General

Making a difference in the community

At times, the line nearly wrapped around the building.  

Hundreds of people queued outside Ralston’s Liberty First Credit Union Arena recently, waiting for their turn to enter a Community Resource Fair hosted by Omaha Public Power District and the Metropolitan Utilities District. 

By the end of the day, roughly 1,500 people had visited the event, which provided assistance and information from about 30 participating organizations, including United Way of the Midlands, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and United HealthCare. 

The event was supported by a recent $6 million contribution from Google, $500,000 of which went to the resource fair. That contribution will help support weatherization and energy efficiency programs, as well as workforce development, community projects focused on resiliency, and direct support for individuals and families experiencing high energy burden.  

Making a difference 

Jerryce Mattox was one of many OPPD employees who volunteered to work that the resource fair. 

“When I arrived at the event, I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing: The line almost wrapped around the building, and the doors hadn’t even opened yet,” said Mattox, manager, Contract Administration, whose job that day was to hand out pre-registration forms to customers waiting in line. 

“Being outside gave me a chance to talk with people and really see the impact of the event firsthand,” she said. “I heard excitement from people who were hopeful about getting assistance. I also heard some frustration from those facing long wait times. But what stood out to me the most was that people stayed. They were willing to wait because they knew help was available.” 

The resource fair was more than just an event, Mattox said. “It was a reminder that sometimes something as simple as showing up, listening and helping connect people to resources can make a real difference. … It reminded me just how proud I am to be an OPPD employee.” 

A growing need 

The crowd was illustrative of the need that exists in area communities. An unexpected event — a hospital stay, the loss of a job, or a home or car repair, for example — can quickly become financial crisis for those living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes, just a small bit of assistance can make all the difference.  

Attendance was roughly double what OPPD initially expected, said Britton Gabel, manager of Advocacy Solutions for the utility. 

“The OPPD Community Resource Fair was a great reminder of what makes our community strong,” Gabel said. “By bringing together local organizations, resources, and neighbors, we’re helping connect people with the support and opportunities they need to thrive.” 

Plenty of help 

Volunteers stayed busy, guiding visitors to organizations providing a wealth of support and information.  

One OPPD customer who received assistance with her bill said the event’s format was helpful. 

“I really appreciate events like this being offered. It’s nice to have the chance to talk with representatives in person and get help in Spanish, this makes everything easier,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who took the time to organize this event and bring these organizations together. It really makes a difference for people and families who need support.” 

Akeyla Conner was also among the OPPD employees who volunteered to work the event.  

“What stays with me most is one customer who came back to thank me for treating them with dignity, even though they needed help. That stopped me. It hadn’t occurred to me that anyone would expect less,” said Conner, program manager, Business Unit Planning.  

“Every person who walked through the door left with help,” she said. “So much of my daily work happens behind the scenes, and that moment reminded me exactly who it’s for. That’s what public power means to me. We serve people, not accounts, and that drives the work I do every day.” 

Ongoing assistance

All funds made available for the event from the Google partnership have been exhausted, Gabel said. But other sources of help are available. 

OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program provides utility bill assistance to help cover the customers’ energy needs during emergency situations, giving eligible households a little breathing room when money is tight. 

The utility’s Energy Efficiency Assistance Program can help customers lower their bills and reduce their overall energy use by helping them make their homes more energy efficient.  

For more information on those programs and other forms of assistance, visit OPPD’s assistance programs page. 

In addition, the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, makes financial assistance available year-round to qualifying low-income households with immediate energy needs.  

Participating partners

In addition to OPPD and M.U.D, other participating partners included: United Way of the Midlands, the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, United HealthCare, Habitat for Humanity Omaha, Douglas County General Assistance, Dollar Energy Fund, Family Housing Advisory Services, Latino Center, and the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment; 

Metro Community College, Omaha Bridges, Omaha Public Library (South Omaha Branch), Credit Advisors Foundation, American Red Cross, Bridge Family Network, Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, Generation Diamond, Heartland Hope Mission, Lift Up Sarpy County; 

All Communities Outreach Services, Molina, Project Intentional, Restoring Dignity, Salvation Army, HomeWoven, Southeast Nebraska Community Action, and United Way 2-1-1.