A SHELTER FROM THE STORM

HOPE HARBOR

Frequently Asked Questions

Donations

  • Donations can be dropped off at the Service Center (615 W 1st St) Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM. If these hours do not work for you, please call 308-383-4634 to arrange an alternative drop-off time.

  • No, we do not offer pick-up services or have a donation drop box. Please do not leave donations outside our buildings without staff approval.

  • Yes, we accept small-space furniture (e.g., loveseats, four-person dining tables). We do not accept TVs, shelving units, or large entertainment centers. Drop off furniture Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM, by pulling into the driveway on the west side of the shelter and calling us. For after-hours drop-offs, call 308-383-4634 to make arrangements.

  • Yes. Fill out a donation slip with your name, address, and estimated value, and we will mail/email you a tax receipt. If you do not need a receipt, a slip is not required.

  • We accept items suitable for communal living, including kitchen supplies, bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, food, hygiene items, baby supplies, paper products, and small furniture. We also accept gift cards for essential needs (fuel, bus tickets, haircuts, etc.).

  • We accept new and gently used, clean, and functional items. We cannot accept used hygiene products (e.g., deodorant, lipstick) or expired food.

  • Yes, as long as it is in working condition. Please contact us to arrange the donation.

  • No. All donations are distributed based on need. If you wish to give directly to an individual, you must arrange it privately.

  • Yes. You can arrange automatic withdrawals by contacting our Finance Manager or set up recurring credit/debit card donations on our website.

  • Yes. We accept stocks, real estate, and commodities (e.g., bushels of corn). Stocks are processed through a financial advisor, and commodities are typically sold through Aurora Coop. Contact our Executive Director for real estate donations.

  • Possibly. We provide receipts for all monetary and in-kind donations, but deductibility depends on your tax filing status. Please consult a tax professional.

Volunteering

  • Yes! Complete a volunteer application, available in person or on our website. Opportunities vary based on availability and shelter needs.

  • Yes. Volunteers must be at least 16 for childcare and 19 for other opportunities.

  • Yes. Contact our Operations Manager to schedule a time and discuss available projects

  • Yes. Contact us for more details.

  • Yes. Community service follows the same process as volunteering, but you are responsible for tracking and submitting your required documentation.

  • Yes. Contact our Marketing Coordinator to schedule a presentation.

Shelter   

  • Yes. After applying, a Case Manager will contact you when a room becomes available. If you need immediate shelter, our Emergency Shelter is available.*

    *Emergency Shelter may be full, but check in daily as stays are shorter.

  • Yes, we accept men with spouses and/or children. However, we cannot accommodate single men.

  • Pets and comfort animals are not allowed. Only service animals (dogs or miniature horses) trained to assist with a disability are permitted.

  • No. Storage is limited to what fits comfortably in your assigned room.

  • Single women in the Transitional Shelter will have roommates. Families receive private rooms in both shelters. Single women in the Emergency Shelter share bunk rooms with up to six occupants.

  • No. However, Transitional Shelter residents are required to assist with daily chores and other requirements.

  • No. You will continue receiving your benefits.

  • Contact us for details on eligibility requirements.

  • Yes. While most rooms are on the second floor, we have a limited number of ground-floor rooms. There may be a longer wait for these rooms.

  • Residents must actively work towards self-sufficiency and participate in required activities, including employment, education, and chores.

  • No. Residents must comply with our substance-free policy.

  • Emergency Shelter: Up to 30 days.
    Transitional Shelter: Up to nine months.*

    *With unaffordable/unavailable housing, we understand if a stay is longer than nine months.

  • No.

  • An ID is preferred, but if unavailable, we accept other proof of identity (e.g., mail, Social Security card).

  • Yes.

  • Yes. Employment does not affect eligibility.

  • Yes.

  • Please contact us to discuss specific accommodations.

  • Please contact us to discuss dietary accommodations.

  • Yes. We offer limited transportation to our residents.

  • The Emergency Shelter is for short-term stays, with overnight accommodations from 7 PM to 10 AM. The Transitional Shelter provides longer-term housing with structured case management and self-sufficiency programs.

Community Assistance

  • No, we do not provide financial assistance for rent or utility payments.

  • We distribute food boxes, hygiene products, baby supplies, furniture, and household essentials. Limited transportation assistance may also be available for medical, housing, and immigration appointments.

  • No. Recipients must arrange transportation for any furniture provided.

  • Yes, gas vouchers are available for medical, housing, and immigration appointments. You must present proof of appointment. Please call for more information on eligibility.

  • Yes, we can provide a voucher to cover the cost of a license or state ID if you have the required documentation.

  • Funds for gasoline and bus vouchers are limited. Contact our Service Coordinator to discuss your specific needs.

Funding

  • Yes, we receive funding from Heartland United Way through grants, donor designations, and fundraising such as Go Big Give and the Nebraska State Fair Ice Cream Parlor.

  • Our largest fundraiser, Serving Up Hope, is a dinner and auction event held in winter. We also host Hunting for Hope, a summer scavenger hunt, and participate in Go Big Give. Follow us on social media for event updates.

  • Program expenses can vary every year. Check out our Annual Report to see the most recent financial breakdown.

  • Revenue sources can vary every year. Check out our annual report to the most recent funding breakdown.

  • Yes, we receive Hall County Keno funds and apply annually for Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program grants, which include federal funding. Our annual report details all funding resources.