OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — During the pandemic, Sam Muth had to choose between paying rent or getting his truck fixed that needed a new exhaust system.
"It's frightening and it gets down to, I guess I can live in my truck. If I can't pay rent they are going to kick me out but without the truck, I can't go to work to earn money to pay rent," said Muth.
He was able to get help from the Open Door Mission. Staff there said the pandemic allowed them an opportunity to help people in a way they have never been able to before.
"We've had a bazillion dollars thrown at the homeless population that has never been there before. Some of it is federal money and some is philanthropy money to be able to help people out and it has been fantastic," said Steve Frazee, Chief Program Officer with Open Door Mission.
Along with financial assistance, clients take 32 hours of classes a week to help them get jobs and remain financially independent.
"We are going to help you when you need help, we are going to show you how to do it on your own. We don't want you to become dependent on us thinking that I just have to ask and they will do it for me," added Frazee.
The end goal at the Open Door Mission is to keep people off the streets and from having to make heartbreaking decisions and contending with making yourself believe that living in their car won't be so bad.
Muth adds, "I thank God every day that I did not have to make that decision."
Visit Open Door Mission's website for more information on their financial assistance programs.
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