Resources
Government and non-profit services: where to go, who to call, and which service fits your situation.
40 results
United Way 211 Helpline
Housing Programs
FreeNo status requiredA 24/7 information and referral line for every basic need: housing, food, utility bills, health care and crisis services. Free and confidential.
Who qualifies: Open to anyone in Minnesota. No income test.
How to apply: Dial 211, or call 800-543-7709, or text your ZIP code to 898211.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Somali, Spanish
Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program
Housing Programs
FreeTemporary financial help and support for households facing eviction or already without housing. Delivered by regional providers in each county.
Who qualifies: Requirements vary by county and provider. Contact the provider for your county to check.
How to apply: Find your county's provider in the Minnesota Housing list, or call 211 to be pointed to it.
Languages spoken: English
SNAP food assistance
Food Assistance
FreeA monthly food benefit loaded onto a card you use at the store. Formerly called Food Support.
Who qualifies: Based on household size and income. Immigration status affects eligibility, so ask rather than assume.
How to apply: Apply at MNbenefits in about 20 minutes, or call 800-657-3698.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Somali, Spanish
Minnesota Food HelpLine
Food Assistance
FreeNo status requiredPoints you to the nearest food shelf, free meals, or help filing a SNAP application, with interpretation in many languages.
Who qualifies: Open to anyone. No conditions.
How to apply: Call or text 888-711-1151, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Somali, Spanish
Health coverage: MNsure, Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare
Health Services
FreeMinnesota's health insurance marketplace, and the way to apply for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare for people with low incomes.
Who qualifies: Based on income and household size. Medical Assistance has no monthly premium; MinnesotaCare may have one.
How to apply: Apply through MNsure, or call 855-366-7873.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Somali, Spanish
WIC for women, infants and children
Family & Children
FreeFood support, nutrition counselling and breastfeeding help for pregnant women, new mothers and children under five, plus referrals to other health services.
Who qualifies: For pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under five, within income limits.
How to apply: Call 800-942-4030 to find your nearest WIC clinic and book an appointment.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Somali, Spanish
CareerForce career centers
Employment Services
FreeMore than 50 centers across the state offering job search, resume writing, interview practice and training programs. Every service is free.
Who qualifies: Open to any job seeker in Minnesota, with programs aimed specifically at new Americans.
How to apply: Find your nearest location on the site, or call 651-259-7500.
Languages spoken: English
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
Immigrant & Refugee Services
FreeFree immigration legal advice and representation: asylum, family reunification, residency, citizenship and detention cases.
Who qualifies: For low-income immigrants living in Minnesota or North Dakota, with income at or below 187.5% of the federal poverty line.
How to apply: Call the intake line on 800-223-1368 during posted intake hours. For ICE detention cases call 651-641-1011.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Somali, Spanish
International Institute of Minnesota
Immigrant & Refugee Services
FreeRefugee resettlement, English classes, workforce training, college preparation, and help with immigration and citizenship.
Who qualifies: For immigrants and refugees. Requirements differ by program, so ask about the one you need.
How to apply: Call 651-647-0191, or visit the office at 1694 Como Ave in Saint Paul.
Languages spoken: English
Adult Literacy Hotline: free English classes
Education & ESL
FreeNo status requiredPoints you to the nearest of about 300 free programs statewide: English as a second language, GED, computer skills and citizenship preparation.
Who qualifies: For adults. The classes are free.
How to apply: Call 800-222-1990, or send a text message to 612-424-1211.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Somali, Spanish
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Mental Health
FreeNo status requiredA 24/7 crisis line to speak with a trained counselor during emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, or when you are worried about someone else.
Who qualifies: Open to anyone, at any time, with no conditions.
How to apply: Call or text 988. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Somali, Spanish
NAMI Minnesota
Mental Health
FreeShort-term guidance, education and support groups for individuals and families dealing with mental illness, with referral to local services. Not a crisis line.
Who qualifies: Open to anyone in Minnesota.
How to apply: Call 651-645-2948 extension 117. For an immediate crisis use 988 instead.
Languages spoken: English