Community Spotlight: New Visions Homeless Services

Discover How Local Organizations are Making an Impact

New Visions Homeless Services

New Visions Homeless Services is a resource that exists to provide help, hope and opportunity to those experiencing hunger and homelessness in the Council Bluffs and Omaha area. Emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, food pantry services and homelessness prevention are also available services. The emergency shelter houses almost 500 individuals a year in Council Bluffs and 150 in Omaha. The food stablility program grew by 300% in 2020, causing the organization to implement a food pantry and mobile distribution focused on areas of the city in need.

What services do you provide?
New Visions exists to provide help, hope and opportunity to those experiencing hunger and homelessness in the Council Bluffs and Omaha area. We provide Emergency Shelter and Permanent Supportive Housing as well as Food Stability/Food Pantry services, Homelessness Prevention (rent/mortgage assistance and community events) and services for homeless veterans.

How have you seen the organization make a difference?
New Visions makes a difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness by providing housing and shelter to meet their basic needs. Our emergency shelter houses nearly 500 individuals a year in Council Bluffs, and nearly 150 individuals a year in Omaha. Our Permanent Supportive Housing serves 29 individuals in Council Bluffs and 16 individuals in Omaha who are transitioning out of homelessness and into a more permanent housing solution. Our Food Stability program grew by 300% in 2020 as we pivoted to include to include a food pantry and mobile food distribution focused on areas of the city designated as food deserts. Our Prevention services helped 89 families retain their housing in 2020, and served over 4,000 individuals in Southwest Iowa through our Community Christmas Event.

Is there anything you wish more people knew about your organization?
Most people know us as a homeless shelter. I work to educate the public about our other areas of service (supportive housing, food stability, prevention, veteran’s services). I also work to break down some of the misconceptions about homelessness in our community, and help the public understand some of the obstacles and trauma that are faced by people experiencing homelessness.

How can people get connected/involved?To inquire about our services, visit our website or social media pages. For more information about volunteering and donations, email me: hbeekhuizen@newvisionshs.org