Posted by Public Relations and Board of Supervisors
Together is continuing to expand its presence in Council Bluffs, connecting residents with food, housing assistance and other resources designed to help individuals and families achieve greater stability.
Gerry Ford, housing services program manager for Together, provided an update to the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors during its August 25 meeting, sharing information about the nonprofit organization's growing work in the county and the range of services available to area residents.
Founded in 1975 following a devastating tornado in Omaha, Together began as a collaborative effort to provide food, clothing and shelter to people affected by the disaster. More than 50 years later, the organization has grown to provide food access, housing stability and supportive services throughout the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro.
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"We are very happy to be in Council Bluffs," Ford told the Board of Supervisors.
Connecting residents with food and resources
Together operates a choice food pantry at its Council Bluffs location, allowing individuals to select food based on their household's needs and preferences. The pantry is currently open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Food assistance is also available for individuals who arrive after the pantry has reached its capacity for the day. Together provides pre-packed food boxes as well as "walker bags" containing ready-to-eat food and hygiene items for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Food is only one part of the assistance available when someone walks through the door.
Individuals visiting Together meet with a specialist who can help identify additional needs and connect them with resources including SNAP and Medicaid. During walk-in hours, residents experiencing housing instability or struggling with utility payments can also speak with staff about resources and available assistance.
"We're never going to turn anybody away without some type of resource," Ford said. "We want to inform people, too."
Helping residents find and maintain housing
Together also operates programs aimed at helping individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability find and maintain permanent housing.
Its rapid rehousing program can provide qualifying participants with up to 24 months of financial assistance for rent and utilities, paired with intensive case management. Staff work closely with tenants and landlords throughout the process, with the goal of helping participants reach a point where they can maintain housing after assistance ends.
Permanent supportive housing provides longer-term assistance for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness and may also face mental health, physical health or substance use challenges.
Both programs follow a Housing First model, which prioritizes getting individuals into stable housing before addressing other barriers.
Ford explained that when someone is focused on meeting their immediate needs while living unsheltered, it can be difficult to tackle longer-term goals such as employment, health care or budgeting. Stable housing can provide the foundation needed to begin addressing those challenges.
Residents can visit Together's Council Bluffs location during Monday and Wednesday walk-in hours to complete a housing assessment and learn about available resources. Because openings in housing programs are limited, Ford said staff work with individuals to explore other options rather than relying on a single program.
New program supports young adults
Together expanded its housing services in June with a new program specifically serving young adults ages 18 to 24.
The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program uses a rapid rehousing model while allowing greater flexibility in determining who qualifies for assistance. In addition to young adults experiencing homelessness, the program can serve those who are couch surfing, living in an unsafe situation or transitioning out of foster care.
The program can also help address practical barriers young adults may encounter while working toward stability, including legal assistance, transportation-related expenses and other needs.
Together's housing programs serve the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area, and Ford said the organization continues to build relationships with landlords in Council Bluffs to increase local housing opportunities.
Building connections across the community
Throughout his presentation, Ford emphasized Together's role not only as a direct service provider, but also as a connection point between residents and other organizations that may be better equipped to meet a particular need.
Together works with shelters, health care providers, housing organizations and other community partners to connect individuals with services ranging from medical and mental health care to veterans resources and housing assistance.
As Together continues growing its presence in Council Bluffs, Ford said the organization hopes to strengthen those partnerships and expand the services available on the Iowa side of the metro.
"It's just a river that's separating us," Ford said. "We really need to cooperate a little more."
Together's Council Bluffs location is at 830 N. 14th St. The food pantry is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can learn more about Together's programs and services at togetheromaha.org or explore volunteer opportunities in Council Bluffs.
Pottawattamie County values the organizations working every day to strengthen our communities and serve our residents. Through presentations to the Board of Supervisors, local nonprofits and community organizations have an opportunity to share their work, build connections and help increase awareness of resources available throughout the county. Learn more about presenting to the Board.
