Omaha, Neb. – As food prices climb and utility bills rise, dozens of families in the Omaha metro area are relying on local charities for relief. Erica Sams, a mother of two who also cares for her elderly father, has been a regular at the Heartland Hope Mission pantry for about a year, describing the mission’s services as a “blessing” amid mounting household expenses.
“Food prices have skyrocketed, so it’s pretty much been a crutch to lean on,” Sams said. Her experience reflects a broader trend: utility providers report a sharp increase in overdue accounts. Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) says roughly 20% to 30% of its overdue bills are now 91 days or older, nearly double the rate from previous years, and the total number of overdue bills is up as much as 40% compared with pre‑pandemic levels. Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) notes a 20% rise in late payments from 2024 to 2025, a level that has persisted into 2026.
Community event offers emergency assistance
In response, OPPD and MUD hosted a joint assistance event in Ralston on Tuesday, pledging $500,000 to help residents catch up on utility bills. The line of people waiting for aid stretched beyond the building before doors opened, underscoring the depth of need. The $500,000 pool was fully allocated within hours.
Tonesha Good, who is out of work due to a disability, said she had been searching for help before learning about the event. “I called 211, tried to find some resources, and hadn’t got hold of them yet,” Good explained. “When I saw it, I thought maybe this is a place where I can go and get some help.”
U.S. veteran Stephen Medina echoed the sentiment, noting unexpected expenses have made it difficult to stay current on bills. “I didn’t expect to fall behind on things. It’s unexpected bills, unexpected expenses,” he said. “I’m just trying to get by and see whatever assistance I can have because rent’s not cheap anymore. Groceries aren’t cheap.”
Janie McCallister, nearly 70 and retired, also turned to the event after a series of family tragedies left her and her husband, who has dementia, struggling financially. “We’ve always held our own until now,” she said.
Local pantries continue to serve as safety nets
Back at Heartland Hope Mission, Sams left with a cart of food, reducing one of her monthly expenses. “My mom told me closed mouths don’t get fed. If you need something, ask,” Sams said, emphasizing the pantry’s non‑judgmental approach.
Community leaders and utility staff say the event’s rapid depletion signals a need for ongoing assistance programs. Both OPPD and MUD have indicated they will explore additional outreach and payment plans to help residents avoid disconnection.
For those seeking help, the 211 hotline remains a primary resource for locating food, shelter, and utility assistance throughout the Omaha region.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
