Latino communities across the country have been hit hard by the pandemic, and South Omaha is no exception.
A study by the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Office of Latin/Latin American Studies revealed COVID-19’s lasting impact on Latino businesses and their owners during the pandemic.
Facing this, Senators Tony Vargas, Terrell McKinney and Justin Wayne fought to allocate federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the recovery of Nebraska communities like North and South Omaha disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
On April 28, Gov. Pete Ricketts approved LB1024, the Economic Recovery Act bill that will bring more than $300 million to North and South Omaha. The funds will be invested in efforts to address affordable housing, job training and to assist business development in both communities.
As lawmakers begin building the process to distribute funds, El Perico asked people who work, shop, and live near South 24th Street one question:
If you were in charge of the Economic Recovery Act funds, how would you invest the money in your community?
Some interviews were edited for clarity.
“I would put the funds towards getting businesses some money… do a background check first, (get money to) people that actually have a business plan that try to work things out. Maybe small vendors, too.
With the youth as well, maybe open up another couple of Boys and Girls Clubs here and there, and then relocate some liquor stores – just revamp the whole area because, you know, the drug problems and violence is getting pretty out of hand as well. I’d also open up counseling for parents.”
Joel Amaya — South Omaha resident
“(I would like to see) South Omaha improved – for example in cleanliness, security, in putting more plants on the sidewalks. I mean, keep South Omaha beautiful. There are other places that are very nice, and we can bring all that here. That’s what’s most needed here.”
Cecília Macías — South 24th St. store owner
“First of all, (improve) safety, because there have been assaults on some business owners and workers. Then, (improve) the cleanliness of the city, and decorate the plaza to set the center of South Omaha apart. Distribute the money to those who truly need it.”
Maria Johanna Nieto — cosmetologist at Johanna’s Beauty Salon and Nails Spa on South 24th St.
“I’d be fixing all these potholes that the street has, painting a few buildings around South 24th Street and making sure that our Hispanic community looks better. That way, when people from out west come over here, they can think better about the spending, then they can have a better view of the community down here. And it might attract more people, too.
It’s gonna be better for the businesses because it’s gonna bring them more money, and everybody’s gonna be doing good and feeling happy about it.”
Jose Hernandez — South Omaha resident
“I would fix the roads and put more surveillance, because there’ve been robberies from businesses. Make us a little calmer here in our community.
I would hope those in charge of the funds fulfill what they promise for the betterment of all, of the whole community. It’s good that they’re going to do this, I hope.”
Alma Rosa Ochoa — employee at Carrusel Party Supply on South 24th St.
“I think it’s necessary to boost the businesses that are already growing…. right now, they’re barely recovering from the pandemic. It’s been really difficult because businesses have fallen completely, and right now they’re recovering, but they could use a stimulus to start up anew and grow.
I also believe it would be great for people who want to open a business to be offered some sort of economic support (through the funds).”
Betty Gutierrez — Employee at a South 24th St. clothing store
“Here in South Omaha, what’s missing is parking. There’s no parking for weekends.
Perhaps also (use the funds) to create better, more diverse jobs than meat packing industry.
Also, improve the parks, because the parks in this area are dilapidated, and not well cared for. We could also build some fun places for the family, since there’s not many around here.”
Julio Navas — Business owner
“I would like to see improvements in the roads, the streets. They all have lots of potholes, and they damage the cars.
I would hope (leaders use the funds to) help us Spanish-speakers.”
Maria Monteíl — South Omaha resident
Contact the writers at bridget@el-perico.com and sydney@thereader.com.