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Help for Youth and Young Adults in Nebraska

Help for youth and young adults in Nebraska: the National Runaway Safeline, youth shelters in Omaha and Lincoln, Bridge to Independence and school rights for students without a home.

Need help tonight?

911Danger or emergency right now 988Call or text. Crisis or thinking about suicide. 24 hours 211Shelter, food, bills, anything else 1 800 799 7233Someone hurting you at home. Text START to 88788

Start here

Hi friend. If you're young and don't have a safe place to stay, you are not alone, and it is okay to ask for help. These places help young people every day.

Call or text 1 800 786 2929

Quick answers

Can I text someone if I ran away or want to?

Yes. Text or call the National Runaway Safeline at 1 800 786 2929, any time. It is free and private for ages 12 to 24.

Official page: 1800runaway.org/get-help

I'm a teen and need a safe place tonight in Lincoln.

CEDARS Pioneers Center is a youth emergency shelter for ages 12 to 18, open 24 hours a day, every day. Call CEDARS at 402 434 5437.

Official page: cedarskids.org/who-we-help/kids-unable-live-home

Can I stay in school if we lose our home?

Yes. Under the McKinney Vento Act, students who are homeless have the right to the same free public school as other students. Staying with friends or family because you lost your home can count. Ask your district's homeless liaison.

Official page: education.ne.gov/federalprograms/title-vii-b

Who can get Bridge to Independence?

Young adults 19 to 21 who aged out of foster care. You need to be in school, working at least 80 hours a month, or in a job readiness activity, unless you have a medical reason.

Official page: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/B2I-Eligibility.aspx

Your next steps

Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.

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If you're not safe, call 911.
Call or text 1 800 786 2929.
Tell your school's homeless liaison what is going on.
Keep your ID and school papers with you.

All done. You are ready, friend.

Bunkly tip: you can ask for help without being in trouble. These lines are private, and they listen first.

Who to call in Nebraska

Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.

Youth crisis line

National Runaway Safeline

Free, private support for ages 12 to 24 who are in crisis or away from home. Call, text, chat or email.

Call 800 786 2929 Visit website

Official page: 1800runaway.org/get-help

Omaha, 25 and under

Youth Emergency Services (YES)

Housing and services for young people. The drop in center has hot meals, showers, laundry and a food pantry. 24 hour Safe Place line.

Call 402 578 7233 Visit website

Official page: yesomaha.org/contact

Lincoln youth shelter

CEDARS Youth Services

Runs Pioneers Center, a youth emergency shelter for ages 12 to 18, open 24 hours, plus a Youth Outreach Center.

Call 402 434 5437 Visit website

Official page: cedarskids.org/who-we-help/kids-unable-live-home

Former foster youth

Bridge to Independence (b2i), Nebraska DHHS

A free choice program for young adults 19 to 21 who aged out of foster care, with a monthly payment and a coordinator.

Call 402 471 3121 Visit website

Official page: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/B2I-Get-Started.aspx

Starting point

Nebraska Connected Youth (Nebraska Children and Families Foundation)

Central Navigation is the starting point for young people and their families to reach local services. It is one place to get help with housing, food, health care and other basic needs. You only share your story once. This is the Lincoln office.

Call 402 476 9401 Visit website

Official page: neconnectedyouth.org/support-for-young-people/central-navigation.html

School rights