President of the Board Letter from

It is incredible to look back and see what has changed in this past year. In July of 2021, we were just beginning to reopen the senior center after the pandemic restrictions kept residents separated. New staff hit the ground running and hot lunches, programs, and excursions were available like before. It wasn’t long before participation in these programs began to reach new highs. In July, participation in programming began at 76 participants per month. Now, 300-400 seniors participate in programs each month.

This past year has also brought along a housing crisis, with rent being an average of $950 a month. Many people, especially seniors, cannot afford that. In fact, there is a need of 80,000 affordable units to meet the demand.

It is difficult for anyone to find an affordable home, with the City Council noting that there is a gap, and Omaha is 10,000 homes behind what residents need. Additionally, the homeless shelters are full. Omaha’s Salvation Army reported a waiting list of 100+ people for homeless housing.

When a senior is able to move into Notre Dame Housing, housing opens up for others. If this resident was a homeowner, his or her home can go on the market for someone who needs one.

Similarly, if they were formerly homeless, a bed at a shelter opens up.

Finding a long-term home for a senior impacts the entire community. Overall success for the community comes when people are able to age in place longer. Residents at NDH spend 15 times less, on average, than someone at an Assisted Living facility. Residents who live long-term at NDH have a home within a community of 125 neighbors, on-site programming, service coordination, hair care, exercise equipment, a hot lunch, and transportation opportunities to stores and on excursions.

The needs of seniors are changing, and we try to constantly understand what those needs are. When residents talk, we listen. We opened a hair salon so residents do not need to make appointments off campus to have their hair cut and cared for. This is crucial in inclement weather or for those with mobility issues and lack of transportation. Additionally, we are on track to open the new Enrichment Center soon. Last year we had the drawings finalized and are excited about what is to come. This new space will allow residents to enjoy more programs, as we will be able to offer different programs at once.

I am honored to see how many people on staff, volunteers, residents, programming partners, and donors have come together to keep NDH uniquely at the forefront of serving low-income seniors in Omaha. I look forward to seeing what the next 25 years brings.

Sincerely,

Scott Bear, President of the Board of Directors

Mission

To provide service-enriched affordable housing, fostering independence and dignity.

Vision

To create a community that provides older adults with the resources to maintain a safe, comfortable and self-sufficient lifestyle.

Purpose

To provide service-enriched affordable housing to low-to-moderate income seniors.