United Way of the Midlands unveils renovated Goodfellows website

In the last fiscal year, more than 50% of the calls to United Way’s 211 Helpline were housing-related, and 85% of those calls were seeking housing assistance, a recent United Way impact study indicated.

Goodfellows, the World-Herald charity that helps area residents in crisis, can be a key part of easing that need, say officials who run the charity, which is more than 130 years old.

It offers applicants who are facing eviction and energy shutoffs a one-time $1,000 boost for rent and utilities, among other services.

In part to facilitate giving in support of that mission, United Way recently introduced a revamped Goodfellows website, said Krissy Suski, senior vice-president, marketing and communications for United Way of the Midlands.

“The refreshed design of GoodfellowsOmaha.com beautifully balances honoring the program’s rich heritage with a modernized look,” she said.

Features on the site include statistics and information about Goodfellows and links to World-Herald stories written about donors and the reasons they give. It also highlights aid recipients whose lives were improved and even transformed.

And, Suski said, “It makes it easier than ever to support the cause with donations accepted directly on the website.”

World-Herald employees operated the charity from its inception until 2020, when the newspaper entered into a partnership with United Way, which now handles all of its administration.

The newspaper remains deeply involved, however. Two newsroom employees serve on the charity’s advisory board and the paper continues to publish stories about interesting donations, events and other news during the yearly fundraising campaign, which runs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31 this year.

In addition to one-time aid, Goodfellows also provides holiday meal vouchers for struggling families and has given coats, mittens and other warm clothes to Omaha school children.

Last year, 874 applicants received rent, mortgage or utility support; 1,100 children received a monthly diaper supplement, with 71,440 diapers distributed; more than 7,750 meals went to local households in need; and more than 14,000 coats, gloves, clothing and pairs of shoes were delivered to 76 area schools, according to a Goodfellows impact report.

Goodfellows funds and materials are allocated through six core Omaha nonprofits to make sure people get what they need:

• Eastern Nebraska Community Action.
• Family Housing Advisory Services.
• Heart Ministry Center at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
• Heartland Family Service.
• Together Inc.
• United Way of the Midlands 211 Helpline.

Visitors to the new website can sign up for emails with inspirational stories about people who help and need help, details of urgent community needs and exclusive opportunities to get involved with Goodfellows.

Suski said she’s hopeful that the remodeled site will result in a new level of support for Goodfellows.

“This update ensures the legacy of Goodfellows stays front and center while offering an enhanced experience for our visitors,” she said.