Resources
We strive to keep this information current, but we recommend that you reach out to the resource and verify the information is current.
Food
Minnesota Food HelpLine
1-888-711-1151
Minnesota Food HelpLine assesses the caller’s situation and provides solutions to their food needs. Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine to see if you qualify for SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) or to learn more about food shelves, free meals, farmers’ markets, or other resources in your area.
WIC
WIC is a supplemental food, nutrition, and breastfeeding program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy. Call 651-266-1300 with questions or to schedule an appointment.
MFAP/Minnesota Food Assistance Program
State funded food assistance to legal NON-citizens age 50 or older who do not qualify for SNAP due to their citizenship status. Apply through https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/ or call the SNAP hotline at 651-431-4050
St. Stephanus Food Distribution
3rd Thursday of the month from 4 – 6 PM, 739 Lafond Ave, St. Paul
FEEDING FROGTOWN
Tuesday meal distribution made by local restaurants available in meals for 1 or 4. Check their page for schedule, locations, and meals offered. Food distributions every other Friday at West Minnehaha Recreation Center from 3 – 5:55 PM.
Open Cupboard
Open to anyone in need of food, regardless of where you live. You do not need to make an appointment for any of our programs. You do not need to provide any documentation. The market is open to anyone in need of food. The market is designed to provide a 1-2 day supply of food during each visit. Households are welcome to shop as often as needed. Drive up is appointment only, but appointments are often available same day. Delivery is available, BUT only a 10 mile radius from the store.
Open Cupboard, 8264 4th Street North, Oakdale, MN 55128
Today’s Harvest
(A second location for Open Cupboard) – This location does not appear to offer delivery or drive up.
1740 Van Dyke St., Maplewood, MN 55109
Nourish Community Food Distribution
A partnership between Mount Olivet Lab School, Union Gospel Mission and Second Harvest Heartland. Saturdays. Usually at 376 Western Ave. Questions? Call or text us at 612-440-7768. I’d recommend verifying that distribution is happening by calling or following their Facebook page.
Franciscan Brothers of Peace
Must call on Monday morning for an appointment – 651-646-8586; Mondays 9:30 – 11:30 AM. 1289 Lafond Ave.
Zion Lutheran Church
Every Thursday, our team of volunteers provides a free home cooked meal to any in need or want of food. Each household is given a bag of groceries to take home. 1 – 3 PM They also occasionally have a free market of pay what you can.
Fare for All
Fare For All is a pop-up grocery store. We sell packs of fresh produce and frozen meat at up to 40% off of retail prices. Sign up for emails or search site for schedule.
RUBY’S PANTRY
Ruby’s pantry is a pop-up grocery store. Food Bundles are $25.
LASAGNA LOVE
There is a waitlist, but you can sign up to receive a gift of lasagna.
Open Hands Midway
436 Roy Street North, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Free Meal distribution on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12 – 2 PM. They also have a food shelf open on some Tuesdays from 12 – 2 PM.
LOAVES AND FISHES
Loaves and Fishes serves a hot evening meal from 5:00 to 6:00pm, Mondays through Fridays, in the Saint Matthew’s Social Hall. 490 Hall Ave, St. Paul, 55107 or call 651-224-9793
MEALS ON WHEELS – Provides meals delivered directly to the homes of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
612-623-3363
SALVATION ARMY
1019 Payne Ave, St. Paul 55101
Hot lunch meal (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 11:45am to 12:45pm.)
Hallie Q Brown (Food Shelf, Access is Limited)
651-224-4607
They do offer delivery within a 10 mile radius with a partnership with Doordash. They do have a FREE FRESH FOOD MARKET Open July 10th – September 1st from 1-4pm. No appointment necessary. Come to the front of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center to grab your fresh produce at no cost!
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE (Food Shelf, Access is Limited)
Has 2 food shelves – Wellstone Center Food Market by appointment – or Francis Basket Food Market. They also offer food distributions. Locations vary. The fall/winter distribution take place at Metropolitan State University, between 2:30 – 4 PM. JANUARY 10, 2024 | FEBRUARY 14, 2024 | MARCH 13, 2024 | APRIL 10, 2024 | MAY 8, 2024
KEYSTONE COMMUNITY SERVICES (Food Shelf, Access is Limited)
651-917-3792
FRUIT OF THE VINE FOOD SHELF (Food Shelf, Access is Limited)
Fruit of the Vine Food Shelf (FOTV) is located at 1280 Arcade Street, Saint Paul MN 55106, inside First Covenant Church. Our food shelf is open at the following times each week: Tuesdays, 3pm to 6pm; Friday, 11am to 1pm (crisis appointment orders); Saturdays, 9am to noon.
LaViña and Fruit of the Vine host monthly free produce distributions on Friday afternoons in the summer and fall in the parking lot.
Financial/Rent Assistance
Neighborhood House
Rent payments, Damage deposits, Mortgage payments 651-793-7340
RAMSEY COUNTY EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
$1000 per year
651-266-4884 or apply through https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/
SALVATION ARMY RENT PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
651-776-8169
May help with rent or deposit assistance. May need a denial letter from Ramsey County Emergency Assistance.
HOUSE CALLS
The House Calls program provides direct financial assistance and support to prevent families in Ramsey County from becoming homeless due to safety and sanitation concerns. A collaboration between the Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health Department and Minnesota Community Care. 651-266-1290
House Calls services include financial assistance for:
• Utility disconnection
• Eviction assistance due to non-payment of rent
• Sanitation condemnation
YOUTHLINK
Financial help to avoid eviction or access security deposit or rental assistance. Must be 24 years or younger. If you are already signed up with them before the age of 24 they will help until you are 25. 41 North 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Call 612-252-1200
Utilities
Neighborhood House
Utility Payments
ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Weatherization Assistance Program – Potential energy upgrades include:
• Exterior wall and attic insulation
• Air leakage reduction
• Furnace, boiler, and water heater repair or replacement
• Ideas to help you reduce your home’s energy use, such as using a programmable thermostat
The Weatherization Assistance Program uses the previous calendar month
of household income to determine eligibility. Households that have
received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) within the last 12 months are eligible. Priority
is given to households with elderly or disabled members, households with children under age 19, and households determined to be high energy
consumers.
https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumer-assistance/wap/
SALVATION ARMY UTILITY ASSISTANCE
651-776-8169
May require a denial letter from Emergency Assistance
HOUSE CALLS
651-266-1290
SOLID GROUND – https://www.solidgroundmn.org/
This program supports housing stability by keeping families from losing their current housing, providing emergency funds for past due rent, utilities, and/or assistance paying first month’s rent and deposit.
East Metro Place
3521 Century Avenue North
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
651-773-8401
Pets
Bitty Kitty Brigade
Low cost vaccination clinics
Mission Animal Hospital
Nonprofit vet
Animal Humane Society Vet
vet centers
Access Veterinary Care
Low cost and emergency vet option – Minneapolis, MN
Clothing
FACEBOOK
Your local neighborhood Facebook and Buy Nothing Facebook groups
Auntie Bec’s Boutique
A unique space for teens to come and shop for clothes that they could feel good in and are proud to wear.
https://auntiebecsboutique.com or Email: auntiebecsboutique@gmail.com
Saint Thomas More Free Store
The store is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 10am-noon for guests. Guests may fill 2 grocery bags of items and visit as often as they wish. Offer new and gently used clothing, linens, shoes, housewares, and small household items, free of charge.
Joseph’s Coat
Shopping Hours are by appointment only on Mondays and Wednesdays. Call 651-291-2472
Hallie Q Brown Community Center has a clothing closet. Our clothing closet is open Monday-Thursday 3-4:30pm. Please enter through the McKubin Street Entrance and come up the stairs. Appointments currently required.
651-224-4607
Medical/Dental
St. Paul Radiology will pay for a cab to and from their imaging center if you do not have transportation. You must tell the scheduler when you make the appointment.
Dentallifeline.org
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: Be over 65 years of age, permanently disabled, or need medically necessary dental care and have no other means to afford or receive dental treatment. Waiting list so recommended sign up if you qualify.
Action Care Community Clinic – TEMPORARILY CLOSED
10584 France Ave S, Bloomington MN
952-666-6000
YOUTHLINK
Call the welcome center at 612-252-1200 for more information. Services include: Birth control; Pregnancy testing; Immunizations; STI testing and treatment; Strep tests; Injury and illness check-ups – Serving Youth age 24 years or younger.
FACE TO FACE
Serving youth age 24 years or younger. Medical and mental health care for youth ages 11-24.
1165 Arcade St., St. Paul, MN 55106
651-772-5555
Open Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
and Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Vehicle
Neighborhood House
car repairs
CAPRW
Low interest Auto loan up to $6000
Community Action will require you to go through an interview process,
which involves a credit and budget review, and you must meet the
following requirements:
• Live in Ramsey or Washington County
• Have a continuous work history of 6+ months at a minimum of 20 hours per week
• Provide recent documentation of monthly income
• Have a valid Minnesota driver’s license
• Provide proof of “full coverage insurance” prior to loan closing date
Household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
THE LIFT GARAGE
At The Lift Garage, we provide free inspections and low-cost car repairs to low-income families in Minnesota. Our inspections focus on the safety and drivability of cars – and our repairs are provided at our $15/hour labor rate and parts are sold without a markup. There is usually a long waiting list.
612-866-5840
Legal
HomeLine
HomeLine provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems.
SMRLS
Family law, government benefits, housing, immigration, education law, senior law, or another civil legal need.
INTERFAITH ACTION OF GREATER ST PAUL
Options of in person or by phone legal assistance.
Entertainment
MINNESOTA ZOO
FREE if on listed govt. programs.
MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
$4 adults and free for 17 and under. You must be at least 18 and enrolled in one or more of the following: TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Benefits, Food Stamps, Section 8, or Free/Reduced Price School Meals.
SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA
You must be at least 18 and enrolled in one or more of the following: TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Benefits, Food Stamps, Section 8, or Free/Reduced Price School Meals. Omnitheater admission $3 and Museum admission is $3.
651-221-9444
GUTHRIE THEATER
Gateway Tickets are available to patrons with limited income for $5.* To qualify, patrons must be at least 18 years old and enrolled in one or more of the following: TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Benefits, SNAP or Section 8.
612-377-2224
STAGES THEATRE
Pay What You Can Performances
Patrons can begin reserving PWYC tickets 30 days prior to the performance. Please call the Box Office at (952)-979-1111.
MINNESOTA STATE PARK LIBRARY PROGRAM
The Department of Natural
Resources is collaborating with public libraries across the state to provide free seven-day state park passes for checkout through June 2025. Our goal in offering this program is to provide a way for Minnesotans living in low-income communities across the state to visit state parks without the financial barrier of an entry fee.
Library park passes only cover the vehicle entrance fee. If you would like to camp, you still need to make and pay for camping reservations
THE WORKS MUSEUM – GATEWAY PROGRAM
Children and/or families that receive free/reduced price lunch at school, or assistance from SNAP, TANF, MFIP, WIC, SSI, Section 8 housing, Medical Assistance or Medicaid Care, Minnesota Care or Basic Sliding Fee Childcare Assistance are eligible for discounted admission, memberships, and camps.
Once you demonstrate your eligibility at the front desk, you can choose to
purchase $6.50 per person discounted daily admission price (regular
admission is $13.00 per person) or $25 family membership (regular price
is $90).
NOTE: Families must show physical proof of eligibility (in one of the programs listed above) at the front desk.
THE CHILDREN’S THEATER
CTC’s ACT Pass program increases equity and inclusion by providing accessible $5 tickets and Theatre Arts Training scholarships of up to 80% off tuition to audiences traditionally excluded from professional arts experiences due to economic disparities and hardship. Currently, the ACT Pass program includes over 2,000 families.
Eligibility for the ACT Pass program is established using free and reduced lunch household income guidelines, a statement of need, and recognition of other barriers to participation. Once approved, ACT Pass membership lasts for 2 years.
BELL MUSEUM
The Bell Museum offers Explore & Curiosity Programs. To qualify you must be at least 18 and enrolled in one or more of the following: TANF, MFIP, SNAP, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, WIC, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Benefits, Food Stamps, Section 8, or Free/Reduced Price School Meals. Present any appropriate documents related to those programs at the Lobby Desk to qualify.
These programs offer:
Explore Museum Admission Passes
Qualifying guests receive free museum gallery admission passes and discounted planetarium show tickets ($4 for adults/seniors; $3 for youth). -Curiosity Memberships
Curiosity Memberships are available for purchase at our front desk for $15, and offer a year of free gallery admission and $2 planetarium tickets.
Contact them at 612-626-9660 for more information or visit the Curiosity Membership page for details.
They also offer FREE admission for PCAs.
Home Repairs and Purchase
HEARTS AND HAMMERS
Home improvements are limited to exterior painting and related repairs. Work may include:
• Exterior Painting
• Caulking/Weather-stripping
• Repair or Partial Replacement of Damaged Siding, Fascia, or Trim
• Accessibility Ramp
• Railings Repair
• Stair/Walkway Repair
• Windows/Doors Repair
• Gutter Repair
• Deck/Porch Repair
• Landscaping Renewal
The purpose of this work is to restore the character of the home and the
surrounding neighborhood and to improve the home’s safety and security.
NOTE: Homes will be considered based on the availability of volunteers,
materials, and scope of work. – Income qualification.
651-636-0797
REBUILDING TOGETHER
The Home Repair program provides volunteer-delivered safe and healthy housing repairs including interior improvements (i.e. installing flooring, patching and painting), siding, windows, and landscaping. It also provides sub-contractor delivered repair or replacement of essential systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and roofs that are critical to healthy, livable homes.
651-776-4273
NEIGHBORHOOD WORKS HOME PARTNERS
They help people buy, fix, and keep their homes.
651-292-8710
Misc/Other
WalMart+
With Walmart+ Assist, qualifying government assistance recipients of SNAP, WIC, Medicaid & more can always get a W+ membership for just $6.47/month or $49/year!*
As a Walmart+ member, you’ll enjoy benefits including free delivery from your store, member prices on fuel at select stations, and use of mobile scan & go, which enables you to scan items as you shop in-store, streamlining your checkout process.
AMAZON PRIME
All of prime for half the price. Qualifying government assistance recipients can access prime for $6.99 a month. Regularly $14.99. This would include Amazon prime show access.
PC’s for People
Low cost computers AND internet
To shop with us, customers must be currently participating in a government0based assistance program or have a qualifying household income (less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines (see chart below) or 60% of area median income).
XFINITY INTERNET
Home internet for $9.95 a month. Includes equipment. No credit check. No cancellation fee.
YMCA MEMBERSHIP
Need-based scholarships are available to cover the cost of Y membership.
612-230-9622
CRADLE OF HOPE
May offer help to families in crisis due to pregnancy or birth of a child under 4 months. Help may include rent, utility, and medical help. Other help may include a portable crib and baby shower baskets for families that are struggling.
651-636-0637
BRIDGING
Furniture and Housewares.
Must have a referral. Our appointment fee is $70. Delivery is an additional $200 (available in the 7-county metro only). You may pick-up your own items for no additional charge. Please talk to your case manager about ways they may assist you with the fees.
952-888-1105
THE 30 DAYS FOUNDATION
The 30-Days Foundation provides a one-time financial grant paid only to the service provider for Minnesota residents.
PREPARE AND PROSPER
651-287-0190
Offers help with taxes, financial counseling and fair banking.
RUBY’S PANTRY
Ruby’s pantry is a pop-up grocery store. Food Bundles are $25.
METRO TRANSIT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)
The Transit Assistance Program (TAP) is designed to make public transit more affordable for people with lower incomes. TAP provides a year-long reduced fare pass on a Go-To Card. Customers can use a bus or train for just $1 per ride – even during rush hour – with a 2½ hour transfer.
https://store.metrotransit.org/tap or call 612-373-3333
EXODUS LENDING
They get Minnesotans out of predatory loan debt (payday, pawn, auto title, and online installment loans, etc.) and back on track financially by enrolling and supporting them in a 0% interest refinance program, lending up to $1,500 to qualified participants.