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Helping our students through the pandemic

Our work to reduce campus risk and support student learning continues, but it’s important to keep taking precautions to prevent COVID-19. MCC is also offering ongoing support to help our students facing obstacles impacting their ability to stay enrolled and continue learning, including:

Mental Health Support and Referral Assistance

MCC Advocacy Counselors are available to discuss your concerns and determine how to best meet your needs. The MCC Advocacy counselors can assist with referrals to community resources that would be most beneficial. They can offer support and guidance, identify options, help you make that initial call to schedule your first appointment, and follow up with you to make sure you're getting the help you need.

Use Reach an MCC Advocacy Counselor to schedule an appointment.

Additional Mental Health Resources and Information can found at our Be Kind to Your Mind website.

MCC laptop and hotspot loan program

MCC Student, residents of Nebraska, are eligible to request a loaner laptop and/or internet hotspot while actively enrolled in MCC classes.

MCC COVID-19 emergency funding assistance

To receive a Pandemic Relief Grant, students must be enrolled in an approved program of study and taking courses that are required for their approved program. All students enrolled exclusively in 100% online courses must reside in the Metropolitan Community College four county service area to be considered for a Pandemic Relief Grant. Funding amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and are subject to change each quarter.

Funding may not be available after the 2021-22 spring quarter. Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for information on regular funding resources that may be available.

Students without a completed FAFSA can submit a Pandemic Relief Grant request form each quarter they are seeking support based on level of enrollment. Funding will not be available after the 2021-22 spring quarter. Students who are able to complete a FAFSA, continue to be encouraged to file a FAFSA. If you need further information, here are the FAFSA instructions.

If you need assistance with filing a FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid Office at 531-622-2330.

Pandemic Relief Grants will not appear on students' MyWay financial aid award screens. All students will receive a disbursement notice sent to their MCC email each quarter when funds are posted to their account for refund directly to the student. Pandemic Relief Grants will not be available after the 2021-22 spring quarter.

MCC ePantry

MCC is proud to partner with Food Bank for the Heartland to provide a supplemental food source for MCC students. Through this partnership, boxes of non-perishable food items are available at no-cost to enrolled students.

Additional College Resources

Crisis Hotlines

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please call, text or chat 24 hours a day:
If this is an emergency, please call 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

  • (800) 273-8255
  • (888) 628-9454 (Spanish)
  • (800) 799-4889 (Options for Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
Nebraska Family Helpline
  • 1-888-866-8660 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Crisis Text Line
  • Text HELLO to 741741
National Domestic Violence Hotline
  • (800) 799-7233
Veterans Crisis Line
  • (800) 273-8255
BoysTown Hotline
  • 1-800-448-3000 or text "VOICE" to 20121 (free resource and counseling service)
Women's Center for Advancement Hotline:
  • 402-346-7273 – offers 24/7 support and services for individuals facing domestic or dating violence, and victims of sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking.

Help with housing concerns or homelessness

The City of Omaha's civil rights law specifically prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, nation of origin, religion, disability, familial status, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status. If you are facing a discriminatory housing situation, you can contact the City of Omaha's Human Rights and Relations Department:

Additional community resources include:

Together Inc.

This homeless prevention organization works to keep families in their homes and provides navigation services for rapid rehouse, as well as financial, educational and employment assistance. If you’re in crisis and aren't sure where you will live tomorrow or next month, Together Inc. is available to assist you at 402-345-8047.

Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless

The Omaha metro area’s only collective impact homeless services organization.

Help with food insecurity

MCC is proud to partner with Food Bank for the Heartland to provide a supplemental food source for MCC students. The MCC ePantry helps enrolled students receive pre-packaged boxes of non-perishable food items are available at no-cost.

Additional community resources include:

Heartland Food Bank

Heartland Food Bank is a non-profit organization that distributes food to 600 food pantries, schools and emergency shelters across Nebraska and Iowa.

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps eligible students across Nebraska and Iowa apply for valuable nutrition assistance. SNAP gross income guidelines do not apply to anyone that is a senior. It is possible you may qualify regardless of your income level if you are currently enrolled as a student. To find out if you’re eligible, contact a SNAP coordinator at 1-855-444-5556 or visit the SNAP website. For tips on healthy eating on a budget, visit the USDA website.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

This special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children offers support services to pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age five. Applicants must meet income guidelines and live in the State of Nebraska. Individuals who receive aid to dependent children, SNAP benefits and/or Medicaid are automatically eligible to receive WIC. Contact the Douglas/Sarpy County WIC office at 402-444-1770 or visit the WIC website for more information.

Additional community resources available to you

  • Information regarding community resources in Nebraska can also be found at ne211.org
  • Kim Foundation - provides education and resources related to mental illness and suicide prevention.
  • Education Quest - provides free college planning services, scholarship program and complete FAFSA applications.
  • Planned Parenthood - provides affordable healthcare and healthy sex education.
  • Heartland Family Services - therapeutic services for mental health and substance abuse issues.
  • Urban League - provides services for empowering youth, career support and finding affordable health services.
  • Friendship Program - offers adult day rehabilitation and community support services.
  • Center for Holistic Development - employment support services for adults with autism in the Omaha area.

Want to support food insecure students attending MCC?

It’s hard to focus on school when you’re hungry. Supporting food insecure students is possible through donations made to the Student Food Insecurity Fund at the Metropolitan Community College Foundation donation page.

Note: MCC COVID-19 supports are not a guarantee of financial aid or tuition adjustments, but MCC will make every effort to assist students within institutional policies and federal guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education.