Cash and Emergency Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical, and Child Care Assistance is available to eligible individuals and families through their county of residence.  The application process requires recipients to show proof of identity and income eligibility.  The application and information is available in multiple languages and interpreters are available upon request.  In Ramsey County, you can apply in-person, online, you can download a paper application from the website below.  Additional information about assistance can be found on the second website listed below.  For people who live outside of Ramsey County, you should contact the Human Services Department in your county.

https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5223-ENG-pform

https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/assistance-support/assistance/financial-assistance

 

You can also check your eligibility for these programs by filling out the online questionnaire on the Bridges to Benefits website below.  It is not an application for these programs, but it will help you identify which programs you could qualify.

http://mn.bridgetobenefits.org/start_screening.html

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If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table or often goes hungry, the resources below can help.  There are several food shelves in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area to supplement your food budget and SNAP benefits.  Most food shelves have specific rules about who they serve and may require that you live within their service area and have very specific hours.  It is best to contact the food shelf directly to get the most accurate information.  The Minnesota Food Help Line and United Way can help you find the food shelf nearest you.  

 

Hunger Solutions

The Minnesota Food Help Line will assess your situation and provide solutions to your food needs. You can call them at 1-888-711-1151 (M-F, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm), use their chat feature, or fill out their online form at the website below.

http://www.hungersolutions.org/programs/mn-food-helpline/

 

United Way 211, First Call For Help

You can find the closest food shelf through their website below or by calling them at 651-291-0211.

https://www.211unitedway.org/

 

Various Food Shelves Located in St. Paul

Listed below are some food shelves located near the Hubbs Center and Hub@Harding.  You should call them directly to determine if you would be eligible to use their services.  Many food shelves also give away free clothing and small household items. 

 

Keystone Services, 651-645-0349

https://keystoneservices.org/

 

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 651-224-4601

http://www.hallieqbrown.org/site/index.php/programs/

 

Salvation Army, 651-224-4316

https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northern/WestStPaul

 

Merrick Community Services, 651-287-2088

https://merrickcs.org/community-services/food/

 

Open Hands Midway, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 651-646-6549

https://www.openhandsmidway.org/

Division of Indian Work (Native American only), St. Paul, 651-789-3854

https://interfaithaction.org/programs/

 

 

Free Hot Meals

 

In addition to food shelves, you and your family can also get free prepared meals in a community dining setting. 

 

Loaves and Fishes

Free, hot meals are served at various sites in the St. Paul and Minneapolis area.  The schedule and locations of these meals can be found at the Loaves and Fishes website.

https://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/dining_sites.html

 

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army serves weekly hot meals weekly and has food shelves at various sites in St. Paul and Minneapolis.  Please see their website for locations and times or you can all 651-224-4316 for more information about their programs and services.

https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northern/eaststpaul

 

 

Free Summer Meals for Kids 18 and Under

St. Paul Public Schools provides free meals at various sites around the city during the summer.  All kids 18 and under are eligible.  The schedule and locations are posted on the district’s website.  St. Paul and all other school districts also provide free and reduced lunch for their students throughout the year.  Parents must fill out an application to determine eligibility. 

https://www.spps.org/ns

 

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Supplemental Nutrition Program

Low income pregnant women, infants, and children qualify for health screening, supplemental food support, and nutrition counseling.  Contact your county of residence for information about how to apply.  Multi-lingual staff are often available to assist.  Below is the information for Ramsey County.    

https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/assistance-support/support-families/wic-women-infants-and-children

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For Families in Ramsey County (who are not already in a shelter):

Shelter space is reserved for Ramsey County families with minor children. To determine eligibility, call the United Way at 651-291-0211.

For those experiencing domestic violence, Day One Services may be able to help find a safe place for families while fleeing abuse. Call Day One Services at 1-866-223-1111.

Families who are sleeping in a place not meant for human habilitation (streets, car, camping, public transit, etc.) or staying at a domestic violence shelter and are looking for supportive housing can call 651-215-2262.

Space for Ramsey County homeless family emergency shelter is limited and beds are not immediately available. Completing an intake with Ramsey County shelter staff is the only way to be placed on the shelter waitlist. 

For Singles in Ramsey County (who are not already in a shelter):

Single adults who are 25 years or older and seeking immediate shelter can call Catholic Charities - Higher Ground (formerly the Dorothy Day Center) at 651-647-2350 or Union Gospel Mission at 651-292-1721.

Single adults who are 25 years or older, currently experiencing homelessness and staying in a shelter, will need to complete a housing assessment to determine long-term housing options. Contact a housing assessor at 651-647-2350.

Coordinated Entry Housing Assessment 

Single adults who are 25 years or older, currently experiencing homelessness and not staying in shelter, will need to complete a housing assessment to determine long-term housing options. Single adults not staying in shelter can contact Caroline with Minnesota Community Care at the walk-in hours listed below. Phone: 651-793-2219 |  Email: homeless@mncare.org.

Caroline's current walk-in hours are:

• Mondays, 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Dayton's Bluff Library - Computer lab, 645 E 7th Street, St. Paul, MN 55106
• Tuesdays, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Minnesota Community Care Downtown Clinic, 424 Dorothy Day Place - St. Paul, MN 55102
• Thursdays, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at George Latimer Central Library - 2nd Floor, 90 W 4th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102

 

 

For Youth

Anyone age 24 or younger can connect with a variety of resources by visiting the Youth Services Network website or by downloading the YSN mobile app for free. Youth who need emergency help with food, clothing or finding a place to stay can call Safe Zone at 651-224-9644 or visit the SafeZone Drop-In Center for Homeless Youth, 130 East 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101. 

Youth ages 12-24 who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless may also contact the Youth Resource Line through the YMCA 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week at 763-493-3052. YMCA staff will assist in problem-solving information on community resources and referrals; resources include food shelves, housing, employment, legal services, education, and health care. 

 

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If you are looking for free and low cost activities to keep your children busy and engaged when they are not in school, here are some great alternatives to more screen time. 

 

Sprockets

The Sprockets website provides resources for parents looking for after-school and summer enrichment opportunities for their children.  

https://www.sprocketssaintpaul.org/

 

St. Paul Public Library and Ramsey County Library Systems

All libraries provide great, free programming for children and adults, in addition to free access to books, the internet, music, and movies.  St. Paul Public Libraries have Homework Help Centers to help learners of all ages with their academic skills.  Check out the library nearest you to see what’s available.  Information about the library and assistance with obtaining a library card are available in multiple languages.

https://sppl.org/

https://www.rclreads.org/

 

St. Paul Parks and Recreation

St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department offers numerous free indoor and outdoor recreational activities for children and their families at neighborhood centers and parks.  There are many organized activities or you can explore all sorts of activities on your own.  Almost all children’s activities are free but there may be financial assistance for low-income participants if a fee is charged.

https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation

 

Right Track Youth Employment Program, Joint Program through St. Paul Parks and Recreation and St Paul Public Schools

Right Track is an employment program for St. Paul youth.  Participants get help with developing essential employment skills.

https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/right-track

 

U LEAD, Ramsey County Youth Employment Program

U LEAD is an employment and training program for youth ages 14-24 who live in Ramsey County.  Participants will receive career and employability training and learn how to present themselves in a professional environment.  There are eligibility requirements to be admitted to the program.  You can call 651-266-6052 for more information or you can access application on the link below.  They are currently developing a U LEAD website.

https://www.ramseycounty.us/sites/default/files/Departments/Workforce%20Solutions/ULEAD%20Application%20-%202019.pdf

  

Youth Intervention Services

If your child is struggling in school or is refusing to go to school or their behavior has changed significantly, it is important to talk to staff at your child’s school.  Schools will provide interpreters if you ask.  It may also become necessary to talk to your child’s doctor if the behavior lasts for a long time and affects your child’s daily functioning (appetite, sleep, interaction with friends and family).  Start with asking your child’s teachers if they have noticed the same behavior changes and how things are going for them in school.  You can also talk to the school counselor or social worker to ask about available programs or resources to help you and your child before the issue becomes a serious problem that affects their academic development.  You do not have to wait until the teacher calls you or for school conferences to talk to your child’s teachers.  It is OK and encouraged for parents to talk with school staff about their child’s progress and well-being.  Below are some programs that may be able to assist you and your child. 

 

Youth Engagement Program, Ramsey County

The Youth Engagement Program is a program designed to prevent kids from becoming truant (missing too much school and involved in the court system) or running away.  They will first do an assessment to see if your child qualifies for their services.  You can call for an assessment at 651-266-5308.

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EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS IN MINNESOTA

Volunteer Lawyer Network

https://www.vlnmn.org/ce

VLN offers regular Criminal Expungement Seminars in Minneapolis on the first Tuesday of every month, as well as additional seminars in greater Minnesota. At each seminar, you will hear a brief presentation about Criminal Expungement in Minnesota and then meet with volunteer attorneys who can answer your questions and may be able to connect you with further assistance.  To attend, your income must be below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, be off of probation, must not owe any fines or restitution to the court, must be looking to expunge Minnesota records (not federal cases).  You must bring your Minnesota Court records.  They cannot provide personalized advice or recommend you for further services if we do not have these records.

See the website for seminar dates and locations and for instructions on how to get your criminal records.

 

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services

http://www.smrls.org/get-help/legal-services/upcoming-clinics/criminal-record-expungement-clinic/

They hold Criminal Expungement Clinics.  You must be income eligible and apply online or by calling the hotline.  They will assist with the paperwork and filing, but they do not go to court with you.

To get more information, call their hotline at 1-888-575-2954.

Hotline hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CST

Minnesota Judicial Branch Information

http://www.mncourts.gov/help-topics/criminal-expungement.aspx

The courts provide information and the forms on the process.  They do not provide any type of legal advice or assistance.

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If you or someone you know is living in an abusive environment, there are people who will help you.  You have the right and you deserve to be safe in your own home.  If you are in immediate danger, call 911.  

 

If you live in St. Paul or Ramsey County, you can call 651-645-2824 (24 hours a day/7 days a week, interpreters available).  They can help you with services and finding a shelter where you can be safe.  They will also help with filing an OFP (Order For Protection, commonly called a 'restraining order').  See their website for additional information regarding their services.  

http://www.stpaulintervention.org/

 

If you live outside of St. Paul, you can call MN Day One Crisis Line at 1-866-223-1111 (24 hours a day/7 days a week, interpreters available) or visit their website below.  They will be able to direct you to services and shelters where you can be safe. 

https://dayoneservices.org/shelters-support/

 

     

If you live in Minneapolis or Hennepin County, you can call the Domestic Abuse Service Center at 612-348-5073 (Monday through Friday 8 am-4:30 pm) or visit their office in-person in the lower level of the Hennepin County Government Center.  They provide information, referrals, and assist with an OFP (Order For Protection, commonly called a 'restraining order').  They have interpreters available through the County Attorney's office.  

 

Other Programs and Services for Domestic Abuse Survivors

 

Sojourner

Sojourner provides a variety of services for victims of domestic abuse, including a 24 hour Crisis Line, 952-933-7422.  Please see their website for more information on their services.

https://www.sojournerproject.org/

 

Women’s Advocates

Women’s Advocates provides educational services, emergency shelter, and support services for victims of domestic abuse, including a 24 hour Crisis Line, 651-227-8284.  Please see their website for more information on their services.

https://www.wadvocates.org/

 

Cornerstone

Cornerstone provides information, shelter, and support services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, including a 24-Hour Crisis Line, 952-884-0330.  They also have programs for youth in need.  Please see their website for more information on their services. 

https://cornerstonemn.org/

 

Home Free

Home Free provides shelter and support services to victims of domestic abuse including a 24 hour Crisis Hotline, 763-559-4945.  Please see their website for more information on their services.

https://www.missionsinc.org/our-services/domestic-violence-services/#home-free-shelter

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