Project REACH and Fostering Connections
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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.
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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
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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 Connections referral
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If you need help - Check out these resources for assistance
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/
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 Providing a variety of high-quality foods and household supplies, Merrick’s Food Shelf is dedicated to connecting families and individuals with community resources to help eliminate the long-term causes of hunger. These services are offered to the East Side of Saint Paul and Maplewood residents by distributing nutritious foods through a client-choice model. https://merrickcs.org/food/
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/community-meal-sites/
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
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 with 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)
Youth ID cards
https://learningcenter.dps.mn.gov/mndrive/External/HomelessYouthIdentificationCard.html
Phones
The Life Garage offers very low cost repairs. However, they don't open up the calendar to book appointments until next month (2nd Monday of each month)
Bikes and also internships
https://fullcyclebikeshop.org/ They have free bikes for youth experiencing homelessness teens
Please contact Project REACH Supervisor, Heather Alden, either by email - Heather.Alden@spps.org or call 651 744-7173 if you need additional resources.
Tubman 24 Hour Crisis Line 612-825-0000: Can do safety plans, resource look ups, etc. /
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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
651 744 7173 or text 651 231 0404
CONTACT PROJECT REACH
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1021 Marion St.,
Saint Paul, MN 55117
651-231-0404- Link: Map to Project Reach offices
- Link: Staff Directory
PROJECT REACH
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R ealizing the
E ducational
A chievement of
C hildren experiencing
H omelessness
Promoting school stability and academic success of homeless children and youth.
- Project REACH referral form (for SPPS staff only, in district access only)
- If you have any difficulties, please contact Heather Alden, heather.alden@spps.org or 651-744-7173