Reach Out for Warmth (ROFW) is an energy assistance program aimed at helping low to moderate income families and single mothers. Families in Benton, Sherburne and Stearns counties can call (888) 765-5597 to apply for bills assistance. In addition to utilities assistance, ROFW also runs several programs to help low income families and single mothers attain self-sufficiency. This includes housing assistance, rent assistance and counseling services for families in crisis. Visit organization website for more information on eligibility and application.
FHPAP ( Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program ) is a program aimed at preventing homelessness in Minnesota. Funds are granted to several agencies across Minnesota to help low income families who are on the verge of a crisis. If you are in need of rent assistance to avoid eviction, contact one of the agencies that receive funds from FHPAP. You can find a list of grantees on this page — FHPAP grantees
In addition to rent assistance, qualifying families can also receive security deposit and first month’s rent in case of moving to permanent housing from a shelter. Call 651.296.9833 for more information on rent assistance, single mother assistance and eviction prevention programs.
Community clinics for free medical assistance — If you are in need of free or discounted medical care, visit a community clinic near you to receive affordable services. If your income is deemed very low, medical care will be offered free of charge. In case of patients whose assets and income exceed low income levels, affordable charges will be applicable. Here is a short list — not exhaustive — of community clinics across Minnesota.
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic
513 5th Ave. W.
Grand Marais, MN 55604-3017
218-387-2330
Simpson Shelter
2740 1st Ave. S.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408-1611
612-874-0306
INDIAN HEALTH BOARD OF MINNEAPOLIS, INC.
1315 E. 24th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55404-3975
612-721-9881
PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN YOUTH CENTER
2210 Oliver Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411-1821
612-302-4767
HELPING HAND DENTAL CLINIC
506 7th St. W.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102-3049
651-224-7561
As the above list is not exhaustive, if you are in need of free medical care and if you cannot find a community clinic location in the above list, please search for a clinic near your location.
Minnesota Salvation Army programs — Several financial assistance programs are offered by Salvation Army to help low income families and single moms tide over a crisis. Salvation Army’s HeatShare program is one such program that helps households who have received a shut off notice from the utility company. Cash assistance will be offered to families who produce such a notice as proof and are meeting income guidelines.
If you are a family moving out of temporary housing, help with security deposit and first month’s rent may be offered. Contact a Salvation Army office near your location to get details on eligiblity requirements and application.
In addition to bills assistance and housing assistance offered by Salvation Army, income eligible households can also receive employment assistance in order to aid self sufficiency. This might include skills development programs and referrals to other agencies that might help with gainful employment. Search for a Salvation Army center near your location and call them today to know more about assistance programs available to you. Some — not all — of these centers are listed below :
Noble Salvation Army center, 10011 Noble Parkway, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Harvest/Anoka Office, 10347 Ibis St., Coon Rapids, Minnesota 55433
Temple, South Office, 1604 Lake St. E, Minneapolis Minnesota
Carver County Office, 2445 Prior Avenue, Roseville, MN (651) 746-3400
Smiles Across Minnesota — is a program operated in Minnesota to offer free or discounted dental care for uninsured and underinsured children. Both preventative as well as restorative services are offered to qualifying applicants. If you are uninsured, assistance is also offered to gain insurance, or be eligible for free dental care, provided income limits are met. Visit organization website for more information on eligibility requirements and application.
General assistance program — While several non profits and public assistance programs help low income families, GA program is designed to financially help childless couples and single adults. Cash grants are offered to qualifying applicants depending on income. Contact Minnesota DHS today for more information on benefits application.