- Charles Drew Health Center and the North Omaha Community Partnership are offering on-site therapy and crisis counseling to residents.
- Omaha Housing Authority is working to ensure mental health support stays in place throughout the week.
- Residents say the building has felt more chaotic in recent months—some unsure if services will be used, but hopeful for change.
Following a fatal shooting at the building over the weekend, social workers and crisis counselors are now on the scene to assist residents. The Omaha Housing Authority
Omaha has partnered with local health organizations to provide immediate assistance to families affected by the tragedy.
Taurus Dismuke, a resident, said he first learned about the incident from friends, one of whom went live on social media during the shooting. Omaha police have since released surveillance images of the suspect, who was seen in the hallway with a firearm.
“Like I said, it has been getting worse over the last few months—since the beginning of the new year,” Dismuke exclaimed.
In response, community organizations like the Charles Drew Health Center and the North Omaha Community Partnership have stepped in. Crisis counselors, case managers, and licensed therapists are now inside the building to assist residents in processing their experiences.
“I think as a community, let us rally together and make sure those residents get the help they need—not only today, but in the future,” said Charles Drew CEO Kenny McMorris.
McMorris confirmed that licensed professionals are currently stationed at the tower, ready to meet residents where they are—emotionally and physically.
“We recognize that not everyone may be ready to seek services right away but when they are ready, we want to make sure we are there,” McMorris told me.
While Dismuke sees the additional support as a positive development, he is unsure whether all residents will take advantage of it.
“I believe it will be useful, yes. Will they use it? “Probably not, honestly,” Dismuke replied.
According to Charles Drew and OHA, counselors and therapists will be on-site throughout the week. Residents who are not yet ready to engage can still receive services directly from Charles Drew, such as assistance in obtaining insurance to access ongoing care. I am Melissa Wright from North Omaha.
“It was worrying because I did not know what floor he was on at the time, one of my friends that lives on the sixth floor went live,” Dismuke told me.
Residents claim they are traumatized—not only by what happened, but also by what they saw and heard in the aftermath.