Connection Homeless Shelter

Mission Statement: It is the mission of The Connection Homeless Shelter Inc. to provide shelter, awaken hope, and honor dignity for the men, women, and children who seek support or assistance while experiencing homelessness in our community. We bring this mission to life every day by helping those we serve to regain their stability and self-sufficiency, overcome their barriers, and obtain permanent housing. We strive to continually increase our community impact through the provision of housing and housing-related services.

Organizational Background: Founded in 1994, The Connection Homeless Shelter, Inc. began as a modest emergency shelter serving western Nebraska with a simple but critical mission: to provide a meal and a safe bed for men experiencing homelessness. What started as a single-night emergency refuge has evolved over the past 32 years into a comprehensive, 65-bed facility serving between 250 and 350 men, women, and families annually.

Today, The Connection delivers far more than temporary shelter. Our programs are intentionally designed to promote housing stability and long-term self-sufficiency. Through coordinated supportive services, case management, and housing navigation, we assist individuals and families in accessing and maintaining appropriate permanent housing. Our holistic approach addresses the underlying barriers to stability, helping households move beyond crisis toward lasting independence.

To further support both our clients and the broader community, The Connection operates a mission-driven thrift store. The store provides affordable retail options to North Platte residents, offers free clothing and essential items to individuals in need, and generates critical revenue to sustain our operations. This social enterprise model strengthens community engagement while enhancing organizational sustainability.

In 2020, recognizing the growing housing shortage and increasing complexity of homelessness in our region, The Connection launched a strategic three-phase housing development initiative to expand affordable and supportive housing in North Platte.

Phase I, currently underway, will create 44 units of permanent supportive housing for low- and moderate-income renters. These units will include on-site supportive services designed to increase housing retention, improve stability, and meet the evolving needs of our community.

Phase II – Honor Homes at Patty’s Place, initiated in 2024, represents an innovative partnership between The Connection and Mid-Plains Community College. A board member and their family purchased the first structure constructed by students in the College’s Ready-to-Work program, catalyzing the development of an eight-unit tiny home village. Through this partnership, Ready-to-Work students will construct all eight homes, creating a dual-impact initiative that expands affordable housing while providing hands-on workforce training opportunities.

Phase III, currently in the planning stage, will further expand permanent supportive housing capacity. The Connection intends to pursue additional funding to develop new units that will continue addressing the critical housing gap in our service area.

Over three decades, The Connection has grown from a small emergency shelter into a cornerstone organization addressing homelessness through emergency response, supportive services, workforce partnerships, and affordable housing development. With demonstrated capacity, strong community partnerships, and a strategic vision for expansion, The Connection is positioned to significantly increase housing stability and long-term outcomes for individuals and families across western Nebraska.

Testimonials

"The Connection Homeless Shelter was the foundational support I needed to improve my life. I was able access housing, continue to address my addiction and get my life back in order."

"The shelter helped me get back on my feet and get an apartment. I don't think I would have gotten to where I'm at with out their help."