BURROWS CENTER HERE TO HELP THOSE IN NEED

OMAHA, Neb.—There is no shame in asking for help with everyday needs.

That is what The Salvation Army of Omaha’s Material Assistance and Seasonal Services director Tiffanie McCowin wants people to know.

At The Salvation Army Burrows Center for Help and Hope (6101 NW Radial Hwy), the food pantry is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

“Everything in there is a choice,” McCowin said.  “[People] can absolutely walk through our pantry with one of the staff members and make the selections based on what their family likes, what they know how to cook, and if there are any dietary needs."

McCowin added that the pantry has anything you could buy at a grocery store, including boxed dinners, fruits and vegetables, soups, cereals, noodles and rice.

“They don't have to feel like they're being judged, or they don't have to feel ashamed to come because that is the reason why we—the staff at The Salvation Army Burrows Center—are here,” she said.

The Burrows Center also helps local families whose utilities have been disconnected; they are welcome to stop by Monday through Friday.  Those in need of assistance with utilities cancomplete an application, and then staff will see how to best assist in getting the service reconnected.

People can also call ahead.

"We have a phone line that is manned by a volunteer, and we have a utility assistance line,"McCowin said.  "Our Black Hills Energy customers are able to call our utility line and schedule an appointment.  And then we would get them an appointment to come in.”

McCowin said her staff is ready to assist.

“Regardless if their service is disconnected—if they're just behind on their bill—then we get them in here and we see what we can do to get them assistance."

McCowin emphasized that people in need should not be afraid to reach out.

"We don't want families to be in a place where it is now a life-threatening situation, where they're sitting in the summer heat or in the dark – without water or gas or electricity."

The demand for services is getting higher, McCowin added.

"The cost of living is a lot higher than it used to be,” McCowin said.  “Some people just are struggling to make ends meet.  Some people are not making enough money on their jobs.  And with the economy, things are being cut, so people are having to make tough choices."

Between all its various social services programs, The Burrows Center serves thousands of people every month – and is a lifeline to individuals and families in need.

“Sometimes, The Salvation Army is like their last resort.  And if we're not able to provide the assistance or provide resources for the assistance, they don't really know where else to turn."