Resources and Support for Families
Note that there are many resources in our city available to families that need them. Specifically:
Hennepin County Emergency Assistance: 612-348-4111
Minnesota State Emergency Energy Assistance: (Apply Online!)
https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance-program/
Salvation Army Utility Assistance: 612-522-4871
Citizens Utility Board: Contact us: 651-300-4701
If you need support seeking this assistance, don't hesitate to ask for our help at FAIR: 612-668-1060.
Holiday Food and Toy Resources
For additional information contact School Social Worker - kayci.rush@mpls.k12.mn.us
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Local meals served weekly:
I need a meal - Agate Housing + Services (agatemn.org)
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THANKSGIVING/Christmas FOOD/MEALS
THANKSGIVING & Christmas MEAL FOR FAMILIES
Thanksgiving is celebrated with a special sit-down dinner. At each ‘banquet,’ we serve around 500 meals. Every second Tuesday of each month is the “Big Dinner,” where a similar style meal serves around 300. On Christmas Eve, six hundred shoe box gifts and food bags are handed out.
Marie Sandvik Center
Address: 1112 East Franklin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404
Thanksgiving meal - Served Thursday, Nov 23th 11:00-1:00
The Salvation Army is offering free Thanksgiving meals to the public at the following locations in the Twin Cities:
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1604 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis, noon – 2 p.m., meal provided by Blue Door Pub, pie provided by Baker’s Square.
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2024 N. Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., meal provided by Blue Door Pub, pie provided by Baker’s Square.
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The Harbor Light Center, 1010 Currie Ave., Minneapolis, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shiloh Cares Food Shelf - Drive-up Food Pantry
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Serves: Open to all; first come, first serve
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When: Last Thursday of the month; 2pm - 4pm
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Where: 1201 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411
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Description: Each family must register on-site for the food shelf. Questions can be directed to (612)302-1463 or email shilohcaresfood@gmail.com
Life Center - Christmas Outreach
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1812 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis 55404, (612)870-0000
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When: Saturday, Christmas Eve Outreach is happening on Saturday, December 24th from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm
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Serves: Open to all; no registration required
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Description: Free to-go hot meal, food box; one to a household, while supplies last
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church - Loaves and Fishes
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5025 Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis, 55419
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Serves: Open to All; no registration
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When: Thursdays, 4:00-5:30
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Description: Drive thru, grab-n-go hot meal; in the parking lot
Thanksgiving Community Dinner
Faith Deliverance Holiness Church, 1119 Morgan Ave. N., Mpls.
1:30-4:30 p.m
Thanksgiving dinner for the community.
All are welcome to attend. To find more info, visit StartAnewMN.org or call 612-389-0008.
Thanksgiving Service & Fellowship
The Purpose Church, 3001 Russell Ave., N., Mpls
2-5 p.m. Dinner
For more info, visit thepurposechurchlive.com.?
Thanksgiving Dinner
Sanctuary Covenant Church
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023 11:00 am - 1:00 PM
2018 Aldrich Ave North, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Minnesota
OPEN ARMS MN
Provides weekly meals to families with health issues - living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, MS, ALS, ESRD, CHF, COPD, or have been impacted by COVID-19..
To apply: https://www.openarmsmn.org/getmeals/howtogetstarted/
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HOLIDAY TOYS/FAMILY RESOURCES
SALVATION ARMY TOY SHOP: For children up to age 14. Registration for the 2023 Twin Cities Toy Shop begins Nov. 2nd. ...You may register to participate in our Toy Shop by filling out our registration form. Please note that forms are provided in English, Spanish and Hmong.
Our Twin Cities Toy Shop hotline (651-746-3595) will be open during weekday business hours for registration and to answer questions.
Toy Shop Distributions will be held at the following locations:
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Minneapolis- East Lake Street - December 18 (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.), December 19 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
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Minneapolis- Central Avenue - December 18 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.), December 19 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
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Brooklyn Park- Noble Parkway - December 18 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.), December 19 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
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St Paul – Payne Avenue - December 18 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.), December 19 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
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Minneapolis – N Lyndale Ave - December 20 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.), December 21 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
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Maplewood – Woodlyn Ave - December 20 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.), December 21 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
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St Paul- 7th Street W - December 21 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.), December 23 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
UNITED WAY 2-1-1 United Way receives information from organizations that are providing Holiday food, toys or gifts. Call 2-1-1, toll free at 800-543-7709 or 651-291-0211. You can also text your zip code to 898-211*. They will search for programs within your zip code.
TOYS FOR TOTS AND GIFTS FOR TEENS 2021 https://minneapolis-mn.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/request-toys.aspx
Toys are distributed through participating non-profit organizations. The list of agencies is here: Marine Toys for Tots Schools can register as an agency for toys. Check their Facebook page for updates. Or call United Way at 2-1-1 or 651-291-0211, to learn which programs have toys for children. A child may only be registered through one charitable organization
HOSPITALITY HOUSE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Christmas with Dignity Program
Registration now full; Not taking anymore registrations
Toy Shopping Day - Friday, Dec. 9th 9:00-6:00
Hospitality House - 1220 Logan Ave N, Mpls MN
Christmas With Dignity is a program that allows families to buy their presents for their children at 10 cents on the dollar on December 10th.
TWIN CITIES SALVATION ARMY
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/twin-cities/coats-for-kids/
The Salvation Army’s centers are a place for families in crisis to get help, including coats for their children.
Basic Needs Assistance
Target population - North Mpls families
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northern/NorthMinneapolis/programs-and-services/
MPRB provides healthy snacks and cold meals all year long
at nearly 30 recreation centers around Minneapolis and Hennepin County Public Libraries
through a partnership with Culinary & Wellness Services at Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS).
Click the link below to access the map with locations.
https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities-events/youth-programs/free_meals/