Dakota County assistance programs.

Resources and ways to get help with bills

Almost 40,000 people in the Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties area receive help every year from the local private non-profit organization Scott-Carver-Dakota CAP Agency, Inc.. They offer numerous services and programs for low and moderate income families and individuals who need support They have several offices around the area, and service Hastings and Dakota County residents. The main office is located at 712 Canterbury Road, South Shakopee, Minnesota, and the phone number is (952) 496-2125. the programs they offer are below.

Rent Assistance - They offer eviction and homeless prevention services that are designed to help people who are at risk of being evicted or homeless. It can also aid people who are currently homeless. The program will also help them secure transitional housing or maintain existing housing. Housing and Rent assistance offered includes short or long-term case management services that are intended to help clients stabilize their situation and become self-reliant over the long term.

Energy and Heating Bill Assistance Program (EAP) - This will provide free cash grants to help pay residential utility and heating bills. Additional funds and grants are even available for energy crisis situations and energy-related repairs, such as repairs to heating unit. Information on energy conservation practices is also offered to help people lower their energy bills.

Weatherization Assistance - This federal government funded program provides resources and services to help people reduce both home heating and cooling costs. The updates are free, and can include such improvements as extra insulation, caulking, minor furnace repairs, diagnostic tests, and furnace replacements. Participants in the weatherization program also receive home energy-saving tips.

School Supplies - Families and children can be eligible for CAP Agency services may receive free school supplies for their children.

Emergency Services - For people facing a crisis or short term hardship, the program will help families and individuals get through an immediate crisis for which all other resources have been exhausted and they have no where else to turn to. Assistance and grants that are offered are limited to funding available. Find information on programs for mortgage help and credit card hardship programs.

Food Aid - The Scott-Carver-Dakota CAP Agency, Inc provides a nutritionally balanced, five day supply of free food to families and individuals who are in need of assistance.

Foreclosure Help

The Dakota County Community Development Agency administers a program that provides free foreclosure counseling. The program, known as CDA’s Foreclosure Prevention Program, will provide free one-on-one counseling and other forms of assistance for homeowners who are facing foreclosure or who are already going through the process.

Participants in the program will also receive information on what happens during the foreclosure process, they will be referred to methods and programs that can provide mortgage help, be advised of homeowners’ rights, and counselors will try to find solutions for long-term housing needs. Additionally participants will be able to ask questions, get answers, and receive confidential advice from trained homeownership specialists

Interested parties can call the Dakota County CDA at 651-675-4555.