Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless
About MACCH
MACCH was born out of the collective voice of more than 100 homeless service advocates in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.
The journey began in 1996 with the Omaha Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (OACCH). The program, based on HUD's Continuum of Care model, competed for and won more than $10 million in HUD funding for local agencies over the course of 10 years.
In 2006, metro area leaders decided more could be done to address homelessness. More collaboration was needed. Thus, OACCH transformed into an independent 501(c)3 and became MACCH.
In 2007, a report titled "Homelessness in the Omaha/Council Bluffs Metro Area: Assessment of Current Needs/Services and Options for Action" was commissioned and published. This document, known commonly as The Wilder Report, was pivotal in proposing strategies that became essential to MACCH's existence and success.
MACCH's main objective is to unite the efforts of shelter, housing, supportive services, and faith-based organizations that serve homeless and near-homeless individuals and families in Douglas, Pottawattamie, and Sarpy Counties. In the decade-plus since MACCH's incorporation, the organization has competitively procured nearly $45 million in HUD Continuum of Care funding on behalf of nearly 20 local homeless assistance projects.
Today, diverse organizations, service providers, advocates, and governmental representatives participate in MACCH. And MACCH continues to grow and experience success.
Housed at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC) of the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO), MACCH's community presence and public engagement is stronger and more effective than ever.
Annual Reports
MACCH Governance
Independently incorporated in 2006, MACCH established bylaws for purpose of nonprofit governance. Revised in 2019, the MACCH Bylaws continue to provide the foundation of the agency's operations. MACCH also amended their Governance Charter in 2017, in accordance with HUD regulations related to establishing and operating a Continuum of Care.
Interested in learning more?
MACCH Board of Directors
President: Anne Herman, UNO/Ava Insights
Vice-President: Thomas McLeay, Clarity Development Company
Treasurer: Adam Krause, Tenaska, Inc.
Secretary: Kim Armstrong, Mutual of Omaha Foundation
Robert Sheehan, Community Advocate
Wayne Brown, Urban League of Nebraska Inc.
Sarah Hughes, United Healthcare
Shamala Nadason, Heartland Family Service
Jaymes Sime, Child Saving Institute
Melissa Neuenfeldt, CHI Mercy Hospital
Tamara Dwyer, City of Omaha
Cory Woodward, Council Bluffs Police Department
Krystal Rider, 75 North Revitalization Corp.
Anne Hindery, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands
Kalisha Reed, Youth Emergency Services
Brandy Wallar, New Visions Homeless Services
Jannette Taylor, Women's Center for Advancement
MACCH Staff
Karina El-Refai
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Program Manager
Taylor Novak
Program Assistant
Cynthia Holaday
Coordinated Entry (CE) Liaison
Nohemi Aceves
Housing Problem Solving (HPS) Liaison
Leonor Razo
ERAP Grievance & Appeals Coordinator
Rachel Slavik
ERAP Liaison
