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Published by Lincoln Housing Authority 402-434-5500 www.L-Housing.comMARCH 2021Sok finds herself,reaches goalsDedication and persistence define how HosannaSok was able to use the Family Self-Sufficiency(FSS) program to achieve her goals.Sok completed the program in December2020 when she earned her bachelor’s degree innursing. She has worked as a Lincoln PublicSchools treatment nurse since last July.“I love it,” she said. “I knew I wantedto work with kids.”Sok hopes to eventually become aschool nurse.“I’m looking at all the schools tosee which one might be the right fitfor me,” she said. “I want to get allmy experience first, start from thebottom and work my way up.”Sok appreciates the LHA program and support of FSS CoordinatorAmy Wagner for helping her focus onher goals.“The program helped me see mylong-term goals and envision howto get there step by step,” she said.“I knew I had to get my degree because I wanted to help my familyand myself. I needed to get thisdegree so I could have a betterpaying job and find somewhere Ilove to work — and I found it!”Now, Sok is better ableto provide for herself and herdaughters, Lily, 9, and Stella, 9months.“I highly recommend LHA tenantsto go through the FSS program if they’rejust stuck in a rut or don’t have the finances to go to school,” she said.HosannaSok and herdaughters, Lily,9 and Stella, 9monthss theWhat i elfSFamily cyenSufficim?prograge 2See pa
Currently working on their 27th collaborative project,Lincoln Housing Authority and Lincoln Northeast HighSchool continue to build homes for families and foster potential careers for Northeast’s residential construction students,who gain hands-on experience throughout the school year.This year’s project at 2286 Y St. is a three-bedroom,two-bath home with a two-car detached garage. While offto a slower start, students have been working hard to get thehome ready by the end of the school year.“The students have done a good job,” said Bob Freese,a Northeast High School teacher. “The students are here onthe job site every day working.”Students complete the framing, drywall, trim, painting,cabinetry and other projects under Freese’s supervision.Licensed contractors perform the electrical and plumbingwork.For high school seniors such as Edgar Pompa, the experience may provide insight into their future.“After college, I want to go into construction,” he said.“I don’t know for what though.”Lathan Zabel paints at the new home built by students.Students from Northeast High School help build a home for a family in need.Other students simply enjoy the hands-on instruction.“I like learning how to build a house,” said Lathan Zabel,a Northeast junior. “Thebest part was putting upthe roof.”Once the house iscompleted this summer,it will be sold to an el- The home at 2286 Y St. will be sold to anigible family involved eligible family through LHA’s lease-to-ownwith LHA. The price has program.not been set, but interested LHA families candetermine their eligibilityto purchase the house ortake advantage of a leaseto-purchase contract bycontacting Susan Tatum atSusanT@L-housing. com.Applicants are encouraged Northeast High School students completeto take homeownership framework of the home last semester.preparation classes through NeighborWorks at nwlincoln.org/apply-to-take-a-class.What is the Family Self-Sufficiency program?If you need help creating an emergency fund, paying off debt, becominga homeowner or earning a degree, theFamily Self-Sufficiency (FSS) programcan help you take steps toward yourgoals.Typically, when you or someonein your household earns more money,rent goes up. That can make it difficult,but with FSS, your rent increase isdeposited into a FSS savings account2 LHA Todayinstead. Over time, your savings amountincreases while you receive one-on-onesupport and coaching.FSS is a voluntary, no cost program that can last up to five years. Youwon’t lose your housing assistance byparticipating.Once you graduate, you can useyour savings however you want.For more information on FSS andto see a video explaining the program,newsletters and more, visit L-housing.com/FamilySelfSufficiency.html. LHAalso has a Facebook page, whichcan be found by searching “LincolnHousing Authority Family SelfSufficiency,” with resources and moreinformation.To apply for FSS, contact Courtneyat Courtney@L-housing.com, 402-4345529, or Amy Wagner, AWagner@Lhousing.com, 402-434-5527.
Little Free Pantries can helpAround Lincoln, Little Free Pantries have beenpopping up to help those who need a some extrahelp with groceries.These weather-resistant boxes located in frontyards and along sidewalks are open at all hours.Food and other goods are available to those in needLocations:Antelope Park: 2826 Garfield St.Belmont: 1159 Knox St. 201 Mormon TrailClinton: 2222 Y St. 3202 Y St.Everett: 7th & D streets, F StreetCommunity Center lotHartley: 29th & W streetsHawley: 23rd & P streetsMeadowlane: 1015 Lancaster LaneMid Lincoln: 4102 Calvert St.Near South: 1450 Rose St. 1800 C St. 1609 S. 26th St.Northeast Lincoln: 5136 Benton St.Norwood Park: 4949 N. 73rd St.inside the pantries.Anyone can help stock the pantries with items.The motto is, “Take what you need. Donate whatyou can.”For more information and updated locations,visit: www.facebook.com/LittleFreePantriesLNK.South Lincoln: 5750 S. 40th St.South Salt Creek: 7th & D Street, CooperPark 2116 S. 8th St.West A: 1245 S. Folsom St. 2141 W. Plum St.Witherbee: 380 S. 44th St. 612 S. 42nd St. 4115 Lenox Ave.Woods Park: 3234 C St. 2408 J St.40th & A: 1120 S. 40th St.Free food availableThe Food Bank of Lincoln offers a variety of distribution locations and times. To meet the needsof the community and ensure everyone’s safety, distributions are drivethru style. Participants should weara mask and clear trunks and trunkbeds to allow volunteers and staff toplace the food into the vehicle.Dates, times and locations aresubject to change. To see a current, updated schedule, visit -schedule. Formore information, visit lincolnfoodbank.org, facebook.com/FoodBankofLincoln or call402-466-8170.Clinic offers low-cost mental health counselingAre you looking to improve your mental, behavioral or emotional health through counseling? The University of NebraskaLincoln’s Counseling and School Psychology Clinic (CSPC)offers low-cost, sliding scale mental health counseling.Student therapists, supervised by licensed psychologists, provide therapy to children, adolescents and adultclients during regular business hours and Mondayevenings. Currently, all sessions are being conductedover Zoom to ensure the safety of everyone involved.Individual counseling is offered to improve well-being,elevate mood, manage stress and improve life adjustmentissues.CSPC offers counseling sensitive to race, ethnicity,gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic statusand religion.For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 402-472-1152 or visit the GettingStarted tab at cehs.unl.edu/edpsych/clinic.LHA Today 3
Free tax preparation services offered virtuallyAs the countdown to the April 15, 2021, tax deadlineapproaches, consider using free community tax preparationservices through the Lincoln EITC Coalition’s VolunteerIncome Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA offers nocost federal- and state-tax preparation and filing for low- tomoderate-income households. This year, all services will beoffered virtually only.Tax clients will need an email account and access to asmartphone or computer with internet access to schedule anappointment at vita.unl.edu/signup. Tax clients will receive asecured link to upload required forms and documents sevendays before the appointment.For more information about VITA, call 211, visit lincolnvitacoalition.unl.edu, or call Lincoln City Libraries at 402441-8500. Note: The scope of work that can be done withinthe VITA site is defined by the Internal Revenue Service. Ifyour return is considered “out of scope” for this site, VITAvolunteers will not be able to prepare your return.This is a virtual tax preparation program. Site locationsare for scheduling purposes only. Clients should not go tothese physical locations. No tax preparers will be at thesesites. All tax preparation will occur remotely. Visit vita.unl.edu/signup for instructions.To have your taxes prepared virtually, you will need to upload: Intake and Interview Sheet (13614C). Virtual Authorization (14446). Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer IdentificationNumber (ITIN) letters for everyone who will be includedon the return. Photo ID for all tax return signers (Both spouses mustsign if filing jointly). W-2s for wages, W-2Gs for gambling income. 1099s for interest, dividends, unemployment, state tax refunds, pension or 401(k) distributions, and other income. Child care receipts, including provider’s tax ID, phonenumber and address. Statements of any student loan interest, mortgage interestand property tax.Free virtual community tax preparation2020 federal and Nebraska state returnsVolunteerIncomeCommunityTax AssistanceTax(VITA)site scheduleFREE signup2020 Federal and Nebraska State ReturnsVolunteerIncomeTax Assistance(VITA) Site ScheduleWhen schedulingyourtax preparationappointment,please choose a siteSchedulean appointmentat https://vita.unl.edu/signup/locationand date.All appointmentswill be completed virtually.When scheduling your tax preparation appointment, please choose a site location and date.All appointments will be completed virtually.TuesdayMONDAYTUESDAYSite nameSITE NAMECenter Collegefor People inSoutheast CommunityNeedFeb 2 – Mar 23F Street Community CenterFeb 2 – Apr 6F Street CommunityCenterWednesdayAsian CommunityAsian Community& Cultural Center& Cultural CenterLincoln City LibrariesTHURSDAYSUNDAYSundayFeb. 3-April 7Feb 3 – Apr 7Feb 3 – Apr 7Asian Community& Cultural CenterAsian Community& Cultural CenterFeb 4 – Apr 8Lincoln City LibrariesFeb 18 – Apr 8Southeast Community CollegeFeb 4 – Apr 8Lincoln City LibrariesSoutheast CommunityCollegeFRIDAYSaturdayFeb. 2-April 6Lincoln City LibrariesLincoln City LibrariesFridaySATURDAYFeb. 2-March 23Feb 1 – Mar 1Center for People in NeedWEDNESDAYThursdayDates availableDATES AVAILABLELincoln City LibrariesFeb. 3-April 7Feb. 3-April 8Feb. 3-April 8Feb. 4-April 8Feb 4 – Apr 8No VITA sites openFeb. 4-April 8No VITA sites openNebraska UnionsJan 30 – Mar 6Lincoln City LibrariesLincoln City LibrariesFeb 20 – Apr 3Lincoln City LibrariesFeb 7 – Mar 14Lincoln City LibrariesFeb. 20-April 3Feb. 7-March 14AllAlltaxbe uploadedsevendays priorto schedtaxdocumentsdocuments areareto betouploaded7 days priorto scheduledappointment.uled ALLappointment.All return taxwillREMOTELY.be completedRETURN TAX PREPARATIONBE preparationWILL COMPLETEDremotely. Notaxreturnreturnpreparerswillbe at scheduledsitesNo taxpreparerswill be atscheduledsites.ENGAGINGNEBRASKA Serve. Learn. Lead. 1095s showing credible health insurance coverage.Records of revenue and expenses for self-employment orhome-based business.Checking or savings account information for direct deposit/direct debit.Last year’s tax return – required for MyFreeTaxesself-preparation.About the Earned Income Tax CreditEarned Income Tax Credit is a taxbenefit for working people who earnlower or moderate incomes. The creditencourages employment while offsettingtaxes, supplements and low wages.If you qualify, the tax credit lowersthe taxes you are required to pay. It alsois refundable, which means that if thecredit is more than what you owe, you4getLHAtheTodaymoney back in your tax refund.To be eligible: You must work and earn incomethrough wages, salary, tips, employer-based disability, self-employmentincome, military pay or union-strikebenefits. You must not make over a certainamount of money, which you canenter into the free estimator (www.eitcoutreach.org/help). You must have Social Security numbers that permit work for you, yourspouse and any children claimed onyour tax return.To claim the EITC, workers withchildren must file either form 1040 or1040A and submit the Schedule EIC.Workers without children can file anytax form, including Form 1040EZ, anddo not need to complete Schedule EIC.
Lincoln Literacyoffers classesLincoln Literacy works to strengthen thecommunity by offering to people of all culturesEnglish classes, reading-writing workshops andother prep classes, including: Citizen prep class GED prep class Job prep class Health literacy Computer literacy Helping your children learn at home remotely Financial literacy Teacher prep program Para-educator prep class Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) prepFor more information or to register, visitlincolnliteracy.org or call 402-476-7323.CNA prep class available torefugees, immigrantsLincoln Literacy and the Bryan College of HealthSciences are offering a program for refugees and immigrantsto become certified nursing assistants. With funding fromthe Community Health Endowment of Lincoln, the programprovides qualifying students with scholarships for tuition, laband book costs. After completing accredited classes at Bryanand passing the state exam, students become certified CNAs.CNA prep classes occur in the spring and fall. Entry iscompetitive, and only eight students will be admitted eachsession. Those interested should have: Good oral and written English. Green card, U.S. citizenship or similar work authorization. Be willing to commit to a two-hour Monday morningclass and full day Bryan college class after. Be able to study at least 10 hours per week outside ofclass. Sincere interest in working as a CNA after completion.Community resources found on MyLinkThe mobile phone app, MyLink (formerly MyLNK),allows users to find community resources and servicesanonymously from nearly 500 organizations and 1,000 programs inLincoln. The app is free, easy to useand updated regularly with accurateinformation. Resources are providedfor children and families, victims ofdomestic violence, employment,education, food, housing, transportation, COVID-19 and more.The app can be downloaded for Android andApple phones. Once downloaded, it doesn’t require an internet connection or data plan to lookup information within the app.The app is now available in Arabic, English,Somali, Spanish andVietnamese, as well as thewebsite www.mylnk.app.LHA Today 5
Reading MattersLincoln City Libraries has wealth of servicesWith eight branch locations throughout town, Lincoln City Libraries is free to residents to borrow books, audiobooks,movies and more. The libraries have a variety of programs to help everyone cure their winter boredom.Books by mailFor those elderly or disabled who can’tmake it to the library to pick out items, thelibrary provides a Home Outreach by Mailservice. The service is available to thosewho are temporarily or permanently unable to leavetheir home due to disability or recent surgery. Librarystaff work with individuals to find items of interest, whichare mailed to them. These items can include books,books on CD, DVDs or large print books. The itemsare mailed free of charge and return postage also isprovided. Once they are returned, more items can bemailed out. The service is free to anyone who qualifies.To sign up or inquire, call 402-441-8537.Storytime-To-Go kitsStorytime-To-Go kits are takehome reading and activity kits forchildren ages 3 to 7. The kits contain five books, a beginning andending story, a rhyming activityand a list of theme-related books.Kits can be requested by callinga library branch or filling out theform at -form.Binge BoxesTeen Treasure TrovesTeens can request the types ofbooks they want to receive throughan online form at lincolnlibraries.org/teens/teen-treasure-troves. Staffprepare a bundle of books and add puzzles or crafts.Each Binge Box contains four tosix movies for those who love movies! Themed Binge Boxes such asDisney classics, Classic Monsters,Classic Western and more. Searchthe online catalog using the keyword “binge box.”2021-2022 LPS kindergarten registrationIf your child will be age 5 onor before July 31, you need to register for kindergarten. Go to lps.org and look for the KindergartenRegistration link beneath the redtab labeled Enroll. To guaranteefamilies receive important schoolinformation, registration should becompleted by March 31.For parents who are unable toregister online, contact the schoolin your attendance area. During registration, the paperwork necessaryfor enrollment in Lincoln PublicSchools will be completed. Thechild does not need to be present.Families who wish to have theirchild enroll at an LPS school outsideof their attendance area should fill6 LHA Todayout a Special Attendance Permit,which is available at any school oron the LPS website.Questions about kindergartenregistration should be directed tothe school your child will attend.Documents needed at registration: Certified birth certificate Current immunization recordDocuments needed before firstday of school: Health history form Proof of dental exam card Physical examination requirements form Report of vision evaluationform Medical statement for studentsrequiring special meals form
COVID-19 vaccination registration availableIf you d like to register for the COVID-19vaccination, you can visit app.lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/vaccine.htm. The form is availablein English and Spanish.Those who do not have online access orneed assistance may call the Lincoln-LancasterCounty Health Department’s COVID-19hotline at 402-441-8006 from 8 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday to register. Family membersand caregivers are encouraged to assist those who need helpwith registering.If you register through the LLCHD, you do not need tocomplete the state registration at vacccinate.ne.gov.You’ll be asked to fill out a short questionnaire. When youare selected in the phase you are eligible for, you will receiveinstructions on how to schedule your vaccination.COVID EXPOSEDHOW TO QUARANTINEIf you have been within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more onany day that they may have been infectious, you are a close contact. You must quarantine.FOR THE NEXT14 DAYS.WATCHYOURSELF FORSYMPTOMSOF COVID-19Fever or chillsCoughShortness of breathor trouble breathingTirednessMuscle or bodyachesHeadacheNew loss of tasteor smellSore throatCongestion orrunny noseNausea or vomitingDiarrheaDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 7Day 8WEAR A MASKWhenever you are withany other people,even if you are at home.Make sure it fits overyour mouth and nose.Day 9Day 10Day 11CALL YOURDOCTORandGET TESTEDIF YOU HAVECOVID-19SYMPTOMS.STAY HOMEIf you can't stay homeor away from othersfor 14 days, you maybe able to shortenyour in-homequarantine bymeeting theconditions below.Day 12You can get tested on or after day 5.If your test is negative you may beable to discontinue in-home quarantineon day 8 if you don't have symptoms.Note: antibody tests do not count.With a negative test - If you haveno symptoms on or before day 7and tested negative on or afterday 5, you can discontinue in-homequarantine on day 8. You mustkeep wearing your mask at alltimes and monitor for symptomsthrough day 14.Without a test - If you have nosymptoms on or before day 10, youcan discontinue in-home quarantineon day 11. You must keep wearingyour mask at all times and monitorfor symptoms through day 14.COVID-19 evictionmoratorium extendedThe Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) has issued an orderextending the eviction moratorium toMarch 31. The order continues to banevictions for renters who have beendirectly affected by the COVID-19pandemic.As described in the order, tenantsqualifying as a “Covered Person” cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rentwhen a declaration under the penaltyof perjury is provided to their landlord.Residents who previously submitteda
Dedication and persistence definehow Hosanna Sok was able to use the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program to achieve her goals. Sok completed the program in December 2020 when she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She has worked as a Lincoln Public Schools treatment nurse
