- For information about COVID-19, contact the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-431-2053 or visit www.health.state.mn.us/
- Aeon team members can help. Text or call and leave a message at 612-326-3855, or send an email to myhome@aeon.org
- For more help finding resources:
- Call United Way at 211, text MNCOVID to 898211 or visit 211unitedway.org
- Visit minnesotahelp.info
- For more language translations, please call 612-670-7115
- Para tener acceso a la traducción en otros idiomas, por favor contactar 612-670-7115
- Haddii aad u baahan tahay turjumaad, fadlan soo garaac 612-670-7115
- Hiikaa afaanota adda addaaf, maaloo 612-670-7115 quunnama’a
- Muaj ntau hom lus xav muab txhais, thov hu 612-670-7115
- Для переводов на другие языки, звоните на 612-670-7115
- अधिक भाषा अनुवाद के लिए, कृपया कॉल करें 612-670-7115
You can apply online at www.applymn.dhs.mn.gov.
Or you can apply over the phone by calling your specific county:
- Anoka County: 763-422-7200
- Carver County: 952-361-1600
- Dakota County: 651-554-5611
- Hennepin County: 612-596-1300
- Ramsey County: 651-266-4884
- Scott County: 952-496-8686
- Washington County: 651-430-6459
Find information and an application on their website. Or call 763-783-4747.
Go to the MNbenefits website to apply for food assistance, emergency assistance, cash assistance, childcare assistance or housing support.
Visit the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program website or call 651-296-3644.
Report a drop in income to have your rent lowered. Go to the website for your public housing authority based on your location to find out how to apply:
- The Metropolitan Council’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA)
- St. Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA)
- For other public housing authorities, check their website to see what rental assistance they may offer.
Find information and an application on their website. Or call 651-645-6445.
Visit their website or call 952-888-9616 to learn more.
Handbook of the Streets
This resource for people experiencing homelessness is available free to people in need.
- For more language translations, please call 612-670-7115
- Para tener acceso a la traducción en otros idiomas, por favor contactar 612-670-7115
- Haddii aad u baahan tahay turjumaad, fadlan soo garaac 612-670-7115
- Hiikaa afaanota adda addaaf, maaloo 612-670-7115 quunnama’a
- Muaj ntau hom lus xav muab txhais, thov hu 612-670-7115
- Для переводов на другие языки, звоните на 612-670-7115
- अधिक भाषा अनुवाद के लिए, कृपया कॉल करें 612-670-7115
Visit hungersolutions.org/find-help.
If you cannot access the internet, you can call Hunger Solutions at 651-486-9860.
Go here for a map with pick-up locations and hours.
Call 651-484-8241 or toll-free at 800-365-0270 to register or learn more.
You can also go online to learn about Second Harvest Heartland’s connection with CSFP here.
Call the hotline at 651-431-4050 if you live in the Twin Cities metro area. Or call 1-800-657-3698 if you live outside the metro area. You can also visit their webpage to learn more about eligibility and apply.
The following are some more free or low-cost food providers:
- Loaves and Fishes: https://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/dining-sites/
- Meals on Wheels: For seniors and people living with disabilities. SNAP benefits can also be used toward the cost of Meals on Wheels. https://meals-on-wheels.com/about/faqs/
- Free Meals for Kids: Go to freemealsforkidsmn.org to download a mobile app that shows which schools are offering free meals in your area.
- VEAP Mobile Food Pantry: Go to veap.org/events/ to see their Mobile Food Pantry dates.
- Farmers Markets: Minneapolis farmers markets provide local, low-cost food throughout the year. Most of their 20+ locations accept SNAP-EBT. Learn more about Minneapolis farmer’s markets here. While most markets operate during the summer, there are markets you can visit in the winter. See a list of winter locations at farmersmarketsofmpls.org/winter-markets.
- Fare for All: Save up to 40% on groceries by shopping with Fare for All, a program by The Food Group. They provide low-cost food throughout the metro area and Greater Minnesota.
- Northpoint Health and Wellness: This wellness center has a community food shelf. Click here to learn more.
Visit their website or call 763-566-9600 to make a food shelf appointment.
Handbook of the Streets
This resource for people experiencing homelessness is available free to people in need.
- For more language translations, please call 612-670-7115
- Para tener acceso a la traducción en otros idiomas, por favor contactar 612-670-7115
- Haddii aad u baahan tahay turjumaad, fadlan soo garaac 612-670-7115
- Hiikaa afaanota adda addaaf, maaloo 612-670-7115 quunnama’a
- Muaj ntau hom lus xav muab txhais, thov hu 612-670-7115
- Для переводов на другие языки, звоните на 612-670-7115
- अधिक भाषा अनुवाद के लिए, कृपया कॉल करें 612-670-7115
What do I need to know?
Visit this website for a list of child care assistance resources. Or call the Child Care Aware parent line at 1-888-291-9811.
Minnesotans can sign up for health insurance through MNsure. For details, you can visit their website or call 651-539-2099.
Portico HealthNet also helps people in Minnesota enroll, maintain, and change healthcare coverage and insurance. For more information, visit porticohealthnet.org or call 651-489-2273.
Click here to view a list of more statewide healthcare resources.
This website can help you find a COVID-19 testing location in your community.
The COVID Cares Support Service is a free telephone support service staffed by volunteer licensed mental health and substance use disorder personnel. Volunteers are available for 20-minute support calls to listen, share resources, and talk with all Minnesotans experiencing stress.
Call 833-437-3466. Their phone lines are available 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
HOME Line covers a wide range of issues with tenants. If you have questions about your rights as a Minnesota renter, HOME Line can provide free help.
Learn more on their website or by calling:
- For English, call 612-728-5767
- For Spanish, call 612-255-8870
- For Somali, call 612-255-8860
- For Hmong, call 612-255-7104
Law Help MN provides information on a variety of legal issues, including housing. Visit their website to learn more.
The Hennepin Tenant Resource Center supports Hennepin County residents who are at risk of eviction or homelessness. Learn more by visiting their website or calling their hotline at (612) 767-9737.
Visit the Hennepin County Human Services website or call 612-348-4111 for assistance. They offer health care assistance, emergency financial programs, food, child-care assistance, shelter and more.
Visit the Metropolitan Council webpage for information.
Xfinity/Comcast’s Internet Essentials provides discounted or free internet for those who qualify. Learn more and apply at their website.
Spectrum Internet Assist also provides discounted internet access for those who qualify. Learn more and apply for this program at their website.
USI Wireless has made free public internet hotspots available in Minneapolis. These hotspots will show up as “City of Minneapolis Public Wifi” or “USI Wireless” when trying to connect to a network on a computer or phone. No account or credit card is needed to connect, and one must be within 50 feet of the hotspot. If you need support with these hotspots, contact USI Internet support.
To find low-cost computers and internet services in your area, visit everyoneon.org/find-offers.
For families with students who need computers for distance learning: https://mnafterschool.org/chromebooks
Free Geek Twin Cities is offering free or discounted computers and other related technology. Visit their website to learn more.
PCs for People provides affordable computers and low-cost mobile internet. Learn more and see if you qualify at www.pcsforpeople.org/get-technology/.
InMyArea.com includes a detailed guide of low-cost internet and technology programs. The guide can also help you find low-cost phones, computers, and tablets. Click here to visit their resource guide and learn if you qualify.
Metro Mobility provides free door-to-door public transportation for riders who are unable to use fixed-route buses due to a disability or health condition. Learn more about the service on the Metro Mobility website.
Metro Transit offers a discount to people with low incomes. The Transit Assistance Program can reduce your fare to just $1 with their Go-To Card. Learn more about this offer and see if you’re eligible to apply: www.metrotransit.org/tap-riders.
The Senior LinkAge Line is a free service that connects older Minnesotans and their families with help they need.
Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 if you need help finding alternative services, or need support navigating medical, housing or administrative questions. Or visit their website for more information.
What do I need to know?
OutFront Minnesota has trained domestic abuse staff who can help you file for protective orders, provide supportive counseling regarding your situation, referrals to domestic violence shelters and other safe places in the community. You can call 612-822-0127.
Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline connects people seeking safety and resources to service agencies statewide via phone, text or chat message. You can call 866-223-1111.
The Domestic Abuse Project offers advocacy, case management and therapeutic programming for both adults and children. This service is offered through phone, video and email. Call 612-874-7063 for more information.
The Minnesota Department of Health has released a free app to notify you if you have been exposed to COVID-19. The app, COVIDaware MN, is available for free at the App Store or Google Play Store.
Go to www.covidawaremn.com to learn more.
The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector is a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Get connected by going to the website. If you have questions or need help filling out the form, please call the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector Hotline at 833-431-2053.
Bridge for Youth is a Minneapolis non-profit that provides runaway and homeless youth with safe shelter. They also assist in resolving family conflicts while seeking to reunify families whenever possible.
Learn more about their programs on their website or call 612-230-6601.
Hennepin Waypoint is a directory of free and low-cost community resources in Hennepin County. You can find information on shelter, emergency health services, crisis hotlines and more. Visit their website to learn more.
Bridge to Benefits is a screening tool from the Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota. It can tell if you could be eligible for assistance programs and tax credits. Visit their website to learn more.
The Twin Cities Mutual Aid Project (TCMAP) lists a wide range of resources, including support services and emergency shelters. Learn more by visiting their website.
Minnesota Afterschool Advance (MAA) can help pay for children’s afterschool programs for families who qualify. Learn more on their website.
Twin Cities RISE offers free career training for those who qualify. Visit their website to learn more.
Handbook of the Streets
This resource for people experiencing homelessness is available free to people in need.
Will my insurance cover testing and treatment for COVID-19?
Yes. Health insurance plans will cover testing and treatment for medically necessary services related to COVID-19. To help with costs, most health insurance companies have waived copays, coinsurance, and deductibles associated with this care. Check with your insurance company for further details.
Is testing free?
The CARES Act requires COVID-19 testing to be covered without any cost-sharing. It is important to know that this applies to the test only, office visits are not covered through the CARES Act. There may be charges associated with the visit to obtain the testing, but most health insurance companies in Minnesota have waived copays, coinsurance, and deductibles associated with these charges. Check with your insurance company for further details.
What should you do if you don’t have health insurance?
A new federal law makes coronavirus testing free for patients without insurance, but it does not cover treatment related to the virus. Community health clinics are available to help address some symptoms, but many of them still don’t have the ability to test patients.
You can find different coverage options through Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. Please contact MNsure or the Minnesota Department of Human Services to learn more about coverage options.