Lincoln and Lancaster County residents facing eviction or falling behind on rent have access to several well-organized faith-based and nonprofit emergency assistance programs — with one critical piece of timing information that makes the difference between getting help and missing out.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska takes requests for financial assistance every Monday morning, with the phone line opening promptly at 9:00 AM. Only the first 10 eligible callers each Monday receive appointments for that week. Call at exactly 9:00 AM on Monday mornings for the best chance of being seen.
This Monday-morning structure shapes the entire Lincoln assistance landscape — most other programs also recommend calling early in the week. Dial 2-1-1 — Nebraska’s statewide helpline available 24/7 — to identify all currently funded programs in your zip code alongside those listed here.
How Emergency Rent Assistance Works in Lincoln
- Monday mornings are critical — Catholic Social Services opens its phone line at exactly 9:00 AM on Mondays for the week’s appointment slots; call precisely at 9:00 AM
- First-come, first-served weekly limits — CSS takes only the first 10 eligible callers each Monday
- Once-per-year eligibility — most programs assist once per calendar year per household
- Payments go directly to landlords — organizations pay your landlord directly, not you
- Lancaster County residency generally required — verify your county qualifies before calling
- Apply to multiple programs simultaneously — do not wait for one response before contacting others
1. Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska — Family Support Services
The primary faith-based emergency rent and utility assistance hub in Lincoln — Monday mornings only.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) provides immediate financial assistance to those struggling to pay rent, utilities, medical bills, and gas — serving the homeless and working poor in the Lincoln area. CSS has served the Diocese of Lincoln across multiple decades and operates both a Lincoln office and additional locations across southern Nebraska.
The Monday morning rule — confirmed from official CSS website and Nebraska Client Assistance Program (CAP):
“Take requests for assistance every Monday morning with the phone line opening promptly at 9:00 AM. Will make appointments for the first 10 eligible callers. May receive assistance only once per year.”
Financial assistance phone: (402) 327-6211 Call exactly at 9:00 AM on Monday mornings. The line opens promptly — calling even a few minutes late can mean all appointment slots are filled.
Lincoln office address: 2241 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510 Main office phone: 402-327-6200 Website: csshope.org
For deposit and first month’s rent assistance (housing placement):
If you are experiencing homelessness and need help with a security deposit or first month’s rent, CSS has a specific process. Have the following ready:
- Picture ID
- Proof of income
- Approved lease with apartment address, unit number, rent amount, and move-in date
- Letter from landlord confirming you can move in if CSS guarantees a portion toward first month’s rent
Important: If an application is incomplete or denied, you cannot request financial assistance again for six months. Have all documents ready before calling.
Food assistance: For food, personal care items, diapers, or household goods, call 402-327-6242 Monday through Thursday. Leave a message and the Director of Social Services will contact you.
For seniors in Lincoln navigating both housing instability and food assistance enrollment, our Nebraska SNAP eligibility guide covers income limits and how to apply.
2. The Salvation Army — 360 Life Center of Lincoln
Emergency rent and utility assistance, transitional housing, and hotel vouchers for Lincoln residents.
The Salvation Army 360 Life Center of Lincoln provides assistance to individuals and families facing temporary or long-term homelessness, including rent and utility assistance, emergency transitional housing, and hotel vouchers. The Pathway of Hope program guides participants toward stable housing through case management.
Services confirmed from official Salvation Army 360 Life Center page:
- Utility, rent, and mortgage payment assistance (when funding available)
- Emergency transitional housing
- Hotel vouchers for those facing immediate homelessness
- Pathway of Hope program — case management toward self-sufficiency and stable housing
Assistance hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30am–3:30pm (for utility/rent assistance appointments)
Address: 2625 Potter Street, Lincoln, NE Phone: (402) 474-6263 Website: centralusa.salvationarmy.org/360lifecenters/lincoln
For a full overview of Salvation Army emergency assistance programs nationally, see our Salvation Army rental assistance guide.
3. Community Action — Emergency Services Program
Past-due rent, deposit, and utility assistance including water for qualifying Lancaster County residents.
Community Action’s Emergency Services Program provides emergency financial assistance with past-due rent, security deposits, and utility bills — including water — for those who qualify in Lancaster County.
Contact: Sarah Fentress, Emergency Services Administrator Phone: (402) 875-9392 Email: [email protected] Website: communityactionatwork.org/programs/homelessness-prevention/rent-utility-deposit-assistance
Community Action is one of the few programs in Lincoln that explicitly covers water bill assistance alongside rent — a meaningful differentiator for households facing multiple simultaneous utility crises alongside back rent.
4. Good Neighbor Community Center
Rent and utility assistance, food pantry, SNAP outreach, and bus pass assistance.
Good Neighbor Community Center collaborates with churches, businesses, and community organizations to help people help themselves. Each client is welcomed through an individual interview and encouraged to participate in programs designed to build long-term stability — not just one-time emergency help.
Services: Rent and utility assistance, food pantry, MENA HOPE Project, SNAP outreach, tax assistance, Star Tran low-income bus pass sales site
Address: 2617 Y Street, Lincoln, NE 68503 Phone: (402) 477-4173 Fax: (402) 477-4174 Website: gncclincoln.org
The individual interview model at Good Neighbor — designed to understand the full situation and connect people to multiple services at once — is particularly useful for households facing overlapping crises. If you also need SNAP enrollment help, Good Neighbor’s outreach staff can assist with that application alongside your rent crisis. Our Nebraska SNAP eligibility guide can also help you prepare.
5. Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Lincoln Council
Parish-based emergency financial assistance through a dedicated helpline.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Lincoln Council provides emergency financial assistance through its member parish conferences, serving residents across Lincoln with rent, utility, food, and clothing help.
SVdP Lincoln Help Line: (402) 435-7968 Associated organization: CenterPoint, Inc. — (402) 475-5161 Thrift stores: St. Teresa’s Thrift Shop; St. Louise Gift & Thrift Shop (proceeds fund assistance) Website: lincolnsvdpcouncil.org
Call the helpline at (402) 435-7968 to be connected with the SVdP conference serving your address. As with all SVdP programs, geographic territory determines which conference assists you — the helpline routes you appropriately.
6. First Plymouth Church
Emergency rental assistance and community support for Lincoln families.
First Plymouth Church provides emergency assistance including rental help to needy families and individuals in the Lincoln area through its community outreach programs.
How to access: Call the church office directly for current availability, eligibility requirements, and intake process
7. People’s City Mission
Emergency shelter, housing assistance, and essential services for Lincoln’s most vulnerable.
People’s City Mission provides emergency shelter, housing assistance, and a range of essential services for individuals and families in Lincoln. For residents already experiencing homelessness alongside a rent crisis, People’s City Mission is a key resource for immediate shelter while longer-term assistance is arranged.
Address: 2615 O Street, Lincoln, NE (Mission Help Center: 6800 P St) Phone: (402) 475-6888 Website: peoplescitymission.org
If you face immediate homelessness before rent assistance can be arranged, our emergency housing for homeless guide covers additional shelter options.
What to Bring to Any Rent Assistance Appointment in Lincoln
- Photo ID for all adults in the household
- Proof of Lancaster County residency (lease, utility bill, or official mail with your address)
- Current lease or rental agreement (with apartment address, unit number, rent amount, and move-in date if seeking deposit/first month help)
- Eviction notice, past-due rent statement, or late notice from your landlord
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letter, SNAP award letter, unemployment documentation)
- Utility bills with any disconnection or cutoff notice
- Landlord’s full name, mailing address, and phone number
- For deposit assistance: letter from landlord confirming move-in date and amount CSS would need to guarantee
Additional Resources for Rent Help in Lincoln
Dial 2-1-1: Nebraska’s 24/7 statewide helpline — identifies currently funded programs in your zip code.
City of Lincoln Housing Assistance: The City distributes rent and utility assistance through LPAC using the Coordinated Entry System. Visit lincoln.ne.gov/City/Mayor/Housing-Utility-Assistance for current program availability.
Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach: 2121 N. 27th Street; (402) 477-4116 — hot meals twice daily plus outreach services for the homeless and near-homeless in Lincoln.
Nebraska Legal Aid: Free legal representation for tenants facing eviction in Lancaster County. Call 1-800-742-7555 or visit nebraskalegalaid.org. For longer-term housing stability through subsidized housing, our Section 8 housing vouchers guide explains how to apply through the Lincoln Housing Authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help with rent in Lincoln, NE?
The primary faith-based organizations providing emergency rent assistance in Lincoln include Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (call 402-327-6211 at exactly 9:00 AM on Monday mornings; first 10 eligible callers get weekly appointments), the Salvation Army 360 Life Center (402-474-6263; Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30am–3:30pm), Community Action Emergency Services (402-875-9392), Good Neighbor Community Center (402-477-4173), the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Lincoln (402-435-7968), and First Plymouth Church.
How do I get emergency rent help in Lincoln fast?
Set an alarm for 9:00 AM on Monday morning and call Catholic Social Services at (402) 327-6211 precisely when the line opens — only the first 10 eligible callers each Monday get appointments for that week. Simultaneously contact the Salvation Army at (402) 474-6263 and Community Action at (402) 875-9392. Also dial 2-1-1 to identify any other currently funded programs in your zip code.
What is the Catholic Social Services rent assistance process in Lincoln?
CSS takes requests for financial assistance every Monday morning with the phone line opening at exactly 9:00 AM. Only the first 10 eligible callers receive appointments for that week. Assistance is available only once per year per household. The financial assistance request number is (402) 327-6211. For deposit and first month’s rent, additional documentation is required including an approved lease and a landlord letter confirming move-in eligibility.
Does the Salvation Army in Lincoln help with rent?
Yes. The Salvation Army 360 Life Center of Lincoln provides utility, rent, and mortgage payment assistance when funding is available, along with emergency transitional housing, hotel vouchers, and the Pathway of Hope program for housing stability. Assistance appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30am–3:30pm. Call (402) 474-6263.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Freefurniturevouchers.com is not affiliated with any church, organization, or government program listed. CSS Monday 9:00 AM phone protocol confirmed from official csshope.org and Nebraska CAP (cap.nebraska.gov). Salvation Army 360 Life Center hours and services confirmed from official centralusa.salvationarmy.org/360lifecenters/lincoln. Community Action contact confirmed from communityactionatwork.org. Good Neighbor address and phone confirmed from rentassistance.org and UNL pantry resources. Program availability, funding, and contact information change frequently. Always call before visiting. Dial 2-1-1 for the most current information on available programs in your zip code.