Edward and Willa Kelly Community Collaborative, Inc., also known as “The Collaborative”, is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing opportunities to families and individuals with limited financial and other resources. From 2001 thru 2010, The Collaborative functioned as the sole supportive services provider for King’s Heritage Estates, LLC, a rent-to-own single-family scattered-s
ite affordable housing project consisting of 42 single-family homes located in north and south Omaha. Phase I, consisting of 27 homes, was completed in 2002; Phase II, consisting of an additional 15 homes, was completed in 2004. In cooperation with North Star Development, LLC & RW Investments, Inc., The Collaborative provided residents, who were required to meet income and other eligibility criteria to participate in the program, with counseling and education to equip them with the requisite skills to become first-time homeowners. Family budgeting, home financing, routine home maintenance, and neighborhood association development, were among the topics discussed with tenants during semi-annual workshops. Tenants also met periodically with The Collaborative Housing Specialist to develop and update individualized Homeownership Plans designed to help them reach their homeownership and financial goals. By mutual agreement, The Collaborative transitioned out of its relationship with the King’s Heritage Estates early in 2011. Simultaneously, The Collaborative’ began to explore how to expand its mission and vision to address the housing needs of underserved special needs populations, such as ex-offenders, single moms & pregnant teens, veterans, the mentally ill, and young adults exiting foster care. The bulk of 2011 & the first half of 2012 was spent gathering information about the needs of these distinct at-risk populations, identifying existing challenges and barriers to serving those needs, and developing a strategic approach to overcoming those challenges and barriers in order to provide needed services to one or more of these vulnerable populations and to provide a sustainable source of revenue for The Collaborative. After much time and research, in January 2013, a decision was made to serve the housing needs of adults, aged 19 and older, who suffer from mental illness. On April 1, 2013, the first five residents moved in. Kelly House currently serves up to 14 adult men who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, and others. The Kelly House staff is comprised of a full-time, live-in housing services manager, a part-time staff and the full time services of the Collaborative executive director. Referral sources for adults in need of these services, include The Lasting Hope Recovery Center, The Salvation Army Transitional Housing program, and Douglas County
Additional program materials are available for review as requested.
