Basic Essentials - Food, Child Care, Car Repair 

Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People

VEAP offers a variety of programs from social services, housing stability, transportation assistance. and food at no charge. They have a focus on helping the undocumented community and seniors, but anyone can apply for help. 
https://veap.org/get-help/

Community Aid Network Minnesota

CANMN is located near the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis offering supplies and food at no cost out of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Loring Park. Recipients can be from any location or income-level. Delivery or pick-up available, no identification needed.
https://www.canmn.org/​

Hunger Solutions

Search for the nearest food shelf zip. Includes options for curbside pick up, open times and availability, and delivery for some. https://www.hungersolutions.org/find-help/

Homegrown Minnesota

City of Minneapolis food shelf directory and additional food resources for special dietary needs
http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/sustainability/homegrown/WCMSP-185913 

Help for Older Adults

The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging put together a list of community-based services and resources for older adults and their caregivers to support daily living needs and safety at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find more information here, or if you need additional assistance, you can call the Senior LinkAge Line – a free statewide help line for seniors and caregivers – at 1-800-333-2433.

Meals on Wheels

 Twin Cities Meals on Wheels is now providing seven free meals per week to anyone age 50 or older experiencing difficulty in getting food. These freshly prepared, ready-to-eat meals are delivered to participants' doorsteps. This program is designed to serve individuals who are unable to pay full price for meals and do not qualify for other government programs that offset the cost of home-delivered meals. Visit online for more information and sign up.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

The program provides information and case management to veterans and their families to obtain housing stability, basic needs, and self-sufficiency. For more information, call 952-697-1306.

People and Pets Together

This pet food shelf is open to residents of Minneapolis who need help feeding and caring for pets. No appointment necessary. https://www.peopleandpetstogether.org/pet-food-shelf/

Minnesota Food Helpline

With one call the Minnesota Food HelpLine assesses the caller’s situation and provides solutions to their food needs. Call at 1-888-711-1151. HelpLine Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. https://www.hungersolutions.org/programs/mn-food-helpline/

Hennepin County Resource Helpline

If you’ve been impacted by COVID-19, get help with: Clothing, financial assistance, groceries, medical care and equipment, or medication, call the resource helpline: 612-348-3000. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. – 7 days/week, help is available in different languages: English, Hmong, Oromo, Russian, Somali, and Spanish.

MNsure Application Assistance

CAP-HC's Navigators offer in-person application assistance with MNsure to determine eligibility for Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Tax Credits, and Qualified Health Care Plans. To make an appointment, call 952-695-1367.

Child Care Assistance from Hennepin County

The child care assistance program helps families pay for child care so parents can work, look for a job or attend school. The program is available for children younger than 13 and for children with special needs who are younger than 15. They pay part of the child care cost, a bi-weekly co-pay, based on income and the size of the family. Call 612-348-5937 for more information, or visit website 

Child Care Assistance

 Paying for child care can be hard as you look for a job, go to work or go to school. Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can help make quality child care affordable for families with low incomes. The program promotes equal access to child care, family self- sufficiency and healthy child development.

Vehicle Repair Assistance

Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County's Vehicle Repair Assistance Program focuses on helping residents overcome transportation barriers. The program addresses the high cost of vehicle repairs by providing income-eligible clients with financial assistance toward auto repairs to ensure their vehicle is safe and reliable. ​

Auto Repair 

CARS is a Minnesota based non-profit that serves the greater Twin Cities area, operating with a singular mission: to serve single moms, single women, widows, financially limited individuals, and others who may need assistance with vehicle repairs

Lift Garage
The Lift Garage is an affordable, non-profit auto repair service for all Minnesotans who meet the 150% Federal Poverty Guideline. When faced with an unexpected car repair, The Lift customers simply cannot afford market-rate repairs. Customers at The Lift pay $15/hour for labor and receive the parts at cost.