Skip to main content
University of Nebraska Omaha logo University of Nebraska Omaha
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY

Students Faculty Staff Community
University of Nebraska Omaha logo
College of Arts and Sciences Office of Latino/Latin American Studies (OLLAS)
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY
Students Faculty Staff Community
  • About Us Backback to Main menu
    • About OLLAS
    • Faculty & Staff
    • OLLAS In the News
    • Faculty Spotlights
    • Quarantining with OLLAS
  • Academics Backback to Main menu
    • Academic Programs
    • Academic Advising
    • Course Schedule
    • Approved Courses
    • Knowledge & Skills Gained
  • Student Opportunities Backback to Main menu
    • Scholarships
    • Study Abroad
    • Volunteer
    • Internships
    • Spotlights
    • Career Opportunities
  • Community Engagement
  • Research Backback to Main menu
    • OLLAS Blog
    • OLLAS Reports & Other Publications
    • OLLAS Quick Facts
    • Interactive Data Visualization
    • Journal of Latino/Latin American Studies (JOLLAS)
    • OLLAS Past Projects
  • Support Us Backback to Main menu
    • Support OLLAS
    • Support Arts and Sciences

Community and Network Responses for Assisting Mobile Vulnerable Populations

  1. UNO
  2. Office of Latino/Latin American Studies (OLLAS)
  3. Community and Network Responses for Assisting Mobile Vulnerable Populations

Community and Network Responses for Assisting Mobile Vulnerable Populations

Community and Network Responses for Assisting Mobile Vulnerable Populations

may-2023-report

Authors:

Teresa C. Kulig, Allison V. Schlosser, Morgan A. VanSlyke, Laura E. Alexander, and Cristián Doña-Reveco
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Date: May 2023
Complete Report: PDF
Executive Summary: PDF


Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the increasing vulnerability of individuals, households, and communities. It has almost certainly been even more devastating for those who rely on community networks and organizations for aid but are less able to access aid networks in conditions of reduced mobility. This is the case for “mobile vulnerable populations,” among which include persons experiencing homelessness, victims of human trafficking, immigrants, refugees, and Latinos/as. This report summarizes our research with local Omaha service providers about what they need to serve mobile vulnerable populations in the community, how the pandemic has affected their ability to do so, and whether there have been any substantial and/or institutionalized partnerships between UNO/UNMC and these community organizations. In our research, we used a multi-method approach consisting of a survey of community organization leaders and interviews with organization workers engaged in day-to-day service provision to meet the needs of their clients. Our findings can be summarized in four main themes: (a) organizations were already under-resourced prior to the pandemic; (b) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on organizations was substantial; (c) organizations described similar strengths and innovative responses to the pandemic; and (d) there is a lack of institutionalized collaboration with UNO/UNMC. We argue that building connections between UNO/UNMC and community organizations, as well as assisting in the development of networks among various organizations, is central to the mission of the University of Nebraska system and could benefit the community more broadly. Concluding, we present four main recommendations: (1) more connections are needed between UNO/UNMC and agencies in the Omaha area; (2) it is likely that there are existing relationships between agency partners and UNO/UNMC faculty, staff and students that could be leveraged; (3) there is an opportunity to prepare students and emphasize workforce growth among providers; and (4) the important work of serving mobile vulnerable populations can be rewarding but also challenging for Omaha providers.


Contact Us

  • OLLAS Office ASH 102
  • 6001 Dodge Street
  • Omaha, NE 68182-0479

  • Phone: 402.554.3835
  • Fax: 402.554.3557
  • Email: unoollas@unomaha.edu

  • Office Hours
  • M-F 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

College of Arts and Sciences

Contact Us
  • 220 Arts & Sciences Hall
  • College Advising Office
Social media
College Resources
  • For Faculty and Staff
  • Math-Science Learning Center
  • The Writing Center
Arts and Sciences Hall building with large white columns in front of a pink and orange sunset.

Next Steps

  • Visit UNO
  • Request Information
  • Apply for Admission
  • The UNO Advantage
  • Our City (Omaha)

Just For You

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Work at UNO
  • Faculty and Staff
  • A-Z List

Popular Services and Resources

  • my.unomaha.edu
  • Academic Calendar
  • Campus Buildings & Maps
  • Library
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Course Catalogs
  • Internships & Career Development
  • The Maverick Store
  • MavCARD Services
  • Military-Connected Resource Center
  • Speech Center
  • Writing Center
  • Human Resources
  • Center for Faculty Excellence

Affiliates

  • University of Nebraska System
  • NU Foundation
  • Buffett Early Childhood Institute
  • Daugherty Water for Food Institute
  • National Strategic Research Institute
  • Peter Kiewit Institute
  • Rural Prosperity Nebraska
  1. University Policies
  2. Privacy Statement
  3. Accessibility
  1. 402.554.2800

University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182
  • ©  
  • Emergency Information Alert
  • MavsReport

Social Media


Omaha Skyline

Our Campus. Otherwise Known as Omaha.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.