Basic Needs

Public programs and resources that help with food, housing, and transportation

Financial Assistance

Apply for county programs, including Diversionary Work Program (DWP), Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Emergency General Assistance (EGA), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA).

Bridge to Benefits

Bridge to Benefits is a project by Children's Defense Fund-Minnesota to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits. Visit their website to see if you or someone else may be eligible for public work support programs. No identifying information is collected.

Community Action Agencies

Community Action Agencies provide local, state, federal and private resources to help individuals and families who have low incomes such as energy assistance, food, housing, job training, and transportation.

Energy Assistance and Weatherization

Energy Assistance Programs

Help for homeowners and renters with home heating expenses

Weatherization Assistance Programs

Help for income-qualified homeowners and renters to reduce energy costs

Food

WIC (Prenatal to age 5)

Healthy eating and breastfeeding support program for women, infants and children. Benefits include nutrition information, vouchers for healthy food, and referrals to other services in the community.

County Programs for Food Support

Apply for county programs, including Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), SNAP Food Support, and WIC.

Food Shelves

Free food support

Housing

Affordable Housing Options

Subsidized housing, HRA Housing Choice Vouchers, Privately Owned Affordable Housing

Family Homeless and Prevention Assistance Program

Short-term help for low-income families, youth and single adults who are homeless or about to become homeless

Help to Find Housing

Assistance with locating a place to live

Transitional Housing Programs

Housing and supportive services to individuals and families who are homeless or in need of safe housing.

Shelters

Emergency, domestic violence and youth shelters

Job Training and Career Development

Job Training

Employment preparation and training programs

Career Development and Counseling

Help learning about and finding a new career

Transportation

Transportation Services

Organizations that provide or arrange transportation

Local Bus Service

Find local bus options

Medical Transportation

Medicaid eligible population should call their health plan or the Children and Teen Checkup coordinators for help with children's clinic appointments.