‘It’s deflating’: Hope Crisis Center braces for significant loss of funds

FAIRBURY, Neb. - For over 30 years, the Hope Crisis Center has been there for those in abusive relationships.

But now, the Southeast Nebraska nonprofit is navigating rough waters, after being alerted to a loss of nearly $300,000 in funds in upcoming years.

“Those dollars include the new legislative appropriated dollars in LB 261 that were supposed to be appropriated to our organization”

Hope Crisis Executive Director Carmen Hinman says those dollars could be uses for shelter stays transportation and food dollars. The organization serves seven counties in Southeast Nebraska and helped 613 victims in 2024 alone.

She says it was a major blow when Hope Crisis heard the news.

“It’s deflating. Our work is really hard and we work with a lot of traumatic things going on in peoples lives,” Hinman said. “The money that comes into our organization is money that comes in to assist us in getting victims to those next steps.”

Nebraska saw over 20 murder-suicides in 2025. Hinman says organizations like the Hope Crisis Center are crucial in terms of preventing this instances but also for protecting those who leave the relationship.

“It’s another very important reason why programs are alive to help clients in that time of safety,” Hinman said.

Hinman says Hope Crisis Center won’t stop helping those in need. They’ll continue to apply for grant funds and show gratitude to the community for their help as well.

“We fundraise like crazy and the community knows we aren’t afraid to ask… We don’t love to ask all the time, but we’re incredibly grateful for our community and our supporters,” Hinman said. “Because honestly, for the last number of years, we’ve survived by the support that’s come into our organization.”