FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way Community Impact Fund Awards $139,235 to Siena Francis House
August 9, 2026, OMAHA, Neb. — Siena Francis House has been awarded $139,235 from the United Way Community Impact Fund, with funding to be distributed over the next two years in support of the organization's Emergency Shelter, Meals Program and Case Management services.
The investment will help Siena Francis House continue providing critical support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability and food insecurity in the Omaha community.
Siena Francis House operates a low-barrier emergency shelter that remains open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2025, the shelter served 2,545 individuals and provided 145,306 bed nights, a 14% increase from two years earlier. The shelter served an average of 398 people daily and maintained 85% occupancy throughout the year.
The organization's Meals Program serves three meals each day year-round and provided 425,000 meals in 2025. Through its dining room, outreach efforts and food pantry, Siena Francis House served more than 3,200 individuals experiencing hunger and food insecurity. The program follows federal MyPlate nutrition guidelines to provide balanced, healthy meals.
Case Management services assisted more than 2,800 individuals last year, helping clients navigate housing, employment, benefits and other services. More than 350 individuals moved into permanent housing through the program.
"This generous investment from United Way strengthens our ability to meet people where they are and provide the support they need to move toward stability and housing," said Linda Twomey, executive director of Siena Francis House. "From a safe place to sleep and nutritious meals to individualized case management, these funds will help ensure that thousands of our neighbors have access to life-changing services and opportunities for a better future."
United Way's support will help Siena Francis House continue its mission of serving individuals experiencing homelessness with dignity, compassion and hope.
About Siena Francis House
Siena Francis House is Nebraska's largest provider of services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization provides emergency shelter, meals, housing-focused case management and other supportive services for people in crisis throughout the Omaha area.
