Find information on a range of community resources – food assistance, bill paying help, other free or reduced cost programs – at www.findhelp.org
Eviction Moratorium Phase-Out
The Minnesota Legislature recently passed a plan that creates and phase-out of the eviction moratorium. More information can be found here: https://homelinemn.org/phaseout.
One important part of the plan is TIME for renters to apply for rent assistance that is available NOW.
If you are unable to pay your rent or owe back rent and have been affected financially by COVID APPLY NOW.
Minnesota Housing has launched RentHelpMN to help Minnesotans who have fallen behind on their rent or fear that could happen. If you have experienced hardship due to the pandemic and need assistance to pay your rent or utility bills, you may be eligible for COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance. Eligible Minnesota renters can receive help with rent and utility bills dated on or after March 13, 2020. If you qualify, you could receive up to 15 months total assistance.
Find more information at RentHelpMN.org.
Tenant Resource Center
A tenant resource center is available on the first floor of Urban League Twin Cities at 2100 Plymouth Avenue N, Minneapolis. The center is a collaborative set of resources that are co-located to prevent eviction and housing displacement for people in our community. Resources include emergency assistance, legal help, mediation, and workforce. The Tenant Resource Center website provides additional information on hours of operation, services and workshop dates.
Housing Search Support
Are you interested in locating affordable housing? Do you have questions on the requirements when applying for housing? Would you like to know more about your rights as a tenant?
HousingLink is a great online resource to answer all of these questions and more. Click here for more information on affordable housing resources and information for renters, landlords, researchers and policy makers.
The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule protects eligible residential energy customers from service disconnection from October 15 through April 15. Protection from the Cold Weather Rules has expired for the year. If you are struggling with utility bills now, the resources below might be helpful.
Information on the Cold Weather Rule and bill paying assistance from the MN Public Utilities Commission: https://mn.gov/puc/consumers/help/shut-off-protection
Information from the Citizen’s Utility Board (CUB): https://cubminnesota.org/shutoff
An update on Energy Assistance from CUB
To apply for Energy Assistance in Hennepin County:
If you have experienced hardship due to the pandemic and need assistance to pay your rent or utility bills, you may be eligible for COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance. Apply here: https://www.renthelpmn.org
Child Tax Credit NEW
Under the American Rescue Plan, which passed in March, Congress included a major new Child Tax Credit for low and middle-income families. Starting July 15, families will receive half of the tax credit for 2021 in monthly installments, while the second half will come in a lump sum at tax time next year. In all, eligible families will receive $3,600 per child under age six and $3,000 per child between six and 17 years old.
How to Get the Credit
To earn the full credit, single parents must earn below $112,500 per year (for couples, $150,000). Families that filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020 do not need to take any action to receive the child tax credit. Families that did not file returns for 2019 or 2020 and who did not sign up for any of the three rounds of “stimulus” payments, including the $1,400 provided in the American Rescue Plan, must apply at www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool
For more information visit www.whitehouse.gov/child-tax-credit/
Meals to go!
LSS Meals to Go is a convenient and affordable frozen meal delivery service that is available throughout Minnesota. Payments can be made by check, credit card or through the Alternative Care Program, Elderly Waiver or SNAP. The Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver will soon also cover the cost. Learn more information and view menus.
EBT and SNAP Updates
Online EBT now available for SNAP recipients through Amazon and Walmart
Minnesota has been approved by FNS for online EBT purchasing use for SNAP. (Cash assistance cannot be used online at this time.) Participants will need to pay for delivery fees and taxes (if applicable) with another payment source (credit card or debit card, PayPal). For more information about these services visit these websites:
Additional Food Resources
Plymouth Metrolink
Service Update
Metrolink has implemented a service increase from the previous reduced level. These changes include many redesigned fixed routes. They are also now offering weekend dial-a-ride service. Learn more.
Translation Services
Plymouth Metrolink and Dial-A-Ride services offers translation services. The app that is being used to schedule rides currently offers English and Spanish settings with more languages to come. For more information on these services contact Nur Kasin (nkasin@plymouthmn.gov or 763-509-5013.
Support for Afterschool Programs Through Tax Credits
Whether it’s music lessons, robotics camp, tutoring, driver’s education or more, Minnesota Afterschool Advance helps students and their families fund their afterschool goals through the Minnesota K-12 Education Tax Credit. Learn more.
Parent Support
The Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis ParentChild+ program is a free home visiting program for families that promotes creative ways to learn through play, enhances parenting skills and helps children prepare for school. Learn more.
Early Learning Support
If so, the Wayzata Early Learning School’s (WELS) Outreach Team would like to connect with you! WELS offers a variety of early learning opportunities for children ages birth to five including preschool, parent and child classes, early childhood screening, intervention programs, and much more! We offer both in-person and virtual classes. Our Outreach Team can assist you with class registration, scholarship information, get you connected with community resources, and/or answer questions about our programs and school district. Call us to learn more about our free family activity classes!
Contact Tori Lee, Early Childhood Outreach Specialist, at 763-238-9701 or email: Tori.Lee@wayzataschools.org for more information. You can also visit our school’s website.
WPS Food Support for Students
Wayzata Public School’s (WPS) Culinary Express has made changes to food meal distribution. Only Wayzata Public School Distance Choice families are eligible. Please visit the Culinary Express page for updated information.
Culinary Express has made changes to food mail kit policies and distribution, For up to date information call Culinary Express at 763-745-5154 or email wpsculinaryexpress@wayzataschools.org.
For Summer Food Support WPS is partnering with “Free Meals For Kids”. Please download the Free Meals for Kids app for more information.
Unemployment Insurance
If your hours or rate of pay have been substantially reduced, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits (UI). All workers affected by COVID-19 should apply. The UI Program will review your application and determine your eligibility for benefits.
Two ways to apply for Unemployment Benefits:
NOTE: If you need to apply for unemployment benefits for the first time, please refer to the schedule below to learn when you are scheduled to apply. You will only be allowed to apply on your assigned day (or on Thursday/Friday if you missed that day).
Questions? Visit the COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance Benefits page.
Medicare Information Resource
Medicare in Minnesota is a resource center with a mission to tackle the challenges associated with Medicare. They do not sell or provide healthcare plans. They provide fact-based, data-driven, expert-reviewed information about Medicare and Medicare rights and advocate for solutions to healthcare coverage problems for aging adults. Their newly updated resource guide helps seniors through all of the available Medicare plan options and provides a list of helpful community organizations across Minnesota that can further support seniors with choosing a plan that meets their financial and medical needs.
For more information visit: Medicare in Minnesota | MedicarePlans.com
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Read the CDC’s recommendations for steps you can take, how to cope with stress, and more during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minnesota’s Board on Aging
Helping Minnesota’s Older Adults during COVID-19. View their website.
Trellis (formerly Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging)
Services and resource information to meet the needs of a growing and diverse population of older adults. Senior LinkAge Line 800-333-2433. trellisconnects.org
Senior Community Services
Information on senior outreach, caregiver support and changes to services due to COVID-19 on their website.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels continues to deliver nutritious meals to individuals throughout the Twin Cities. Sign up online or call (612) 623-3363.
Elder Friends Phone Companions
A program matching socially isolated adults with a friendly phone companion. Phone companions must complete a background check. Visit this website if you would like to receive calls or volunteer to make calls.
YMCA Health and Fitness Videos – Active Older Adult
On-demand videos showing follow-along home workouts. Minimal equipment needed – grab a chair and get started here.
Interfaith Outreach Partners with Mental Health providers
Interfaith Outreach partners with three different mental health providers that can provide telehealth services at no cost to you. We partner with Metro Behavioral Health, Relate Counseling Center, and Washburn Center for Children. Services are available to children and adults who are looking for support related to managing stress and emotional and behavioral challenges. Services can be provided in English or Somali
For more information on our partners and to connect with a counselor click here
Additional Resources
Crisis Text Line
24/7 emergency service. Text ‘MN to 741741’ if you or someone you know is experiencing a psychiatric or mental health crisis. Visit the Crisis Text Line website for more information.
Minnesota Warmline
Are you needing support and someone to talk to? Professionally trained Certified Peer Specialists, with first-hand experience living with mental health conditions will answer your calls. Call 651-288-0400. Text “Support” to 85511 or visit visit the Minnesota Warmline website.
The Walk-in Counseling Center
Services have transitioned from face-to-face walk-in counseling to virtual counseling sessions. To get started by phone or computer, please follow the instructions on the Walk-in Counseling Center website.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
A 24/7 lifeline providing support when in distress. You may receive prevention and crisis resources for yourself, loved ones, and for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255.
Hennepin County’s Mental Health Services
County Crisis Contacts
A directory of mental health crisis phone numbers for adults and children organized by county
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Visit NAMI’s Minnesota office Mental Health Support And COVID-19 webpage.
Internet Access
1605 County Road 101 N
Plymouth, MN 55447-2708
Phone 763-489-7500 Fax 763-489-7510
Contact info@iocp.org
Website Privacy Policy
Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners and the Interfaith Outreach Endowment Fund are both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Gifts to either organization are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners Tax ID #36-3482724
Equal Opportunity Employer
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