The Wesley House has been a vital part of the Omaha community since 1872 when it began serving as the original Omaha City Mission. Throughout the twentieth century, The Wesley House grew and was instrumental in the establishment of a number of key community businesses and programs.

In 1969, The Wesley House helped charter Omaha’s first black radio station, KOWH and also established a credit union to serve the community.

In the 1970s, the organization created the Community Bank of Nebraska and helped develop malls and apartment complexes through the Omaha Economic Development Corporation. In the 1980s, The Wesley House not only created the Alice Wilson’s Women’s Center but also established the New Community Development Corporation which, to date, has completed over $17 million in projects.