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Lincoln City Leads Holiday Cheer for Friendship Homes Shelters

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 19:23 GMT by 1011 Now

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Lincoln Steps Up to Bring Holiday Cheer to Friendship Homes Shelters

On December 22, 2025, the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, celebrated a heart‑warming community effort that saw local residents, businesses, and volunteers come together to deck out Friendship Homes’ shelters for the holiday season. The story, featured on 101.1 NOW’s website and amplified by a series of interlinked articles and videos, paints a vivid picture of how a city can rally around its most vulnerable citizens during the most magical time of year.

The Heart of the Initiative: Friendship Homes

Friendship Homes is a non‑profit organization that provides emergency shelter and transitional housing to low‑income families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to not only offer a roof over one’s head but also to provide the resources and support necessary for residents to regain stability and independence. The 101.1 NOW article opens with a brief biography of Friendship Homes, citing its founding in 2005 and its current partnership with the City of Lincoln’s Department of Housing and Community Development (link to the department’s page). The department’s page explains how the city’s “Community Support Program” funds a portion of the organization’s operating costs, and offers context for the collaboration highlighted in the article.

The Big Day: Decorating the Shelters

The centerpiece of the article is the “Holiday Decorating Day” that took place on December 15th at Friendship Homes’ two main locations: the “North House” and the “East House.” A photoshoot and a short video embedded in the story capture volunteers—ranging from high‑school students to retirees—assembling ornaments, string lights, and hand‑crafted wreaths. The article notes that more than 120 volunteers contributed approximately 250 hours of labor, a number that was highlighted in a graphic linked to the City of Lincoln’s social media page.

In a sidebar, the article quotes Friendship Homes manager, Maria Ortiz, who shared that “decorating the houses not only brightens the rooms, but also lifts the spirits of our residents who often feel isolated during the holidays.” Ortiz’s remarks are supplemented by a link to a longer interview posted on Friendship Homes’ official website, which details how the organization uses the holiday season to boost community engagement and morale.

Local Businesses and Community Support

Several local businesses played a pivotal role in making the event possible. The article names the “Lincoln Food Bank” as the main sponsor of the event, providing food donations for the subsequent holiday feast hosted by the shelter. Additionally, “Lincoln Auto Parts” donated a fleet of delivery vans to transport decorations and supplies. A link to the Lincoln Auto Parts’ press release highlights the company’s “Community Outreach” program, which has partnered with Friendship Homes on multiple occasions.

Another highlight is the participation of the Lincoln Police Department, whose “Community Policing” unit organized a safe volunteer shift to supervise the event’s logistics. The article includes a link to the department’s news bulletin, offering readers additional insight into how law enforcement is actively fostering positive relations with the community.

The Holiday Feast and Carols

After the decorating marathon, Friendship Homes hosted a holiday feast for the residents. The article describes a buffet featuring pizza, mashed potatoes, and a modest but heart‑warming dessert spread. Guests also enjoyed a live caroling performance by the “Lincoln Symphony Children’s Choir.” The choir’s performance is linked to a short clip on the Lincoln Symphony’s official YouTube channel, allowing readers to hear the joyful rendition of “Silent Night” that was a highlight of the evening.

The article emphasizes how these gatherings serve a dual purpose: they provide nourishment and entertainment, and they create a sense of belonging for individuals who may otherwise feel forgotten during the holiday season.

A Look at the Numbers

In addition to the qualitative description of the event, the 101.1 NOW piece includes several statistics that illustrate the broader impact of the partnership between the City of Lincoln and Friendship Homes:

• $12,000 in donations raised from local businesses and private donors.
• More than 350 volunteer hours logged by community members.
• 500+ holiday items donated (e.g., toys, blankets, non‑perishable food).
• 10+ residents who have lived in Friendship Homes’ shelters during the past year.

These figures are sourced from the City of Lincoln’s “Community Support Program” report, a link to which is embedded in the article. The report provides a deeper dive into how each dollar is allocated, showcasing transparency and accountability.

Community Feedback

Readers of the 101.1 NOW article were given the opportunity to comment on the event. Over 100 positive comments flooded the comment section, many praising the collaborative spirit of Lincoln. One comment read, “It’s amazing to see how the city, businesses, and residents can unite for a common good. I’m proud to call Lincoln home.” Another comment linked to a local Facebook group for Friendship Homes, where volunteers shared pictures and thanked the organization for giving them a chance to make a difference.

Follow‑Up and Future Plans

The article concludes by noting that Friendship Homes plans to continue its holiday outreach in 2026, with a goal to expand to additional shelters across the state. A link to a “Community Board” on the Friendship Homes website outlines upcoming initiatives, including a “Holiday Gift Drive” and a “Summer Skills Program” for residents.

City officials expressed optimism about the continued partnership. The city’s mayor, whose portrait appears on the article’s header, announced an upcoming council meeting where the “Community Support Program” budget for the next fiscal year would be discussed. A link to the council meeting agenda is provided, enabling readers to understand how future funding decisions will affect similar events.

The Bottom Line

The 101.1 NOW article offers more than a simple recap of a holiday decorating event; it stitches together a tapestry of community effort, municipal support, corporate generosity, and the profound impact that such collaboration can have on the lives of those in need. By following the embedded links, readers gain a richer understanding of Friendship Homes’ role in Lincoln’s social safety net, the City of Lincoln’s commitment to inclusive governance, and the power of volunteerism to transform ordinary spaces into sanctuaries of hope during the holiday season. The story serves as a testament to how, when a city steps up, the ripple effects of compassion can brighten an entire community.