What We Do
HEAL Omaha delivers healthcare and medical case management to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the Omaha Metro area. We serve people living in encampments, under bridges, and on the streets—individuals who frequently confront significant challenges to meeting basic human survival needs.
Our programs are built around three core principles designed to address these needs:
Consistency and Radical Acceptance: We create a non-judgmental and supportive environment. This approach fosters trust and encourages engagement, particularly among individuals who have experienced trauma or marginalization.
Meeting Patients Where They Are: We respect individual circumstances, needs and preference so adapt our care to meet the unique challenges faced by each patient, removing obstacles that might otherwise prevent them from accessing services.
Flexibility: We are flexible in our scheduling and approach, understanding that our patients' lives are often unpredictable. We prioritize responsiveness and adaptability to ensure that care is readily available when needed.
HEAL Omaha expands healthcare access for vulnerable populations, building trust and improving overall well-being.
Why We Do It
While the overall rate of unsheltered homelessness in Omaha remains relatively low, HEAL Omaha is dedicated to working with our collaborative partners towards the realistic goal of ending homelessness locally by addressing these critical health and support needs. We know that the single greatest intervention to improve the quality of life and longevity of those we serve are connections to permanent, stable housing.
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How We Do It
Backpack Medical Clinics/Street Rounds: We send medical teams to meet people where they are and on their own terms to reduce or eliminate barriers to care access and follow-up that are needed to keep each person as healthy as possible. With an emphasis on trust, we obtain patient consent, assess for acute medical needs, then establish treatment plans for more intensive medical case management.
Trauma-Informed, Patient-Led Care: The program prioritizes respect for patient autonomy, acknowledging past trauma and tailoring care to each person’s needs. Efforts focus on avoiding re-traumatization, building trust, and empowering patients to actively participate in their health decisions.
Harm Reduction: We offer support to people with substance use disorders without requiring abstinence using interventions designed to prevent overdose and minimize the harmful consequences of substance use.
Relationship Building: Many people experiencing homelessness have had negative experiences with the healthcare system, leading to distrust. Those experiencing chronic homelessness often feel let down or abandoned by others. We aim to rebuild trust by creating a consistent and dependable support system. We also partner with shelters, medical centers, and corrections departments to stay connected with patients who are experiencing the downward, cyclic spiral between hospitals, jails, shelters, and the streets.
Supply Distribution: The program provides essential items like hygiene products, first-aid kits, dressing supplies, hand warmers, insect repellant, high quality nutrition and supplements, outdoor survival supplies, prescription and over the counter medication, and other supplies that support health, survival, and dignity.
Housing first strategies: Housing is a human right, and not having housing is the most significant barrier to good health. We work with our partners to prioritize permanent housing first.
Volunteer Engagement and Retention: Volunteers join HEAL Omaha because they are inspired by its mission. The organization educates and advocates within healthcare and community groups, offering training to potential volunteers. HEAL Omaha relies on its volunteers’ dedication and skills, supports them with self-care, provides regular training, meaningful recognition, and weekly opportunities to debrief.