If you or someone you know was impacted by the April 2024 Arbor Day Tornadoes in Douglas, Sarpy, or Washington Counties, help is just one call away.
Starting May 1, survivors can call 2-1-1 to request financial assistance through the Neighbor Recovery Fund—a coordinated disaster recovery effort designed to support urgent and ongoing needs. The fund is available to renters, homeowners, and displaced individuals and families who experienced tornado-related hardship.
Whether you’re looking for help with housing, utility bills, transportation, mental health support, or other recovery needs, this fund is here to help. The Tri-County Long Term Recovery Group is partnering with local nonprofits and case managers to streamline the application process and connect survivors to the support they need—quickly and compassionately.
“This initiative is about making recovery easier, faster, and more accessible for every survivor,” said Anne Meysenburg, Director of Community Investment at the Omaha Community Foundation.
What Support Is Available?
Through this fund, eligible survivors may receive support with:
- Temporary housing and relocation costs
- Utility assistance
- Transportation
- Mental health services
- Legal/documentation costs
- Debris removal
- Other essential recovery expenses
All payments are made directly to service providers (e.g., landlords, utility companies, mental health counselors)—never to individuals.
How To Apply
- Survivors call 2-1-1 for a brief screening
- Referrals are sent to OCF & Disaster Case Managers for follow-up
- Requests are reviewed by partners contributing to this effort
- Payments are issued directly to service providers on the survivor’s behalf
This initiative is made possible through the collaboration of the Tri-County Long Term Recovery Group, United Way of the Midlands, The Salvation Army, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and the Washington County Long-Term Recovery Team.
“After the Arbor Day tornadoes, our community showed up for one another in incredible ways,” said Laura Contreras, Senior Program Manager at the Omaha Community Foundation. “The Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund made it possible to support more than 300 households—and now, through the Neighbor Recovery Fund, we’re continuing that care by working alongside local partners to make sure every survivor has a pathway to recovery. Many people still need help—whether it’s short-term stability or long-term support—and this fund is here to meet them where they are.”
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: You may qualify if:
- You lived in an area impacted by the April 26, 2024 Arbor Day Tornado
- You experienced direct impact from the storm (damage, displacement, income loss, etc.)
- You have a current essential need related to your tornado recovery
Q: Am I eligible to apply if I was impacted by a storm other than the April 25 Arbor Day Tornadoes?
A: No, you are not eligible as this fund is designated specifically to support survivors of the April 2024 Arbor Day Tornado.
Q: If I have received tornado recovery funding in the past, am I eligible?
A: Yes. Even if you’ve received tornado-related financial assistance in the past, you can still request support through this fund.
Q: Can I only apply once?
A: You can request support more than once, but will be referred to a disaster case manager for ongoing assistance.
Q: Do I have to work with a disaster case manager to have access to this application?
A: You may be referred to a Disaster Case Manager if your case needs additional support.
Q: Do I have to share my financial information to apply?
A: Yes. In some cases, a basic household budget or financial overview may be requested to help guide support.
Q: What if I’m not sure what support I need?
A: That’s okay. Just call 2-1-1 and explain your situation. Their team will help you figure out what support you may qualify for and assist with submitting your request. The Tri-County Disaster Recovery team will then review it and determine how the Neighbor Recovery Fund can best support your recovery.
Q: What documents do I need to provide?
A: You’ll need to provide one document in each of these three areas:
- Residency – A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or letter from a landlord or organization showing you lived in the impacted area in April 2024
- Tornado Impact – A FEMA or insurance letter, photos, mental health referral, or a case manager statement
- Essential Need – A bill, invoice, or paperwork that shows what type of help you’re requesting (rent, utilities, transportation, counseling, etc.)
If you’re missing some documentation, our team or a Disaster Case Manager can help you figure out next steps.
Q: Will the money come directly to me?
No. The Neighbor Recovery Fund payments are only made directly to vendors—such as landlords, utility companies, counselors, or service providers—on your behalf.
Q: How long will it take to get help after I apply?
A: Most requests for one-time or urgent needs are reviewed within a few business days. More complex needs may take longer depending on documentation and coordination with a Disaster Case Manager.
Q: What kinds of things can the fund pay for?
A: Examples of covered needs may include housing support, utilities, transportation, legal fees, debris removal, counseling or mental health services, or other disaster recovery-related expenses. Each request is reviewed individually based on your situation and documents.
Q: What if I already paid for something out of pocket — can I be reimbursed?
A: In most cases, the fund does not reimburse individuals directly. If you’ve already paid for something, please still reach out — we may be able to help with other recovery-related needs to reduce ongoing hardship.
Q: Is there a deadline to apply?
A: There is currently no firm deadline, but funds are limited and will be distributed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you need support.
Q: Can I share this opportunity with other survivors?
A: Yes! Please share this with your neighborhood, friends, and family who were impacted.