produce; a gallon of milk and a whole pie. At our annual “Christmas in South O” event, our pre-registered clients were able to come in and “shop” for brand-new toys for their children. Families received stuffing stuffers and wrapping paper with the toys and gift items, and also received a full holiday meal pantry similar to the pre-packed bags we distributed at Thanksgiving. During those three Christmas pantry times, we served 435 families, and 1,198 children received toys. At our Millard pantry location alone, Heartland Hope Mission provided food to 3,378 people, gave clothing to 1,924 people, distributed 1,267 hygiene products, and served Thanksgiving packs to 385 individuals representing 109 households. Our most recent client satisfaction survey results revealed 98% of our clients felt they were treated kindly and 96% of our clients felt more hope after visiting Heartland Hope Mission. According to the Hunger Stability Rate, 83% of our clients are self-sufficient, which means they only need food assistance once per quarter or less, with 40% of our clients only requiring assistance once a year.

Target demographics: Working poor, low-income and families in crisis

Direct beneficiaries per year: 45,207 people receive food assistance and other resources

Geographic areas served: The greater Omaha area

Programs: Through our Hunger and Homelessness Prevention Program, we provide a 7-9 day supply of food to over 45,000 people each year. Additionally, visitors to Heartland Hope MIssion are able to sit down one-on-one with a Client Service Specialist to receive additional services and referrals. This may include enrolling in a financial fundamentals class, assistance with a SNAP (food stamps) application, or getting a referral to other community resources. Additionally, we work to promote self-sufficiency through our Job Paths Program by providing our clients with current local job listings on our jobs board, and on-site job interviews with employers like Omaha Steaks, UPS, People Ready and Jimmy John's.