Omaha Community Foundation supports victims, community following devastating tornadoes

In the wake of the tornadoes that struck eastern Nebraska in April, the Omaha Community Foundation quickly mobilized relief efforts and established the Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund. With the support of fundholders, community partners, and local businesses — including Kiewit — the Omaha Community Foundation raised more than $1 million within the first week to provide immediate relief to victims.

“Our first round of grants went out to community partners within the first seven days,” said Donna Kush, President and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation. “We focused on supporting victims and their immediate needs, from finding temporary housing solutions to clean up efforts.”

As recovery efforts moved from immediate relief to long-term rebuilding, the Omaha Community Foundation established the Tri-County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), a coalition of direct service organizations, government agencies, volunteer groups, and philanthropic partners. The LTRG’s mission is to meet the transitional needs of survivors while planning for long-term resiliency for the families and community. The group coordinated training for Disaster Case Managers, who are helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of FEMA applications, insurance procedures, and long-term housing needs.

One of the group’s early successes was assisting a small business owner working in the construction industry who lost all his tools in the tornado. The group found resources to provide the necessary equipment to help restart his business.

Looking ahead, the Omaha Community Foundation and the LTRG partners are focusing on sustainable recovery.

“Once the cleanup is done and the media attention is gone, that is where the real work starts,” Kush said. “Disaster recovery is a long process, and the Omaha Community Foundation is here to see our neighbors through the entire process of rebuilding.”

The LTRG is committed to supporting Omaha, Elkhorn and Blair, and all affected communities, ensuring that resources are available even after FEMA and insurance companies have fulfilled their roles.

Through these efforts, the Omaha Community Foundation and the LTRG is laying the groundwork for stronger, more resilient communities that can come together and offer solutions in the face of future disasters.