Support Services

Many adults need help overcoming obstacles in their way of achieving career and educational goals.

Below are state- and federal-funded programs, as well as non-profit organizations, offering support services for adults. Use these services to remove road blocks from going after your education and career goals.

General Help

• Call 211
  Call 2-1-1 to connect by phone to information about health and human services in your community. You can connect to food banks, clothing assistance, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance, physical and mental health resources, employment support, support for seniors and people with disabilities, and help for families.
• MinnesotaHelp.info
  This website provides online access to statewide community resources including human services, financial assistance, and other forms of help. It has a lot of audience-specific help too for seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, families, and low income people.
• COVID-19 Hotline for Immigrants and Refugees
  Call this hotline to learn where to get food support, rental assistance, housing, COVID-19 testing, and more. Support is available in Amharic, Anuak, Arabic, French, Hindi, Karen, Lingala, Luganda, Mashi, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili.
  Hotline Phone Number: 651-318-0989
• Unemployment Benefits in Minnesota
  If you've been laid off or furloughed from your job due to COVID-19, unemployment benefits can provide financial support. Benefits are also available for independent contractors and self-employed individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Child Care

• MN Child Care Grant
  The Postsecondary Child Care Grant Program provides financial assistance to students who have children 12 and under, and who demonstrate financial need to help pay for child care while pursuing a postsecondary education. Grant is for credit-based programs only. .
• Child Care Assistance Program
  Helps make child care affordable for income-eligible families. Child care costs are paid for qualifying families while they go to work, look for work, or attend school. All families have a copayment based on their gross income and family size.
• Parent  Aware of Minnesota
  This site offers a statewide search for child care providers. It also provides a toll-free referral line. Information is also available in Español, Hmoob, and Somali.

Food

• COVID-19 Emergency Food Support
  Find programs and local organizations that offer emergency COVID-19 food support.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  Qualified families can get help getting food and cash assistance.  Some participants may also qualify for SNAP - Employment and Training (SNAP - E and T). 
• Minnesota Family Investment Plan (MFIP)
  MFIP is the state's welfare reform program for low-income families with children. MFIP will help your family move to work. It includes both cash and food assistance.

Housing

• Housing Choice Vouchers
  Learn how low-income families can lease or purchase safe, decent, and affordable privately-owned rental housing. Additional homeownership and renting information is provided.
• Rent Help MN
  If you need assistance to pay your rent or utility bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance.

Health Care

• Medical Coverage After a Job Loss in Minnesota
  Learn about options for finding health care coverage in Minnesota.
• Mental Health Support
  The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a tremendous amount of stress, fear and anxiety for many people.  Take care of yourself and your family by getting the help you need. 
• VA App Store
  The VA offers free mobile apps that provide virtual self-care resources to assist with stress management.
• Veterans Crisis Line
  If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about someone who is a Veteran, contact the Veterans Crisis Line for phone or chat help.  

Transportation

• Driver and Vehicle Services
  This website from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety explains how to get a Minnesota driver's license or renew your license plate tabs.
• Metro Transit
  Metro Transit has schedules and how to plan trips on buses and trains in the Twin Cities. You can also find details on how to travel by bicycle, rideshare, bus, light rail, and commuter rail within the metro area. Or call 612-373-3333 for personal help.
• Metro Mobility
  Metro Mobility provides public transportation for Twin Cities riders who are unable to use the regular bus routes. This may be due to a disability or health condition. You must apply to be eligible.
  
  

Learn more healthcare, childcare and other support resources for students at Minnesota State colleges and universities.  You can also get help paying for training.