There are many people in various stages of their lives who may have been hit a bit harder by the current restrictions. Many people have lost their employment over the past few months and some may not even have a home to shelter in place. Some may be worried about their next meal or how they will afford or obtain their very necessary prescriptions.
If you are able to assist in any way, from donations to volunteer services, please honestly consider it. We can all get through this safely if we stick together and stay smart about the health and safety of others.
If you’d like to help or you need help, here are some good resources:
Feed Those In Need
Sheridan Story is a food program aimed at feeding kids when school lunches are not available.
Second Harvest Heartland is the second largest food bank in the country. They are accepting both donations and volunteers.
The Open Door is another food pantry serving vulnerable communities in Dakota County.
PRISM is based in Golden Valley. They are providing emergency food boxes to people who need them — and they’ve been seeing an increase in requests.
House of Charity offers public meals throughout the day. You can find opportunities to help with food, finances and volunteer support here.
Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis needs volunteers to help in its homeless shelters because meal volunteers, who are often elderly, have been canceling shifts.
Metro Meals on Wheels is looking for on-call volunteers and donations.
Help With Housing and Health
Memorial Blood Centers has an urgent need for more people to donate blood and platelets. Check the guidelines or call their helpline if you are unsure if you should donate.
VEAP’s programs provide access to healthy foods, social services, housing stability and supportive services.
Project for Pride in Living (PPL), provides affordable housing and career training for those in need. PPL has set-up an emergency Resilience Fund the public can donate to.
Violence Free Minnesota is the state coalition to end relationship abuse. They are in need of basic necessities for their shelters, including toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
For those struggling to pay rent during this time, there are short term emergency assistance programs throughout the state. Check your county’s website for more information.
Fraser is a Minnesota nonprofit that provides education, housing, health care and employment services for individuals and families with special needs.
Greater Twin Cities United Way is providing immediate support to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you or someone you know is in need, dial 211 or text the letters MNCOVID to 898-211.
CHUM is seeking donations for food, storage space, and shelter.
Minnesota Cloth Diaper Bank is helping those who can’t find or afford disposable diapers during the outbreak. They accept donations and have volunteer opportunities.
Another way to search for volunteer opportunities is through the HandsOn Twin Cities database. There is a section on its website with opportunities specific to the needs created by the outbreak.
Let’s all work together and we will get through this.
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