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A Path Out of Poverty Image

A Path Out of Poverty

We offer short- and long-term solutions to help overcome this persistent problem.

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Poverty Hides in Plain Sight

More than 16 percent of Kearney residents live below the federal poverty level.

Many of these individuals and families don’t earn enough to cover basic expenses like food, rent and utilities without support. Others are one car repair or one unexpected medical expense away from a crisis.  

How We Help Overcome Poverty

Rent and Utility Assistance
Often the largest bills each month are for rent and utilities. Getting help with a daunting bill payment even just once can turn the tide and help an individual or family reach financial stability again. 

No one should have to choose between heating their home during the frigid winter months and putting food on the table, and yet, sadly, many are forced to make that very choice. That's why we are grateful to work with Black Hills Energy to offer utility assistance via HeatShare funds. Learn more about Heatshare.

Each year we help more than 450 individuals with rent assistance and nearly 800 individuals with utility assistance. Families and individuals are eligible for rent and utility assistance once every 12 months. 

Fuel Assistance and Bus Tickets
Having to travel beyond Kearney to attend doctor's appointments can rapidly increase fuel costs for families and individuals. Each year we provide nearly 300 individuals and families with gasoline assistance so they can afford to travel to get the medical care they need. 

We also provide bus tickets to those who need to travel for an out-of-town funeral or other family emergencies. 

Christmas Assistance
The holidays can put an even greater strain on an already-tight budget. We ensure that Christmas is bright and worry-free for families by providing food baskets and toys through our Angel Tree program.

Food Pantry
Because hunger is one of the most harmful effects of poverty, we offer a food pantry to help individuals and families close the gap each month. Learn more.

Pathway of Hope
The goal of Pathway of Hope is to guide families with children 18 years and younger through crisis and instability to a place of security in order to ultimately break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. We offer strengths-based casework, providing services such as:

  • financial counseling and planning
  • goal setting with manageable action steps
  • job training, referrals and employment assistance
  • assistance with securing housing and child care
  • emotional and spiritual support

Pathway of Hope works with people where they are, offering practical guidance to help families overcome obstacles and achieve their big-picture goals.

Other Ways We Meet Needs