Expanding Social Services: Strengthening Omaha’s Safety Net for Working Families
South Omaha’s working families deserve access to essential services like affordable housing, mental health care, childcare, and emergency assistance. But the city’s budget consistently underfunds these priorities, leaving many residents without the resources they need to thrive.
Emergency rental assistance programs have faced budget shortfalls, despite Nebraska having some of the weakest tenant protections in the region.
Omaha’s mental health services are overwhelmed, forcing emergency rooms to serve as the primary crisis response option.
Affordable childcare remains out of reach for many working families, limiting job opportunities and economic mobility.
Why Social Services Matter
Public services provide stability, prevent crises, and strengthen communities. Investing in these resources doesn’t just help individuals—it benefits the entire city by reducing long-term costs and creating economic opportunities.
Stable housing prevents homelessness and financial instability. Cities with strong rental assistance programs see lower eviction rates and reduced public health costs.
Community-based mental health care reduces emergency room strain. Every $1 spent on mental health services saves cities an estimated $4 in emergency response and incarceration costs.
Affordable childcare boosts workforce participation. Parents with access to reliable, low-cost childcare are more likely to maintain employment and avoid financial hardship.
A Plan to Strengthen Social Services in South Omaha
To ensure working families have the support they need, I will advocate for:
✔ A fully funded Office of Tenant Advocacy to assist renters facing eviction and prevent housing instability.
✔ Increased funding for community-based mental health services to improve access to treatment and crisis care.
✔ Expansion of affordable childcare programs to support working parents and strengthen the local economy.
✔ A shift in budget priorities to ensure social services receive sustainable, long-term investment.
Omaha’s priorities need to change. A strong city is one where people have the resources to build stable, healthy lives—not one that waits until people are in crisis.