Where we build: North Omaha

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is committed to building individual lives and strengthening communities. We work primarily in Northeast Omaha, a part of the city that is at a significant economic disadvantage. Evidence of this disparity can be seen anecdotally in the proliferation of blighted and vacant property, but the statistics paint an even starker picture.

North Omaha is a three-square mile section of the city that suffers from disproportionately high rates of poverty, unemployment and vacancy. This neighborhood is most commonly defined as the area of the city that is bounded by 16^th Street on the east, Sorenson Parkway and the Storz Expressway on the north, Cuming Street on the south, and 52^nd Street on the west. With an estimated population of 41,000, North Omaha would be Nebraska’s fifth largest city[1] if it were to stand on its own. While the land in this area is underutilized, its residents are underserved. There is currently a critical shortage of decent and affordable housing, retail outlets, grocers, suitable employers, and adequate public transportation and roadways.

Compared with the rest of the city, owner-occupancy rates are lower in North Omaha. While the rest of the city saw increases in homeownership, North Omaha has seen a steady decline over the last two decades[2]. Roughly 25% of North Omahans spend more than 35% of their annual income on housing, thereby exceeding the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s recommendations. The median home value here is $60,000, compared with the $117,000 city-wide median[3]. At the same time, there is a proliferation of blighted and abandoned properties and vacant lots. Of the three square miles that comprise this area, one entire square miles sits empty[4]. Such widespread vacancy poses significant security threats and lowers the value of adjacent structures and property. However, it also presents an opportunity for residents, community developers and investors, as there is plenty of available and affordable land.

While there is no panacea for the problems that plague this area, Habitat and many other area organizations are working hard to spur development, investment and revitalization in North Omaha. The North Omaha Development Project has had incredible success with both planning and implementation, as has the Omaha Economic Development Corporation. In addition to providing a strong foundation for a family, each new Habitat home gives others the confidence to make an investment on that street. By helping hardworking, low-income families realize their dream of homeownership, Habitat is building communities one family, one house, and one street at a time.

Omaha is only as strong as its communities, so I challenge you to turn your attention toward this part of our city. Habitat relies on the dedication and generosity of volunteers, supporters, and community partners to further our mission of eradicating poverty housing. Will you join us?

Drop me a line at mmathews@habitatomaha.org to learn more about getting involved.

-Megan Mathews

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[1] A Strategy for Community Investment, North Omaha Development Project, October 2007.

[2] 2005 Revised Report, Omaha Economic Development Corporation (OEDC), 2005.

[3] A Strategy for Community Investment, North Omaha Development Project , pg. October 2007

[4] A Strategy for Community Investment, North Omaha Development Project, October 2007.