Stephen Center

About Stephen Center

Stephen Center supports the Omaha, Nebraska area with essential assistance including food, clothing, and temporary or long-term housing. Operated by a family, the organization provides both residential and outpatient care for substance use disorders, offers sober living apartments, manages emergency shelter services for people experiencing homelessness, and accepts donations.

The center works under the Omaha Housing Authority’s requirements for residents and also follows guidance from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture when determining whether applicants meet criteria for low-income status or homelessness.

Stephen Center’s HERO Program provides treatment for substance use among low-income and homeless adults age 19 and older, including services for individuals with co-occurring mental health concerns. The program includes medication management and life skills coaching to help participants build healthier routines.

The short-term residential program runs for 30 to 45 days. During the initial two weeks, participants complete a blackout period, during which only immediate family members may visit and clients are not allowed to use phone privileges. Following this, clients and their families take part in four weeks of structured family programming. Counselors and case managers meet with participants to assess needs and coordinate discharge planning.

The intensive outpatient (IOP) program lasts 6 to 10 weeks. In the first two weeks, clients are expected to secure employment; if they are unable to work, the center helps them identify volunteer roles instead.

The less intensive outpatient option continues for 4 to 6 weeks, and clients must keep up employment or maintain volunteer participation while in treatment.

Short-term sober living is offered for 90 days. For those needing additional support, Stephen Center also provides a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) track.

Stephen Center’s Permanent Supporting Housing Apartments (PSH) are sober living residences with 1- to 4-bedroom apartments. The program accepts applications from individuals at 30% of the Omaha median income who submit required details about their situation, and a background check is part of the admission process.

Stephen Center’s Pettigrew Emergency Shelter serves homeless adults and children and allows sober residents who do not have housing.

For people in need, Stephen Center provides beds, groceries, blankets, laundry items, over-the-counter medications, toiletries, and other household necessities. Donations and item pick-ups are available on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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