Traverse, Wilkin, Pope, Stevens, Grant, Douglas, Clay County assistance programs.
Resources for financial help with bills, rent, and other expenses
The non-profit Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. administers assistance programs and self-sufficiency for low income families and the working poor in the region. They are part of the nationwide community action agency network which also operates across the state of Minnesota. Several of the main resources offered are below.
Children under the age of 4 can look into the Head Start program. It helps with their overall development and can include educational services, health care, food, meals, and even social services for the parents. It is both state and federal government funded and it can even help disabled children across the region, including the counties of Stevens and Traverse.
The VITA/Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will provide seniors and the low income with free income tax preparation and filing services.
Food and meals are offered from programs such as SNAP food stamps and regional pantries. This federal program assists low income families as well as seniors and will help them meet their nutritional needs. The Minnesota Department of Human Services works with non-profits such as Lakes & Prairies Community Action to process applications. Other options include numerous food pantries, churches, and other sites in Douglas, Clay, and Grant County.
Senior citizens in the region can get referrals, information, and other forms of assistance. It can help the elderly maintain their independence as long as possible. The programs include health information, social activities, education, income maintenance, referrals, and even recreational trips.
Self-sufficiency, including Family and Community Services, can help people achieve housing, nutritional and economic security. Assistance programs and human services deal with the challenges of financial instability, homelessness, and hunger. Self-sufficiency can include education and job training.
Housing security and assistance is offered from community service case workers. The staff will match individuals and families with donated resources and available program funds. If that is not an option, then clients can get referral assistance to maintain housing in Minnesota. Emergency assistance may be offered from time to time for housing needs. The non-profit may be able to help with utility shut-off, eviction and homelessness.
One of the main tools is the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program. It may offer grants and/or financial assistance for paying security deposits, rent, and utilities for eligible families in the region such as Clay and Wilkin Counties that are in a hardship.
Case managers focus on assisting qualified families with addressing their immediate crisis situation by providing assistance for paying rent, mortgage payments, shelter, security deposits, or utilities. During this process a Self Sufficiency Advocate works with families to develop a plan that will help them build long-term stability and connect them them with other government or non-profit resources.
Another option is Transitional Housing Services, which can last up to 24 months. This is a package of supportive services to homeless families/individuals that want to break the cycle of homelessness and that are also willing to work on specific goals.
Lakes & Prairies may offer Permanent Supportive Housing. This can offer rental assistance and supportive services to single individuals that have been homeless for 1 year or more, have a disability, or some other condition.
MAC is a nutritional, supplemental food and program for mothers and children. It can also provide commodity food products for free to those who qualify. Aid is focused on children age 5 to 6 years old and women who are not breast feeding but that have a new baby under one year old.
Another Nutritional Assistance Program for Seniors is Traverse and Stevens is available. It offers meals, activities and more. Staff from Lakes and Prairies community action agency will work with individuals on the assistance they need to ensure health and nutrition. Referrals are offered too. Find additional programs for food assistance.
Financial Independence and Stability is another key to self-sufficiency. This includes services such as credit counseling and Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota (FAIM). These can include matched savings programs that can help families purchase their first home or pay for their school.
Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. has offices around the region. Dial (218) 299-7000 for additional information. Click here more details.
West Central Minnesota Communities Action, Inc. is maybe the second leading non-profit agency in the region. The location may have grants or cash funds for needs such as free food, heating bills, rent, and more. Specifically, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay home heating bills. The Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) can assist the homeless and people facing eviction with rent and security deposits. The center is an application site for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which can help people save money on energy bills and may even help repair your furnace. A number of other assistance programs are offered to those who qualify in Pope, Grant, and Douglas County. 411 Industrial Park Blvd, Elbow Lake, Minnesota, 56531, call (218) 685-4486.
Grant County Department of Social Services can provides a housing subsidy for persons with a mental illness while they are on waiting lists for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Other aid from this location includes TANF, food stamps, and health care such as Medicaid. (218) 685-4417
Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Douglas County administers the section 8 housing vouchers and first time home buyer assistance. 1224 Nokomis St, Alexandria, MN, 56308, (320) 762-3849.
Clay County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA), of Dilworth, can coordinate Emergency Rental Assistance for persons who are disabled and homeless. (218) 233-8883
Clay County Social Services processes application for government and public assistance. This can include low income energy assistance, Medicare or Medicaid, and even free food for the poor from food stamps. 715 11th St N Ste 502, Moorhead, Minnesota, 56560. Telephone number is (218) 299-5200.
Love Inc. of Douglas Lakes County area is a faith based charity. Using a clearing house, the organization can provide for basic needs and referrals, including to food pantries, clothing, and possible support such as minor home repairs. Click here Love Lake Douglas County.
Salvation Army of Fergus Falls can be reached at (218) 739-9692. Programs include Heat Share for paying heating bills. As funding allows, the agency may provide assistance with rent, utilities and housing. Food and groceries include holiday food baskets and groceries in emergencies. Basic needs include clothing, household or furniture items. The center may also have emergency gasoline for work or a medical appointment. Last, but not least, apply for emergency bus tickets for medical emergencies, funerals or transients in crisis. Read more.
Food banks and pantries
The North Country Food Bank, Inc. is based in Crookston and it serves the entire region. They also offer assistance including Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS), supplemental food program, and MAC. All of the details are above. (218) 281-7356
Browns Valley Food Shelf – Has emergency boxes of food or groceries. Telephone - (320) 695-2467
Stevens County Food Pantry can offer up to five days of emergency or supplemental food to clients. Location is 701 Iowa Ave, Morris, MN, 56267. Main number is (320) 589-4257.
Brooten Belgrade Elrosa Food Shelf – Groceries, frozen foods, perishable goods and more may be passed out. (320) 346-4193.
Grant County Emergency Food Bank offers holiday baskets, meet community needs for food in emergencies, and can help feed the hungry. 1311 State Highway 79E, Elbow Lake, Minnesota, 56531. Call (218) 865-4176 for details.
Churches United for the Homeless, Inc. may have produce and bakery goods. (218) 236-0372
Dorothy Day Food Pantry will allow families to assemble their own food basket once per month. (218) 284-8895
Fargo/Moorhead Emergency Food Pantry, Inc. accepts referrals from churches and charities and may have groceries for those who qualify. (701) 237-9337
Rural Enrichment and Counseling Headquarters, or REACH, may have bagged food and other items for families and individuals. Hawley, MN. Call (218) 483-3145 for hours.
Clinics and health centers
Several clinics and medical centers are listed below. However hundreds of other free or low cost sites are located in across the state. Read clinics in Minnesota.
Migrant Health Service is based in Breckenridge. This is a non-profit community based primary health care medical services for migrant and seasonal agricultural workers and may offer some free medical or dental care. (218) 643-9334
Lake Superior Life Care Center is a free medical clinic for anyone from the community. They also offer free pregnancy testing, basic check ups, physicals and more. (218) 727-3399
Family Health Care Center is a community based primary health care medical services in underserved communities and for low income and vulnerable populations. 715 11th St N Ste 106B, Moorhead, Minnesota, 56560. Call (701) 298-9245.
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