Friendship Home Of Lincoln Inc
About Friendship Home Of Lincoln Inc
Friendship Home meets domestic violence survivors and their children with the kind of help that matters right away, emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, safety planning, and steady advocacy. In 2024, it served over 2,772 survivors and provided 59,797 safe bed nights, which says a lot about how often this work is needed in Lincoln. Donors help keep that support available not just for a night, but through the harder stretch of rebuilding.
What stands out here is how much support reaches beyond a bed. Friendship Home pairs shelter with transitional housing, rapid rehousing, support groups, health care navigation, and strengths-centered services, so survivors are not left to figure out the next step alone. It also keeps showing up after shelter, with ongoing advocacy and community outreach.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Emergency shelter
Safe, secure, confidential shelter options for survivors and their children, including communal shelter and single-family apartments.
Transitional housing
Longer-term shelter options that help survivors continue moving toward safety and stability.
Rapid rehousing
Housing support that helps survivors transition into safer, more stable living situations.
Crisis services
24-hour crisis line support, safety planning, risk assessment, emotional support, and help with options and resources.
Advocacy and case management
Individual advocacy, emergency case management, and support while survivors are in shelter and after they leave shelter.
Support groups for adults and children
Peer support groups that address domestic violence, trauma, parenting support, and strengths.
Children’s advocacy services
One-on-one support and support groups for children, from newborn infants through youth.
Health care navigation
Help for survivors and their children to secure medical care and access health resources.
Mental health and substance abuse counseling
Short-term counseling and connections to behavioral health resources.
Community outreach and presentations
Staff presentations and outreach to schools, churches, clubs, neighborhood associations, and other groups.
Strengths-Centered Services
A survivor-centered approach developed with Gallup that uses CliftonStrengths tools and related training.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To support, shelter, and advocate for domestic violence survivors and their children.
Who they serve
Survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking, and their children.
Their impact
- Over 2,772 survivors of domestic violence received supportive services and/or shelter in 2024.
- 59,797 safe bed nights were provided in 2024.
- 52,755 meals were served to people receiving emergency shelter in 2024.
- 502 survivors were sheltered in 2024, including 292 children.
- 582 survivors accessed essential non-residential support in 2024.
- During a short-term hotel and motel project, 44 adult survivors and 50 children received 1,318 services.
- About 300 people are served monthly.
How your donation helps
- Emergency shelter
- Crisis response
- Advocacy
- Counseling
- Transitional housing
- Safe night hotel stays when shelters are full
- Clothing
- Hygiene products
- Diapers
- Food
- Personal care items
- Pet care supplies
- Pet food
- Veterinary services
Our story
Friendship Home began in 1978, when the Daughters of Charity and Catholic Social Services opened it as a short-term shelter for women. Staff soon saw that most clients were victims of intimate partner violence, and by 1980 the mission had narrowed to serving that population. The organization became a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit in 1984, opened its first permanent home in 1985, expanded transitional shelter in the early 1990s, launched a $1.9 million capital campaign in 1997, partnered with Gallup in 2000 on Strengths-Centered Services, and added Single Family Shelters and a Service Center in 2015.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Friendship Home Of Lincoln Inc’s services.
Survivors can call Friendship Home’s 24-hour crisis line at 402-437-9302 for advocacy, safety planning, and support. Advocates assess current risk, discuss options and resources, and provide help whether or not a survivor is ready to enter shelter. If shelter beds are full, staff continue supportive services until space is available. For Deaf or Hard of Hearing callers, the number listed is 402-261-0545. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
In their words
"Over these past nine months, I have learned that leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about showing up consistently, being willing to grow, and working alongside others to create lasting impact."
"At Friendship Home, our work is rooted in compassion, resilience, and human connection."
Events
Illuminate: Hope Shines Here
annualAn annual fundraising event focused on hope, healing, and support for survivors of domestic violence.
Stuff the Bus
annualAn annual community supply drive and fundraising event that collects essential items for survivors and raises awareness about domestic violence.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Friendship Home Of Lincoln Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Financial gifts for emergency shelter, advocacy, and essential services
- Clothing
- Hygiene products
- Diapers
- Baby formula
- Non-perishable food
- Cleaning supplies
- Pet care supplies
- Pet food
- Veterinary services
Volunteer opportunities
- Children’s Advocate Volunteer
- Facilities Volunteer
- Youth Volunteer
- Advocate Intern
- On-Call Advocate
- Stuff the Bus volunteer
- Special events volunteer
- Donation sorting and organizing
- Yardwork, minor repairs, and painting
- Holiday gift wrapping and welcome home projects
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating, held since 2016
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How can someone in crisis reach Friendship Home?
Call the 24-hour crisis line at 402-437-9302. An advocate can help with safety planning, risk assessment, and support whenever someone reaches out.
Do survivors have to stay in shelter to receive help?
No. Survivors can get advocacy, referrals, and services before shelter, after shelter, or without staying in shelter at all.
What happens if shelter beds are full?
Staff keep offering support until space opens up, and when needed, temporary hotel or motel stays can be used through community partnerships.
What types of support are available for children?
Children can receive one-on-one advocacy, support groups, and a safe place to talk about what they are going through.
What kinds of services are included beyond shelter?
Beyond shelter, survivors can get crisis counseling, case management, emotional support, support groups, health care navigation, basic needs assistance, and community referrals.
Similar nonprofits
Other family violence shelters nonprofits in NE.