Omaha continues to face challenges related to homelessness, but meaningful progress is being made. Under the leadership of Mayor John Ewing Jr, the city is working with local outreach agencies, law enforcement, and faith-based organizations to develop programs that emphasize self-sufficiency, accountability, and responsible community engagement. These coordinated efforts aim not only to provide immediate relief, but also to empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
Law enforcement, community coordinators, and churches have stepped forward to collaborate in creating pathways out of homelessness. While some enforcement measures—such as those implemented by Sheriff Hanson—may seem strict, they are designed to complement outreach efforts by ensuring safety and encouraging individuals to engage with available resources. From a community outreach perspective, these measures provide structure that supports real progress and accountability.
Nonprofit initiatives like Table Grace Cafe exemplify innovative community support. Operating on a model that combines charitable meals with sweat equity, Table Grace Cafe not only feeds those in need but also teaches transferable skills through its work programs. Participants can earn financial incentives when funding allows, gaining experience and confidence while contributing to the community. Programs like this demonstrate how sustainable support empowers individuals to take charge of their circumstances and eventually give back.
While city and nonprofit programs exist, accessing resources can still be challenging. This page serves as a **centralized hub** to help navigate the array of services—from housing and employment opportunities to training and community engagement—making it easier for those seeking support to connect with the help they need and take actionable steps toward self-reliance.
Much of the philosophy guiding this outreach is rooted in the wisdom of Omaha’s Indigenous communities—leaders and elders who have shown me and my wife, even while we were homeless, that we are seen, heard, and valued. Their teachings emphasize respect, accountability, and the importance of supporting one another while taking responsibility for personal growth. These principles inform the Omaha Resources page: it is not merely a directory of services, but a platform inspired by the idea that lasting change comes from honoring community, fostering self-sufficiency, and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully. In the spirit of the guardians who came before us, this initiative seeks to lift voices, strengthen opportunities, and create a city where everyone willing to act has the tools to succeed.
One can argue endlessly about what’s right, but the facts speak for themselves. Inspired by the life and legacy of the late Eric "Grimm" Hillesland, a steadfast advocate for the homeless and at-risk youth, I witnessed firsthand that real opportunities aren’t simply handed to you. Some must be sought and earned. Others must be created from scratch, leaving behind comfort, addiction, and circumstances that hold many back. Grimm’s work outside of Omaha’s Together Inc. exemplified this principle, offering guidance, mentorship, and tools to those often ignored by traditional systems. His commitment transformed lives, creating leaders from the outcasts and forgotten members of our community.
Grimm’s efforts remind us that no one else can do the work for you. Even the most well-meaning assistance cannot replace personal responsibility. The homeless and at-risk communities face real challenges—addiction, mental illness, and past mistakes—that demand courage and determination to overcome. Grimm believed deeply in empowering individuals to take control of their own lives, providing not just resources, but the wisdom and support to use them effectively.
Homelessness is far more than a lack of shelter—it is a complex web of circumstances that require proactive solutions and personal initiative. Through his leadership and spirit, Together Inc. continues to provide the resources, mentorship, and pathways for change that Grimm championed. Those willing to rise to the challenge can find the tools they need; those unwilling cannot be handed freedom. His legacy reminds us that true community leadership can thrive in the most unexpected places, and that profound impact often comes from those working quietly, yet relentlessly, behind the scenes.
To honor Grimm’s ongoing influence and learn more about his work in the community, please visit the Facebook page: Old School Market Rats and Midtown Kids and his personal Facebook Page.
For more on the mission he so deeply believed in, see Together Inc. (2024).
Meet Aaron & Tina, two resilient individuals who transformed their lives right here in our city. Once struggling with homelessness, they connected with local agencies that empowered them not just to survive, but to thrive. Curious how they did it?
Like any metropolitan area, Omaha has faced its share of challenges, yet our city’s story is one of continuous growth—economically, corporately, and politically. The landscape is evolving rapidly, and the opportunities for those willing to engage, adapt, and lead are greater than ever.
Are you ready to step in? You can forge your own path, contribute meaningfully to your neighborhood, or rally behind a neighbor and support their journey. Every effort counts in shaping the future of our community. We’ve walked this path ourselves, and whether you take the lead or cheer from the sidelines, there’s room for everyone to be part of Omaha’s next chapter.
The city keeps moving, and so should we. What awaits around the next bend in Omaha’s trail? Only those who take the journey will find out.
Too often, individuals experiencing homelessness or employment challenges are met with indifference. This platform seeks to change that by providing accessible, practical resources for those who may feel overlooked or unsupported. Our goal is to connect people with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges and to demonstrate that help is available when it’s needed most.
Some content within our resource library may be intended for mature audiences. We cannot guarantee that all external links are work-appropriate or that personal information submitted on outside sites will remain private. Users are encouraged to adhere to employer policies and exercise discretion when engaging with external resources.
This initiative is led by Aaron J. Wisti and Tina Wisti, both of whom have overcome homelessness and are deeply connected to Omaha’s community. Through decades of experience and dedication, they have curated a centralized hub of resources designed to help individuals navigate challenging circumstances with confidence and clarity.
Engage with community leaders in respectful dialogue. Share your skills, insights, and vision for a stronger, more resilient community. When disagreements arise, consider multiple perspectives and seek solutions that benefit the community as a whole. Together, we can build a future we can all be proud of.
Our online outreach bridges gaps by offering resources tailored to the diverse needs of Omaha’s neighborhoods. We provide guidance, ideas, and information designed to promote constructive action and positive community impact.
Have suggestions or ideas to share? Email us, or leave a message at 402-522-6708. Your input matters.
In underserved areas, calls for help are often misunderstood or overlooked. Our mission is to provide tangible solutions that empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities—whether through caregiving, volunteerism, or community improvement initiatives.
As stewards of this platform, we aim to create a space that educates, empowers, and supports. We continuously adapt and expand our offerings to meet the evolving needs of the community, ensuring that our site remains a reliable, accessible resource. Our mission is to share the lessons, tools, and opportunities that have shaped our lives—inviting all members of Omaha and beyond to engage, explore, and grow alongside us. We are part of this community too, and we welcome connection, collaboration, and conversation from anyone looking to make a positive impact.
These Are A Few Resources We've Found Useful
Discover a wide range of resources encompassing tech support, web design, development, graphic design, and curated links tailored for business and technology enthusiasts, complemented by engaging music-related content.
Discover Omaha’s local businesses and organizations that are dedicated to quality, integrity, and service. These enterprises reflect the city’s tradition of craftsmanship, innovation, and personal connection, standing apart from mass-produced alternatives.
By exploring Omaha’s diverse business districts, you will find unique opportunities and hidden strengths that not only enrich individual lives but also drive the continued growth and resilience of our community.
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For details regarding community outreach initiatives and my role as an independently ordained minister, please review the Professional Disclosure Statement: https://resume.adifferentpath.org/explanation.html
This disclosure is provided in the interest of transparency and professional integrity. It defines the scope of independent outreach, community engagement, and advisory work in alignment with applicable Nebraska state guidelines on online content. The information presented is for general understanding and does not constitute legal advice. For legal matters, please consult a licensed attorney or your local bar association.
To learn more about my ministerial services with the Universal Life Church, please visit my official profile in the
Find A Minister directory.
These resources reflect over 30 years of community awareness and lived experience in Omaha, Nebraska—a city known less for soft handouts and more for its grit, resilience, and demand for personal accountability. Omaha challenged me to rise above dependency, to think beyond convention, to earn my place, and ultimately to give back. My mission is to extend that same spirit: empowering others to find opportunity, pursue growth, and reinvest their success into the community that shaped them.
Special acknowledgment is extended to James “Kriket” Spowart for his indispensable contributions to this initiative. His dual proficiency in tech—covering both software support and hardware troubleshooting—was essential in bringing this platform to reality. Equally impressive is his knowledge of Council Bluffs, Iowa, drawn from years of volunteer service with local nonprofit agencies. This combination of technical excellence and community dedication positions Mr. Spowart as an exceptional candidate for gainful employment in any organization.
If you are an employer or organization seeking a tech-savvy and community-centered professional, please consider James Spowart for opportunities where his skills and values can continue to make a significant impact.
