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October 14, 2022

South Omaha Receives $50 Million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant

We’re thrilled to announce that the City of Omaha, Omaha Housing Authority, and Canopy South has been awarded a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to revitalize the Southside Terrace – Indian Hill neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. The grant is a federal initiative aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for residents. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the grant.

What is the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant?

Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants are federal grants designed to transform struggling neighborhoods into vibrant, thriving communities. The grants are intended to support a comprehensive revitalization approach that includes housing, education, healthcare, economic development, and so much more. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

How much funding was awarded?

The City of Omaha, Omaha Housing Authority, and Canopy South received $50 million in funding. This funding will be used to support projects in three different funding priorities:

• People 
• Neighborhood 
• Housing

How will the funding be used?

The funding will be used to implement a comprehensive revitalization plan, which includes projects in each of the categories mentioned above.

People 

The People Plan aims to improve outcomes related to employment, income, health, and education, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for residents. There is a strong focus on increasing the number of youth enrolled in early learning education programs so they enter kindergarten ready to learn. One major goal is to ensure that 95% of all high school students graduate on-time and are career ready. 

Housing

There are 358 units at Southside Terrace, over the next five years those units will be replaced with high-quality new construction. By 2028, there will be over 700 newly constructed units within the Southside Terrace – Indian Hill neighborhood. Construction and demolition will occur in phases. At least, 358 units will serve as replacement units, and the remainder will be a mix of affordable and market rate units. 

Neighborhood 

Physical improvements to the neighborhood will be funded through the grant. The specific projects that will be funded will be determined based on community feedback from the neighborhood – this includes surveys and input from community meetings and events. This approach ensures that the community is driving the changes they would like to see in their neighborhood.
Some common themes that we have heard so far include:

• Supporting homeowners with exterior home repairs 
• Supporting local business improve their building facades 
• Reducing odor from the nearby meat processing plants

How many housing units will be built?

All 358 units at Southside Terrace will be replaced. In total, over 750 new units will be built within the Southside Terrace – Indian Hill neighborhood. Different types of housing will be developed, from one-bedroom apartments to 3+ bedroom townhomes. The goal of providing a range of options for residents and their families. In addition to rental units partially funded by the CNI, Canopy South is also developing single-family homes within the neighborhood to help increase homeownership for first-time homebuyers and the emerging workforce.

What will happen to residents that are currently living in the units at Southside Terrace?

To safely replace the outdated house, current residents will have to be relocated at some point over the next few years. Families will receive several months’ notice and the Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) will provide a relocation team to help households prepare for the move. Residents who are in good standing with their OHA lease will receive wrap-around support and assistance with the actual relocation (moving) process. When the new housing is complete, Southside Terrace residents in good standing will have the right to return, should they choose. 

When will all of this happen?

We were awarded the grant on September 15, 2022, and the grant term ends on September 30, 2028. The first phase of housing will break ground later this year. Even after the physical renovation is done, Canopy South will continue to work in the neighborhood to ensure long-term investment and revitalization. 

Will Canopy South work with other organizations to put the funding to use?

Yes, Canopy South is already collaborating with several partners to achieve its goals for the revitalization of the neighborhood. However, we will be partnering with new organizations, especially to improve outcomes for the residents of the community. This includes working with partners in employment and income, health, and education areas of the grant, and much more! If your organization provides services and support and you would like to learn more, please reach out to us directly at info@canopysouth.org.

I have other questions. Where can I find more information?

You can learn more about the grant at the City’s website or  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. To learn more about Canopy South, we recommend visiting Our Approach or About Us pages. As always, if you’d like to get in touch with a member of our staff, don’t hesitate to shoot us an email at info@canopysouth.org or give us a call at 402-916-9293.

Thanks to those who made receiving this grant a reality. We’re excited to get to work!