A major effort is underway to tackle hunger and homelessness in the capital city. Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach has launched a new three-year, 2.5 million dollar campaign called “Hope Lives Here,” aimed at expanding food access, housing services, and long-term stability for those in need.
Leaders say the initiative comes at a critical time. In Lincoln, about one in ten people face food insecurity, and nearly 600 individuals are experiencing homelessness, according to the latest Point-in-Time Count. “This campaign is about meeting urgent needs today while building a stronger, more stable future for our community,” says Executive Director Alynn Sampson.
“With increased resources, we can help ensure that everyone who comes through our doors has access to nutritious food, safe housing, and the support they need to thrive.” Demand for services has risen sharply in recent years. Since 2021, meals served and emergency food pantry distributions have increased by 60 percent.
Last year alone, the organization provided more than 263,000 meals. Pantry visits have more than doubled over the past year, while onsite meals are up 25 percent. The “Hope Lives Here” campaign focuses on three main priorities: nearly 1 million dollars for hunger relief, more than 1.1 million dollars to expand housing services and place an additional 20 people into housing each year, and about 390,000 dollars to grow the organization’s endowment.
Sampson says they are already off to a good start. They have raised just over $1.8 million and they hope to get the rest by the end of the year.