COVID-19 Response and Updates

Updated: 6/03/2021
We all need a safe, stable and affordable place to live. COVID-19 and its economic impacts have highlighted this fact. The connection between health and housing became even more evident during this global health crisis.

Since the start of the pandemic, members of our community have been experiencing unexpected hardships and growing need. Unfortunately, for many, that is not likely to change any time soon. But, we know that together we will continue to move forward.

Our top priority remains the health and safety of our staff and the community. Because of this, we have made several changes to the way we work. As we continue make progress in the fight against COVID-19, we are looking forward to returning to some of our normal practices. We’re also excited to continue many the new and innovative changes that our teams have implemented in order to better serve our community and work more effectively.

We will continue to monitor local and national updates on COVID-19. As the situation evolves, our plan of action will continue to change as well.

Please check this page for the latest updates on our COVID-19 response plan and precautions.

Jump to:

Office Restrictions
Habitat ReStore
Volunteer Program
Homeownership Program
Home Improvement Programs
Construction Program
Brew Haha
Women’s Power Luncheon
Global Village Trips
Tax Prep Services

Office Restrictions

Our office is now open to the public again! Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a face mask while visiting our office. If you’re not fully vaccinated for COVID-19, we ask that you please wear a face mask.

If you have questions about this policy, please call us at 402-457-5657 or email us at habitat@habitatomaha.org.

Omaha’s Habitat ReStore

Both Omaha Habitat ReStore locations are open to the public. Fully vaccinated customers, staff, and volunteers are not required to wear a mask while shopping. If you’re not fully vaccinated for COVID-19, please wear a face mask. Visit omahahabitatrestore.org for more information.

Omaha’s Habitat ReStore is accepting donation drop-offs. The South 24th Street location is accepting donations Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The West Maple location is accepting donations Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For donation drop off and pick up questions, please call: 402-934-1033 and select option 1.

Volunteer Program

We are now accepting a limited number of construction volunteers Tuesday-Saturday. Volunteers will receive their own set of brand-new PPE, including a hardhat, gloves and more. All work will be outdoors and will allow for safe distancing. Register to volunteer at habitatomaha.org/volunteernow.

We are also recruiting CORE (Committed to Ongoing Regular Engagement) ReStore volunteers. We ask core volunteers to commit to 8+ hours of service a month, but what you do during your volunteer time is up to you! A few areas where we could use helping hands are: working with staff to process donations, assisting customers, and upcycling or DIY-ing furniture items. All volunteers will be required to wear a mask. To learn more, please reach out to our Volunteer Team at volunteer@habitatomaha.org.

Homeownership Program

Our 2021 Homeownership Program Information Sessions are currently open for registration with new dates being added on an ongoing basis. Visit our Homeownership Program page to learn more and register for an upcoming virtual session.

At this time, all Homeownership Program classes continue to be held online. If you have questions about classes, please contact David Klitz, Program Specialist, at dklitz@habitatomaha.org or 402-884-5979.

Limited sweat equity opportunities are available to allow homebuyers the ability to help with the construction of their future homes. If you have questions or concerns about your sweat equity hours, please contact Carly Buskirk, Program Supervisor, at cbuskirk@habitatomaha.org or 402-884-7820.

Current Habitat Omaha homeowners who incur financial hardships during this time and are concerned about making their mortgage or home repair payments are encouraged to reach out to Nicky Sullivan, Homeownership Success Supervisor, at nsullivan@habitatomaha.org or 402-884-5716.

Home Improvement Programs

We are accepting applications for all of our Home Improvement Programs. To help ensure the safety of clients and contractors, all parties involved will need to pass our initial health screening and agree to wearing proper PPE during the time of visits and repairs. Loan closing meetings are primarily being conducted as drive-thru appointments, with proper PPE and social distancing enforced.

Those who have questions about applying to our Home Repair, Emergency Home Repair, Flood Repair or Veteran Home Repair programs should call 402-457-5657 and press 2 or email homerepair@habitatomaha.org. Applications are available at habitatomaha.org/programs/home-repair and can be submitted through email at homerepair@habitatomaha.org, mailed in to our office, or returned to the drop box at our office for processing.

Those who have questions about applying for Weatherization Services or the OPPD Energy Efficiency Assistance Program should call 402-457-5657 and press 7 or email weatherization@habitatomaha.org. Weatherization applications are available at habitatomaha.org/programs/home-repair and can be submitted through email at weatherization@habitatomaha.org, mailed in to our office, or returned to the drop box at our office for processing.

Construction Program

At this time construction operations are underway with additional safety and sanitation protocols in place.

Brew Haha

Our 15th Annual Brew Haha event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021. More details will follow in the coming months.

Women’s Power Luncheon

Our 2021 Women’s Power Luncheon has been canceled in keeping with local regulations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and large social gatherings. Instead, we are excited to announce that we are combining our signature events into one celebration this year! The unique event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 9 and will combine the energy and passion of our 15th Annual Brew Haha and our 24th Annual Women’s Power Luncheon.

Global Village Trips

Habitat for Humanity International has postponed the reopening of its Global Village program through 2021. They plan to reevaluate in the summer of 2021 to decide if it is safe to begin planning for 2022 Global Village trips.

During this time we remain fully committed to our mission and our staff. As we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to pay all employees their regular wages and will move forward with our work to increase access to quality, affordable homeownership and home improvement opportunities.

If this pandemic has called you to help others in our community, we invite you to support our mission by making a donation today.

Habitat Omaha has always been driven by community support. With your help, we know that this support will continue because of our shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.