Omaha Community Foundation Helps Pick Up the Pieces

Photo credit: (Omaha Community Foundation) The Long-Term Recovery Group partnered with Habitat for Humanity to host a volunteer clean-up day.

In April 2024, a string of storms in Nebraska left behind a trail of destruction, loss of life and thousands without electricity or shelter.

The Omaha Community Foundation responded by activating the Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund and partnered with nonprofits to help individuals, families and businesses across the state with immediate and long-term needs.

“After the Arbor Day tornadoes, our community showed up for one another in incredible ways,” said Laura Contreras, Senior Program Manager at the Omaha Community Foundation. “The Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund made it possible to support more than 300 households.” 

The foundation also played a part in establishing the Neighbor Recovery Fund, a disaster recovery effort providing temporary housing, utility assistance, transportation, mental health services, and more to those impacted by the storm.

The positive impact didn’t stop there. In late 2024, community volunteers came together through events hosted by Omaha Community Foundation, the local Habitat for Humanity and Christian Outreach Program of Elkhorn (COPE) to remove existing storm-related debris, and provide clothing for families in need. 

Omaha Community Foundation is committed to long-term recovery efforts related to the storm and will continue to connect impacted individuals and families with the resources they need. 

Learn more about how U.S. community foundations provide meaningful support following disasters in our report here.