Student Basic Needs
The colleges and universities of Minnesota State are here to support students through every step of their educational journey. Our students are people first, and their lives are complex. Students face challenges that make progress towards their academic goals difficult, including mental health, grief and loss, housing and food insecurity, as well as challenges related to child and family care, transportation, and access to technology. Our students overcome many challenges and obstacles to achieve personal and academic success, and Minnesota State is committed to help them navigate their lives and their commitments to learning.
Students who access basic needs support and resources are more likely to experience academic success and persist to graduation.
You’ve got this. We’ve got you.
Basic Needs Resource Hub
Minnesota State has partnered with United Way 211 to establish a statewide basic needs resource hub. The basic needs resource hub provides Minnesota State students access to basic needs resources and support available on their campus and in their community via phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
United Way 211 provides free and confidential health and human services information. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect you with the resources and information you need. If you’re looking for information about services available in your community for you or a loved one, they can help.
Text MNHELP to 898-211(TXT211) or call 211 (toll free at 1-800-543-7709) to speak with one of their highly trained information and referral specialists. Your call is completely confidential, and they have call menus in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Interpreters are also available for any language.
Visit the 211 website to learn more or to explore resources and support that may be available.
Student Basic Needs Search Tool
If you live in a neighboring state, consider checking here for resources located in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Minnesota State System Office Contact:
Paul Shepherd
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
paul.shepherd@minnstate.edu
The school you attend also has resources to help you. Select your college or university from the list below to see what resources they offer.
- Alexandria Technical & Community College
- Anoka Technical College
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College
- Bemidji State University
- Central Lakes College
- Century College
- Dakota County Technical College
- Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College
- Hennepin Technical College
- Inver Hills Community College
- Lake Superior College
- Metro State University
- Minneapolis College
- Minnesota North College
- Minnesota State College Southeast
- Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Minnesota West Community & Technical College
- Normandale Community College
- North Hennepin Community College
- Northland Community & Technical College
- Northwest Technical College
- Pine Technical & Community College
- Ridgewater College
- Riverland Community College
- Rochester Community and Technical College
- Saint Paul College
- St. Cloud State University
- St. Cloud Technical & Community College
- South Central College
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- Winona State University
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website
- Call: 988 or 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
- Chat online with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Crisis Text Line
- Visit the Crisis Text Line Website
- Text “Home” to 741741
- Text “STEVE” to 741741 to access support for BIPOC students and their allies.
- Text “START” to 678678 to access support for LGBTQIA+ students and their allies