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Assistance programs in Ramsey County and Saint Paul MN.

Find, and apply for, financial help in Ramsey County. Low income families, the elderly, and struggling residents can get help with housing expenses, including rent or mortgages. There is also free food from pantries and medical care from clinics in St. Paul. Or get support from churches, government grants to pay utility bills, and job training programs as well as free gas cars or a vehicle for work. Find financial help and free stuff near you in Ramsey County below.

Charities in Saint Paul area also provide seasonal support. This may be free Christmas gifts or Thanksgiving meals, extra grants for paying heating bills in the winter, or free school supplies or winter attire in Ramsey County. Or learn about getting a free car for low-income families as a form of transportation or help making an auto loan payment. More information on all these resources is below.

Programs from Community Action in St. Paul and the county

If you are struggling, the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties offers St. Paul and Ramsey County residents with several assistance programs. Find information on this organization, as well as how to get help from other groups below. They have a few locations throughout the area, however their main office is located at 450 Syndicate Street N, Saint Paul, MN 55104 and the phone number is 651-645-6445.

  • Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP)  - This service will protect the household from having their heating or utility service shut off, and it can also help them get their power and/or heat restored. The demand for this service is great.  The grant based program is funded by the federal government, and the financial aid for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP, is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early.
    Other assistance provided by the EAP program includes helping families and individuals maintain affordable, continuous and safe home energy services. The resources included by Community Action Partnership include bill payment assistance, outreach to under-served populations, and they will intervene in energy crisis situations to ensure people do not have their service disconnected.
     
  • Minnesota Low-Income Weatherization Program - They also administer the weatherization program, which will provide customers with free energy audits and upgrades to their homes. These home audits will take anywhere from 2-3 hours, and they include a safety/efficiency test.
    Some of what is inspected, and what will be upgraded in the home, includes an inspection of the home’s heating system and water heater, an inspection of insulation levels in the walls and attic, and a check for air leakage. After the inspection is completed, the mechanical heating contractor will come to the home to clean and tune the heating system and address any health and safety issues.
    Once again, all of this is free to the homeowner. There is no cost. Last, but not least, the insulation process is begun; bypasses and air leaks are sealed, caulking is used, and insulation is blown into the walls and attic to ensure the home is energy efficient.

 

 

 

  • Workshops for self-sufficiency - Whether unemployed, homeless, or just needing advice, case managers work with clients on addressing their challenges. Learn about creating a savings account or repairing credit or budgeting. Or enroll into state of Minnesota job training programs that operate in Saint Paul. Clients can also get help saving money.
     
  • Car Ownership Program - This program offered by the community action agency helps working families purchase cars through either loan or lease programs. They can loan up tap $4,000 to families for the purchase of a new or used car and also provide assistance by guiding the family through the car buying process so that they get the best vehicle for the price. They work in partnership with the United Way, and they lease cars donated from local dealerships, auctions and fleet services, and provide these automobile to working families. Also read about auto loans from Ways to Work.
     
  • Applications for car assistance and the ownership program are limited. Most of the Community Action Agency resources are for people who do not qualify for a car loan at a reasonable interest rate due to negative credit history. Or maybe the applicant has a lack of credit history, short employment history, or because of temporarily reduced or limited income. Also learn about refinancing automobile loans.
     
  • Housing assistance - Using mostly government grants, CAPRW provides emergency funds to prevent evictions in Ramsey County. They also offer HUD approved foreclosure counseling to homeowners, and are involved in the operation of transitional and low income housing. In some cases, the agency can offer loans to both tenants and homeowners for their housing expenses.

CAPRW - Community Action Partnership of Ramsey offers all those programs and more. Another focus is on providing referrals to government benefits, such as food stamps, or local non-profits in St. Paul. Call them for details, or read Community Action Partnership of Ramsey programs.

Financial help with bills, rent, food and other expenses in Ramsey County

Keystone Community Services is a non-profit agency that offers qualified individuals with a host of programs. They offer referrals only, and call them at 651-917-3883. Some of the services and resources provided include:

  • Emergency assistance program - This referral service provides immediate crisis help, information and referral services to other government programs and local charities. The staff also link people in emergency situations to resources in Ramsey that they can use to for housing expenses, rent help, utilities, heating bill assistance, and other basic needs.
  • Food assistance - Access free food if you are struggling to feed yourself or your family. More on food assistance.
  • Meals on wheels and active senior programs

 

 

 

 

Ramsey County Catholic Charities (phone 612-664-8500) runs several programs that can provide financial assistance or cash grants. They also offer a homeless shelter from the Saint Paul based Family Service Center. There may be money for paying rent, heating and utility bills, and the church can help people deal with other emergencies.

The Charity also offers social services such as free legal aid to immigrants or referrals to grant money or basic needs. There are also employment programs offered. More Ramsey County Catholic Charity programs.

Community Emergency Assistance Program, Inc. offered rent help, possible partial mortgage payment assistance in Ramsey County and other support - which is known as homeless prevention. They also provide food and information on other government assistance programs in Saint Paul and Ramsey County. Dial 763-566-9600.

Free clothing closets, furniture and thrift stores - Low income families may receive vouchers for free clothing, school supplies or furniture or other items from charity organizations. Individuals of all income levels can buy high quality, yet low cost goods, clothing, baby items, beds, desks, computers and work attire. Non-profit centers in Saint Paul and Ramsey County do what they can to help the less fortunate. Much of the stuff is free for low-income households. More information on free clothes, furniture and school supplies in Minneapolis area.

Merrick Community Services helps low income and working poor people in certain areas of St. Paul Minnesota. Receive access to temporary food, vouchers for bills, transportation, medicine, school supplies, holiday food/gifts, rent and housing help. There is other free stuff as well as emergency services through two food shelves and other distribution centers. Phone (651) 771-9339.

Saint Paul County Offices and Planning and Economic Development Department - This government agency offers emergency housing assistance and money to pay rent, deposits or electric bills. There is grant money from the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) as well as other sources. The county can sometimes help with, among other things, rent, moving costs, utility assistance, security deposits, and more. Call (651) 266-6020 or 651-266-4884 for more information or to apply.

Twin City area churches also cover Saint Paul. Families living in poverty, immigrants, the elderly, and others can all apply for assistance. Find the following:

  • -Free food and meals from “shelves or soup kitchens.
  • -Resale stores sell low cost or provide free winter coats, clothes, and more.
  • Many churches in Saint Paul MN give out free stuff as well, mostly basic needs.
  • -Some Ramsey County churches provide grants to help with rent, gas bills, car repairs, and more.
  • -Many other services are run too. Find assistance from Twin City churches.

Community Neighborhood Housing Services offers many services to potential homebuyers as well as people who now own their homes. Examples include free or low cost counseling on home purchase, foreclosure and financial literacy counseling. Also receive help with energy efficiency and utility costs, such as referral to energy programs such as LIHEAP and weatherization.

 

 

 

 

The housing agency also administer Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) home improvement and rehabilitation loans. Other services include Reverse Mortgage Counseling. The non-profit is a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counseling agency that provide Ramsey County families with housing information, including assistance people need to avoid foreclosure. 35 Water St W, St. Paul, MN, 55107, telephone (651) 292-8710

If the non-profit can’t help, there are other regional and national mortgage and home buying services. They help struggling homeowners and address a variety of issues. Find more details getting assistance with mortgages.

Neighborhood House – Offers emergency assistance including a food shelf. Social workers also provide Crisis intervention, Housing Support, Life Skills Education, Holiday programs, and Case Management. Call (651) 789-2531 or (651) 789-2500, or learn more on Neighbordhood House services for Ramsey County.

West Side Community Health Services is a partnership between Ramsey County Public Health Department and West Side Community Services. They provide outreach and primary care for children at-risk of eviction. Programs also assist with utility shut-offs through financial assistance and information. If you need utility or heating bill assistance you must have a utility shut-off notice. 555 Cedar St, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101, dial (651) 222-1816 or (651) 290-6815 for intake.

St. Vincent de Paul operates a thrift store in Saint Paul. It sells low cost, gently used furniture, clothes, medical equipment, pots and pans, appliances, window AC units, birthday toys and more. There may also be other support, such as some free food, meals, financial help and other aid. More on Ramsey County St. Vincent de Paul assistance programs.

Ramsey County Financial Assistance Services Division administers several services and assistance programs for the low income and poor. The main office is at 160 East Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55101-1494. Call (651) 266-4444.

  • Emergency financial assistance is short-term and is for people that are in a crisis because of utility shut-offs, fire, flood, storm, accident, eviction, or foreclosures.
  • The county may provides a monthly cash benefit for childless couples/families ages 18 to 64 and adults who are unable to provide for themselves.
  • Financial assistance may be offered for the indigent in Ramsey County for paying for funeral expenses or burial costs.
  • The low income and uninsured can also benefit from a federal government assistance program that helps pay for the medical and nursing home care of persons who cannot pay the bills on their own. The program may pay for physician care, Prescriptions, Mental health treatment, Routine dental care, eye tests and more.
  • The disabled in Ramsey County can get help too. There is everything from help in applying for SSI to free transportation, medical care, and more. Continue with disability assistance in Minnesota
  • Other Social Services are part of government assistance. Low income residents, seniors, and families with children can receive a number of resources from the county and state of Minnesota. Cash assistance can be provided to families with children as well as individuals without kids, and the funds can be used to pay for food, energy bills, or housing.
  • Additional programs will coordinate job training and help Ramsey County resident gain self-sufficiency. Or apply for resources such as food stamps, child care assistance, senior care, and more. Several government programs are available in St. Paul and nearby area. Continue Ramsey County public aid.

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans provides Support Services to Homeless Veterans. This is for veterans and their families who are currently homeless, behind on their rent, facing eviction, or that are in danger of becoming homeless. Receive financial assistance with rent, mortgage and transportation needs. Free food and other housing resources are offered too. The location is 360 Robert Street North, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101. Call (612) 726-1327.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government and non-profit homeless assistance programs both rehouse families and try to stop an eviction from occurring. Services, such as credit counseling and budgeting, are combined with emergency money to pay for bills or housing costs. Examples of what may be provided by agencies that administer it in St. Paul Minnesota include water or heating bills, transportation for employment and rent.

Not only may low income tenants get help, but assistance is also for veterans and the currently homeless. Some of the homeless prevention will also be focused on families living in poverty as well as single mothers in the region. More on homeless prevention and rapid rehousing in Ramsey County.

Free Thanksgiving and Christmas help is available. Based on the levels of donations, families and children in Ramsey County can enroll into programs such as Adopt a Family, of they may be able to receive a free meal or food basket from a charity. Read more Ramsey County free holiday programs.

Jewish Family Service may have referrals or emergency assistance. Many of their programs come with restrictions, but some may be open to residents of all religions. The non-profit offers career counseling in Ramsey County, assistance for seniors, employ readiness services, and referrals. Learn more on Jewish Family Services.

Minnesota Lutheran Social Service works to prevent homelessness. Assistance is for low income families, seniors, the disabled, veterans, and others, such as youth. Call for information or referrals to emergency shelter, transitional housing, funds for paying rent in a crisis, and other housing solutions. Supportive and transitional housing is available in Ramsey County. More on assistance from Minnesota Lutheran Social Service.

Cradle of Hope can provide Financial Aid for Pregnancy Related Expenses. Apply for rent and mortgage payments or help with property taxes. Limited medical bills may be paid for or the utilities if electricity is needed for equipment. Other aid may be offered for child care, furniture, diapers, or the Pack-N-Play Portable Crib. Address is 1935 West County Road B2, Roseville, MN 55113. Call  (651) 636-0637

Salvation Army Twin Cities - Ramsey County Social Services has several offices in the area. The staff from the center coordinate emergency financial aid, provide case management, and other forms of support to the low income and less fortunate. Some of what may be offered includes free food, heating assistance, holiday programs, shelter, free back to school supplies and other support. There may also be free gasoline cards, summer camps for kids, or vouchers for motel rooms in a crisis.

Other social services are offered too. Ramsey County Salvation Army (dial (651) 224-4316 or 651-746-3400) provides food, hot meals, and from time to time may have limited financial assistance to help pay rent. There may also be funds to help with other bills (such as heating and utility) and health care expenses. There are also meals from a soup kitchen and a Family thrift store. More on Salvation Army assistance Minneapolis area.

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services provides free or low cost legal advice and representation in cases involving eviction, Maintenance and repairs in rental housing, Illegal lockouts and utility terminations by landlords, Mortgage foreclosures, Public and subsidized housing admissions and terminations and other civil matters. Location is 400 Alliance Bank Center, 55 East 5th Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101, phone (651) 222-4731.

Emergency rental assistance - A number of non-profits, charities, and government programs in Ramsey County can help individuals pay their rent in an emergency. Find where to apply to for grants and cash assistance for security deposits, housing expenses, and other costs. Find rent help in Ramsey County.

Get free food

The Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank (call 651-484-5117) provides hunger relief and food assistance to low income and unemployed people and individuals who are in need. The Ramsey County MN non-profit helps by distributing donated grocery products to human service agencies and charities in the agency.

Loaves and Fishes Too provides free evening meals and groceries at seven dining locations throughout the Twin Cities, including Saint Paul Minnesota. There is free groceries for single moms, the elderly, homeless and others. Call 612-377-9810

There are several other non-profits and government agencies that can prevent hunger. Resources range from SNAP food stamp applications to pantries and Meals on Wheels for senior citizens. Find more Ramsey County Minnesota free food pantries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment services in Ramsey County

East Side Neighborhood Services, Inc. (call 612-781-6011) provides job training, placement, and career counseling services. The goal is to help people get a new or better job. There is also information on work from home positions as well as gig type work in Saint Paul.

Free legal assistance and lawyers in Saint Paul area

Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance offers free legal advice and representation to low-income and elderly families. Lawyers also give free consultations or advice to individuals to prevent loss of shelter, prevent a foreclosure and obtain repairs needed to make housing safe. Or free attorneys in Ramsey County help with applications to benefits, civil legal issues and more. Phone 612-332-1441. Learn more on Minnesota free legal advice.

Minneapolis Urban League (612-302-3100) offers free foreclosure counseling for African Americans as well as others who are facing a foreclosure. They also address employment, credit repair needs, lack of affordable housing and so much more.

Free health and medical care

St. Mary's Health Clinic provides free high-quality care to low-income as well as underinsured and uninsured men, women, and children in the greater metropolitan area of St. Paul and Ramsey County. Over 300 doctors help support the clinic. Get free immunizations, women’s health care, cancer screenings and more. Call or  (651) 287-7777 651-690-7020 to learn more or make an appointment.

Several other free community clinics, medical and dental centers operate in the region. Programs offered include free check ups, discounted prescription drugs, affordable dental care, and family care. Some of the leading centers are St. Paul based United Family Medicine - Community Clinic (phone (651) 241-1000) as well as Open Cities, which has several locations in Ramsey County. Get more information on their services and locations. Or locate additional free community clinics in Ramsey County.

 

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By Jon McNamara

 

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