Successful support of Stephen Center’s clients, programs and operations is dependent upon the generosity of many people who donate time, donate items and donate money.

chef robert and volunteers at stephen center omaha

Make a donation

Help us end homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health concerns in Omaha.

Fund the Mission

Your donation can make a world of difference to those who need it most. By supporting
our homeless shelter, you are directly impacting lives in your community.
Your contribution helps provide:

  • Safe shelter: Offering a warm, safe place for those in need to sleep and rest.
  • Meals & essentials: Supplying nourishing meals, hygiene items, and clothing to
    ensure basic needs are met.
  • Support services: Providing case management services to help individuals
    regain stability and self-sufficiency.

Every dollar counts towards building a stronger, community where no one is left behind.

When you give, you are helping not only to meet immediate needs but also to create lasting change by offering hope, support, and the resources needed for individuals to
rebuild their lives.

Planned Giving

At Stephen Center, we believe in the power of legacy giving to create lasting change for individuals and families in need. Through strategic planned giving, you can support our mission while also achieving financial and tax benefits that align with your personal and philanthropic goals.

Whether through a bequest, trust, or other planned gift, your contribution helps provide sustained funding, ensuring that future generations benefit from the programs and services that are making a difference today. Make your legacy a gift of hope, today and for tomorrow.

Legacy Giving Vehicles

Including a charity in your will is a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy and support causes that matter to you. By naming a charity as a beneficiary, you ensure that your generosity continues to make an impact. If you need assistance setting up your will click here to learn more.

Click Here for Will Information

Naming a charity in your revocable trust is a thoughtful way to ensure your charitable giving continues after you’re gone. With a revocable trust, you maintain control over your assets during your lifetime, while also designating a portion to support a cause close to your heart. By including a charity in your trust, you create a legacy of compassion and generosity, making a difference in the lives of others, today and in the future. Click here to learn more.

Click Here for Trust Information.

Naming a charity as a beneficiary designation is a simple yet powerful way to make a lasting impact. Whether it’s through your life insurance, retirement account, or other financial assets, you can direct a portion of your estate to support the causes that matter most to you. This gift is easy to set up, doesn’t require a will or trust. By naming a charity as a beneficiary, you provide ongoing support to vital programs, creating positive change for future generations. Click here to learn more

Click Here for Beneficiary Information

Tax Friendly Giving Vehicles

Donating to charity through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a smart, flexible way to make an impact while managing your philanthropy. With a DAF, you can contribute funds now and recommend grants to your favorite charities over time. This allows you to take advantage of immediate tax benefits, grow your charitable assets, and have the flexibility to support causes that matter to you at your own pace. It’s an easy, efficient way to make a lasting difference, turning your charitable vision into action today and for years to come. Click here to learn more:

Click Here for More Info

For those over 70 ½ did you know that you can make a meaningful donation to your favorite charity directly from your IRA? By using your IRA to give, you can support the causes that matter most to you while also enjoying valuable tax benefits. When you make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA, your donation counts towards your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and is excluded from your taxable income—helping you reduce your tax liability for the year. Plus, charitable giving through your IRA doesn’t count as taxable income, so you can give generously without affecting your financial situation. Click here to learn more:

Click Here for More Information

Unlock a new way to give back with cryptocurrency! Donating digital
assets is not only a forward-thinking way to support causes close to your heart, but it also offers unique tax benefits. When you donate crypto directly to a charity, you can avoid paying capital gains tax, and in many cases, you can deduct the full value of your donation from your taxable income. Click here to learn more.

Click Here for More Information

Advanced Planned Giving

For donors interested in structured giving vehicles that provide income benefits and tax advantages, there are several options to consider:

A flexible giving option that provides
lifetime income for you or your beneficiaries, with the remainder benefiting Stephen Center. Payments fluctuate based on the trust’s value.

Offers a fixed annual income
based on the initial value of the trust, providing stability for you or your
beneficiaries while ultimately supporting our mission.

Generates income for Stephen Center for a set number of years, after which the remaining assets pass to your heirs, often with significant tax benefits.

A strategy for donors who wish to use
life insurance proceeds to provide for their heirs while making a charitable
impact. An ILIT removes the policy from your taxable estate and can be
structured to include a charitable gift.

Let’s Personalize Your Giving Plan

These giving vehicles offer unique financial and tax advantages based on your situation and philanthropic vision. To explore the best option for you, we invite you to connect
with Chris Knauf at [email protected]. Chris will work with you and
your financial team to ensure your gift aligns with your goals and maximizes its impact.

By planning today, you can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Stephen Center strongly encourages all donors to consult with their legal, tax, or financial advisors before making any charitable giving decisions

stocking pantry shelves at stephen center omaha
mom and child going through donated clothing

Stock the Shelves

We gratefully accept both new and gently used items to help meet the ever-changing needs of our shelter. These donations play a vital role in providing essential items and
comfort to those we serve.

Please know that even the smallest donations make an extraordinary difference. The gratitude of our clients, especially when they receive something as simple as a fresh pair of socks or shoes, is immeasurable. Your kindness truly impacts lives and brings hope to those in need.

Hours
10am–6:00pm (Mon–Fri)
Noon–4:00pm (Sat/Sun)

Location
South side of the 2723 Q Street building

Needs Lists

• Client Needs• Operational Items• Household Items

• Amazon Wishlist

Note on Furniture Donations

Please note that Stephen Center no longer accepts furniture.

If you have a furniture donation, please call us to learn about our partnership with the Furniture Project and the Goodwill.

Check for Updates

As the needs of the shelter fluctuate with the seasons, we encourage you to check our social media accounts or refer to the list below for up-to-date information on specific items, sizes, and supplies we currently need.

volunteer serving meal at stephen center omaha

Lend a Hand

Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Stephen Center. Their invaluable time and talents support our dedicated full- and part-time staff, helping us fulfill our mission every day.

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, ranging from campus painting and lunch service to campus clean-up and more. We also offer
internship or practicum opportunities as well. You can see the full list of options below.

If you’re interested in making a meaningful impact, we invite you to reach out and learn more about how you can volunteer your time at Stephen Center. Your involvement helps us continue to serve those in need, and we would be honored to have you join our community of volunteers.

Steps to Volunteer

Individual application to volunteer apply here:
Individual Volunteer Application

Group volunteer application apply here:
Group Volunteer Application

Court ordered:
Court Ordered Application

Internship or Practicum
Internship Application

List of Opportunities

  • Receptionist, Answering phones, Office assistance
  • Donations Assistant
  • Food, Clothing or Supplies Drive
  • Food Pantry Organizer
  • Front Door Host
  • Kitchen Cleaning
  • Life Skills Development
  • Meal Preparation and meal service
  • Overnight Guest Services
  • 12-Step Group Leaders
  • Emergency Shelter Office
  • Laundry attendant

Guild

The Stephen Center Guild was established in 1991 by Bunnie Kizer and Margaret Johnson (originally called “Stephen Center Sponsors”). Guild members can serve in the following ways:

  • General membership (No volunteer hours required)
  • Volunteering at special holiday events like Cookies and Cocoa with Santa for Stephen Center’s kids
  • Serving meals to residents
  • Reading to children
  • Collecting important Welcome bag items for the shelter
  • Planning the annual fundraiser for Stephen Center

For more information please send an email to [email protected], or contact us by phone at (402)715-5476.

Current Volunteers