Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership assistance programs.
The regional community action agency is Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership. The organization was created to and is focused on ensuring people of all income levels, backgrounds, and ages have access to the resources they need in order to live with dignity. Staff from the non-profit work with qualified applicants to help them apply for assistance, obtain case management, and get referrals to other non-profits, local charities, and government agencies.
This center covers a large region and a number of towns. Qualified residents of the counties of Becker, Cass, Clay, Dickey, Douglas, Foster, Griggs, Grant, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Otter Tail, Pope, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stevens, Traill, Traverse, Wells, and Wilkin Minnesota may be able to receive support.
Housing security is always very important. The partnership will provide referrals, possibly financial assistance, and other support. There are times in which families need additional help in order to pay the rent, mortgage, or in general maintain their housing. All too many residents of Minnesota are faced with utility shut-offs, evictions or maybe even are currently homeless.
Financial or cash assistance may be issued through the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program. Money can be used to help pay security deposits, rent and utilities. This is mostly only for income qualified individuals in Wilkin and Clay Counties Minnesota that are in financial crisis. Other individuals from different towns and counties may get help or referrals as well. Community services staff members are trying to help those who are struggling and that have falling through the cracks of the nation’s social service system. Phone number is 218-299-7314.
The Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership Transitional Housing Program offers various forms of supportive services to currently or recently evicted homeless families/individuals. They will of course need to meet all of the eligibility criteria, are willing to work on specific goals and also have a strong desire to break the cycle of homelessness. Assistance may be offered for up to two years.
The short term housing programs focus on individuals and families who typically have a difficult time reaching self-sufficiency due to domestic violence, mental illness, chemical dependency, or lack of education or marketable skills. The clients of the community action agency are provided with the support and guidance necessary to maintain stable housing. Receive referrals for Employment, Health, Food, Clothing, Social Services, ongoing Case Management, education, Transportation, and Advocacy.
The last main resource is Permanent Supportive Housing. This may offer clients rental assistance and supportive services and the program is for single individuals that have been homeless for 1 year or more or that have a disability.
Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership tries to tackle hunger in their service territory, and they partner with other volunteers, non-profits, churches, and others. This issue of hunger is even more difficult for senior citizens and children. The agency will also advocate to expand existing federal and state assistance programs, all of which are very important to end hunger in Minnesota.
The primary nutritional assistance program for Mothers and Children is MAC. It is a government funded supplemental food and nutrition program that will give nutritious and healthy commodity food products each month, for free, to eligible families and individuals. It is for families with children age 5 to 6 years old and Women who have a baby between 6 months and one year old.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the food stamp program. The non-profit can offer application and referral assistance. The program serves as a step toward nutrition and self-sufficiency. Those that enroll into SNAP, including seniors, individuals and families, can improve their nutrition and save money on their groceries. The Minnesota Department of Human Services, which administers the Food Support program, can be reached at 1-888-711-1151.
Seniors may be able to benefit from the Nutritional Assistance Program. Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership can provide more details on this, such as how it can help those that are 60 years old. It is available in both Clay County Wilkin County by the Public Health Department. The partnership also has referrals to food banks for low income families in Minnesota, which can also help with nutritional needs.
The area, including Dickey, Stutsman, and Clay County, are also served by community food pantries. Lakes & Prairies Community Action can provides the referrals to these and more information on them. Staff and volunteers will assist those in the community with determining the food and nutrition support service that they may be qualified for. Phone 218-299-7000.
Financial stability and independence are critical to stability. Workshops and sessions are arranged that can lead to financial security. A key one is Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota (FAIM). This is a government supported matched savings program for helping families purchase their first home, pay for education, or save to start a business.
Other Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership services that can lead to self-sufficiency include free income tax filing (VITA), education and child development (Head Start), as well as Childcare Aware.
The main office is located at 715 11th Street, North - Suite 402, Moorhead, MN 56560. The free number is 218-512-1500.
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