Project REACH is a Saint Paul Public Schools shelter and street-based program that promotes school stability and academic success of homeless children and youth. Fostering Connections is an SPPS program that assists with the education stability of students placed in out-of-home care.

Project REACH

Project REACH is an SPPS shelter and street-based program that promotes school stability and academic success of homeless children and youth. We serve Pre-K and school-age children in temporary housing situations. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Heather Alden - heather.alden@spps.org or 651-744-7173.

About Project REACH video

Project REACH Referral 

Fostering Connections

Fostering Connections is an SPPS program that assists with the education stability of students placed in out-of-home or foster care. Please complete the referral, if you need any assistance, contact: Heather.alden@spps.org or Christine.solum@spps.org.

Fostering Connection referral 

If you need help - Check out these resources for assistance

HOLIDAY FOOD/CLOTHING OPPORTUNITIES: 

United Way 2-1-1 First Call for Help at 651-291-0211 or 1-800-543-7709 and ask for agencies helping with holiday assistance!

iHelp Market Square - first come first serve What: Grocery assistance When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4pm. Where: City of Reconciliation Church - 900 Dale St. N, St Paul, MN 55103 - You will need to bring your picture ID, proof of each person shopping for more than three, proof of ID for all children under 18 years old Contact: (651) 488-4463 to schedule an appointment

Meal’s on Wheels  What: Hot prepared meals delivered to those in metro area Call 651-699-5404 and leave a message with name, address, # of person’s, and phone number

Merrick Community Services What: Holiday toy and food assistance When: Saturday December 17, 2022 and Monday December 19, 2022 Where/Contact: Details to be posted soon on the following website: https://merrickcs.org/

Loaves and Fishes What: Serving Hot Meals on various days every month Where: Multiple locations throughout Saint Paul, Minneapolis, & surrounding suburbs Contact: 612-377-9810 for more information https://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/

Agate Housing and Services (Formerly known as House of Charity) What: Free daily meals Where: 740 E 17th St., Minneapolis Public Meal Times Monday-Friday Breakfast: 8:00am-9:00am Breakfast/Brunch: 9:30am-10:00am Lunch: 11:30am-12:30pm Contact: 612-204-8300

FOOD SCARCITY:

Ramsey Co. Info https://www.ramseycounty.us/foodresources

Hunger Impact Partners https://hungerimpactpartners.org/   

Food Pantries  https://www.foodpantries.org

YWCA http://www.ymcamn.org/food-distribution

Second Harvest Food Bank distribution lists: https://www.2harvest.org/who--how-we-help/how-to-get-help/#.YwjquOzMJCU

SNAP Benefits (formerly food stamps)  - How to apply for monthly food assistance: https://2harvest.service-now.com/survey?id=shh_public_survey&type_id=d50ab3711be12450d59611392a4bcbe0

Ramsey County - Home food delivery: https://www.mealsonwheels-rc.org/

Free-Reduced Lunch Program - https://www.schoolcafe.com/application-guest

Today's Harvest - 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.  

• 8264 4th St North, Oakdale, MN 55128
• 5703 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale MN 55128
• https://todaysharvestmn.org/hours/

HOUSING RESOURCES:

Shelter: https://www.211unitedway.org/ or Call 211

Ramsey County  - coordinated access to housing/shelter availability and wait list:

Families with at least one minor child in need of emergency shelter should call the United Way’s Helpline and Crisis Line for a prescreen at 651-291-0211.

If a family is currently unsheltered, they can also call Ramsey County’s Homeless Services Team directly during business hours at 651-266-7818.

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.

Women and children escaping abuse, battling addiction, or struggling homelessness and poverty can call Union Gospel Mission's Naomi Family Residence at 651-228-1800.

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

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. 

Looking for available housing - updated frequently: https://www.housinglink.org/

Minnesota Department of Housing - resources for rental subsidies, applying for Section 8, many housing resources.  https://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/multifamily/bridges  -

Fleeing violence (street, sexual, dangerous situation, low barrier - potential for sex trafficking. https://360communities.org/violence-prevention/lewis-house/

Domestic Violence - Call MN Day One Crisis Line: 1-800-223-1111 or TEXT 612.399.9995 http://dayoneservices.org/

Permanent Supportive Housing for teens and parenting teens (>16-20) housing for 2 years and parenting teens (child less than 3 yo).  If 20-24 then variance with DHS needed. Tubman East

CLOTHING RESOURCES:

Focus MN - https://www.focusmn.org/programs

Joseph's Coat - https://www.josephscoatmn.org/

Twin Cities Salvation Army locations are by appointment only. Call to make an appointment.  Saint Paul Payne Avenue ● Phone:(651)776-2653

UTILITIES: 

Heat Share-Salvation Army- Emergency utility bill assistance (natural gas, oil, propane, and electricity) Contact: 1-800-842-7279 http://salvationarmynorth.org/programs-that-help/basic-needs/heatshare/ 

LEGAL RESOURCES:

Southern MN Regional Law Schools - https://www.smrls.org/

City of St. Paul Tenant Protections

Legal Aid assistance for housing (SMRLS)

Sealing past criminal records

Staff Resources

Additional resources for staff for Project Reach and Fostering Connections.

Staff:If you need to make a referral, please email Heather Alden with information. REACH staff are working and can reach out to families and youth.

Heather.Alden@spps.org

651 231 0404