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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

  1.  Local meals served weekly:

 I need a meal - Agate Housing + Services (agatemn.org)

  1. 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:

Shiloh Cares Food Shelf - Drive-up Food Pantry

  • Serves: Open to all; first come, first serve

  • When: Last Thursday of the month; 2pm - 4pm

  • Where: 1201 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411

  • 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

  • 1812 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis 55404, (612)870-0000

  • When: Saturday, Christmas Eve Outreach is happening on Saturday, December 24th from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm

  • Serves: Open to all; no registration required

  • Description: Free to-go hot meal, food box; one to a household, while supplies last

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church - Loaves and Fishes

  • 5025 Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis, 55419

  • Serves: Open to All; no registration

  • When: Thursdays, 4:00-5:30

  • 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/

 

  1.  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 EnglishSpanish 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:

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/