Minnesota Community Support Organizations, Churches & Charities for Single Mothers: A Real‑World Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This no‑fluff guide focuses on community support, churches, and charitable help in Minnesota. It leaves out federal/state benefit programs and zeroes in on practical, local options single moms actually use for rent help, shelters, food, diapers, transportation, legal/mental health, and more. Every phone number is bolded. Concrete amounts are included where charities publish them.

Important context you can use when deciding where to start:

• The Salvation Army’s donor‑funded HeatShare keeps heat on for roughly 7,800 Minnesota households a year with average grants around $400; hotline 1‑800‑842‑7279. (salvationarmynorth.org)
• Food need is still high: Minnesota logged about 7.5 million food‑shelf visits in 2023. (volunteer.2harvest.org)
• United Way 211 runs Minnesota’s 24/7, multilingual referral line: 2‑1‑1, 651‑291‑0211, or text your ZIP to 898‑211. (211unitedway.org)

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Quick Help Box (use these first)

• Call or text United Way 211 for a live, local specialist: 2‑1‑1, 651‑291‑0211, text your ZIP to 898‑211. They can warm transfer you to rent help, shelters, food, diapers, car repair programs, and more—24/7, all languages. (211unitedway.org)
• Heat or lights in danger of shutoff? Ask about Salvation Army HeatShare: hotline 1‑800‑842‑7279. Average help is about $400 when funding is available. (salvationarmynorth.org)
• Family shelter right now (Twin Cities):
  • Hennepin Shelter Hotline (families): 612‑204‑8200 (People Serving People). (peopleservingpeople.org)
  • Ramsey County families: Catholic Charities Family Service Center intake 651‑266‑7818 (up to 120 nights). (cctwincities.org)
• Domestic/sexual violence safety statewide (shelter placement same‑day when possible): Day One Crisis Line 1‑866‑223‑1111, text 612‑399‑9995. (dayoneservices.org)
• Food today: Minnesota Food HelpLine 1‑888‑711‑1151 for nearest food shelf and discount groceries; live help in many languages. (hungersolutions.org)

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Emergency Contacts Cheat Sheet (save/share this)

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Emergency: What to do in the next 24–48 hours

• If you’re facing an eviction, shut‑off, or no safe place to sleep tonight, call United Way 211 at 2‑1‑1 or 651‑291‑0211 and tell them exactly what’s urgent (“I have an eviction for Friday,” “Xcel shut off today,” “I’m with kids and need shelter tonight”). Ask for a warm transfer to a local agency that can pay a bill or get you into shelter immediately. (211unitedway.org)
• For domestic or sexual violence, call Day One at 1‑866‑223‑1111 or text 612‑399‑9995. They see real‑time bed availability across Minnesota and can place you confidentially; pets can sometimes be fostered. (dayoneservices.org, cornerstonemn.org)
• If you need a safe caregiver for a very young child while you stabilize a situation (doctor visit, mental health crisis, no childcare), call Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery’s 24/7 line 763‑591‑0100 for up to 72 hours of short‑term care (Hennepin County families with children ages 0–6). (crisisnursery.org)

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Quick‑Reference Tables

Table A. Rent, Utilities & Housing Stabilization (charities and churches)

Table B. Food Support You Can Use Fast

Table C. Transportation & Car Repair

Table D. Safety: Domestic/Sexual Violence & Family Shelters

Table E. Baby & Household Essentials

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How to Use These Charities (fast, practical steps)

Below, each section starts with the most important action, then gives eligibility, documents, timelines, and a “Plan B” if that path doesn’t work.

Rent, Utilities & Keeping Your Home

Start here:

• Call United Way 211 at 2‑1‑1 and say “I need rent help in [your city/county]. Please warm‑transfer me to [PRISM/VEAP/Keystone/IOCP/St. Vincent de Paul/Salvation Army] that serves my ZIP.” They will identify your service area and hand you off live when possible. (211unitedway.org)

Key programs and what to expect:

• Salvation Army HeatShare (utilities):
  • Typical help: average around $400 (propane/fuel oil included).
  • Eligibility: show you were denied by other programs; then it’s based on need and funding.
  • How: call 1‑800‑842‑7279 or your local corps. Funds are limited and requests exceed resources (nearly 40,000 annually), so call early in the month. (salvationarmynorth.org)
• PRISM eviction prevention (NW metro):
  • Eligibility: must live in Golden Valley, New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale, or Plymouth; often need a Hennepin County denial letter and verifiable income.
  • How: call 763‑432‑4217; expect a callback in 5–7 business days for screening; limited monthly funds. (prismmpls.org)
• VEAP (Bloomington/Edina/Richfield/S. Mpls):
  • How: leave a message at 952‑888‑9616 x147; a case manager will call to assess. VEAP is clear they don’t require proof of citizenship. (veap.org)
• Keystone Crisis Support (St. Paul/Ramsey):
  • How: call 651‑917‑3883; they return calls within two business days to assess for one‑time help and referrals. (keystoneservices.org)
• IOCP (Plymouth/Wayzata area):
  • Crisis expected to be resolved within 1–3 months; call 763‑489‑7500. They also help with car repairs when it keeps a job. (iocp.org)
• St. Vincent de Paul (parish‑based aid):
  • Find your local conference via the “Need Help” page; common aid includes rent/utility help, food, and household goods. Store numbers: Mpls 612‑722‑7882; St. Paul 651‑227‑1332. (svdpmpls.org)

Eligibility basics you’ll likely need:

• Photo ID; proof of address; lease and amount owed; overdue/shutoff notice; proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters). For PRISM/IOCP, the service area is strict. PRISM often requires a Hennepin County denial letter first. (prismmpls.org)

Timeline realities:

• Many rent funds open at the start of the month and pause when dollars run out. PRISM explicitly notes callbacks in 5–7 business days; Salvation Army/VEAP timelines vary by location and demand. (prismmpls.org, veap.org)

Common pitfalls:

• Missing a “service area” rule, or not having a county denial letter when the charity requires it.
• Submitting incomplete documents (lease page with signatures and current balance is key).
• Waiting too long to call—funds are finite each month.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask 211 to search adjacent agencies (CEAP, CROSS, STEP, WE CAN, ICA, etc.—depends on where you live). 211 can see regional coverage. (iocp.org, 211unitedway.org)
• For heat, specifically ask 211 about “HeatShare” or call 1‑800‑842‑7279 directly. (salvationarmynorth.org)

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Family Shelter & Housing for Single‑Mom Families

Start here:

• Hennepin County families: call 612‑204‑8200 (shelter hotline). Ramsey County families: 651‑266‑7818 (Family Service Center). Be ready with children’s names/Birthdates and where you slept last night. (peopleservingpeople.org, cctwincities.org)

Where you’ll likely go first:

• People Serving People (Minneapolis): 99 hotel‑style units; three meals daily; early childhood programs; main phone 612‑332‑4500. (mn.gov)
• Catholic Charities Family Service Center (Ramsey): Up to 120 nights; capacity around 65 adults/children; address 2001 Van Dyke St, Maplewood. (cctwincities.org)
• The Link’s Young Families (ages 18–24, pregnant/parenting): housing via Coordinated Entry; crisis line 612‑718‑1701. (thelinkmn.org)
• Jeremiah Program (two‑generation housing + on‑site high‑quality childcare):
  • Minneapolis campus: 39 apartments; phone 612‑259‑3014; address 1510 Laurel Ave. (jeremiahprogram.org)
  • Rochester–SE MN campus: family housing and onsite child development center; phone 507‑215‑8661; address 2915 Jeremiah Ln NW. (jeremiahprogram.org)

Eligibility & documents:

• Proof you’re a family unit (IDs, birth certificates if you have them), no‑trespass status for safety (some addresses remain confidential). Many programs enroll via county Coordinated Entry—ask hotline staff to complete it during intake. (thelinkmn.org)

Timeline realities:

• Same‑day shelter is often possible when beds are available; permanent housing can take weeks to months. Strong case management is routine (IDs, school enrollment, budgeting, landlord navigation).

Common pitfalls:

• Not calling early in the day; missing callbacks from unknown numbers; not completing Coordinated Entry when asked (it’s critical for housing referrals).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask 211 to search family shelters in neighboring counties and for church‑based “warm hoteling” programs if available. (211unitedway.org)

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Safety from Domestic & Sexual Violence (confidential help)

Start here:

• Day One Crisis Line 1‑866‑223‑1111 (text 612‑399‑9995). Advocates locate open shelter statewide and can arrange safe transport and pet fostering options. (dayoneservices.org)

Other key programs:

• Tubman: 612‑825‑0000 (shelter, legal, therapy). Addresses are confidential; Maplewood hub listed publicly. (tubman.org)
• Women’s Advocates (St. Paul): 651‑227‑8284 (24/7), confidential shelter; online chat option. (wadvocates.org)
• Esperanza United (Latina‑led): 651‑772‑1611 (24/7 bilingual Spanish/English). (esperanzaunited.org)
• Asian Women United of Minnesota: 612‑724‑8823. (ramseycounty.us)

What to expect:

• Safety planning; confidential shelter when available; help with protection orders; child and pet safety resources (some programs foster pets while you’re in shelter). (cornerstonemn.org)

Common pitfalls:

• Worry about police involvement—hotlines do not call police unless you ask or there is immediate danger they can’t verify. (dayoneservices.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask Day One to search the entire state and Fargo, ND partner sites; request hotel placement if a bed isn’t open that night; they can usually advise next‑best safe option. (dayoneservices.org)

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Food You Can Get This Week

Start here:

• Minnesota Food HelpLine 1‑888‑711‑1151: ask for your nearest open food shelf today and the next Fare For All sale near you. (hungersolutions.org)

Fast options that stretch cash:

• Fare For All discount groceries: show up, choose packs, and pay (EBT accepted). Produce Pack $10\ast \ast ;MegaMeatPack\ast \ast$25 (6–8 frozen items). (thefoodgroupmn.org)
• Second Harvest networks: Minnesota saw about 7.5 million food‑shelf visits in 2023—capacity is high; ask for hours and what ID (if any) is needed. (volunteer.2harvest.org)

Common pitfalls:

• Arriving without bags/box; going right at closing; assuming income paperwork is required (most food shelves only need your name and family size).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask 211 to filter for “community meals” or “mobile pantry” in your ZIP; some sites don’t require any documentation. (211unitedway.org)

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Short‑Term Childcare When Crisis Hits

Start here:

• Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery (Hennepin Co.): 24/7 line 763‑591‑0100; up to 72 hours of free short‑term care for ages birth–6, with crisis counseling and home visiting. Bring proof of Hennepin residency and child’s meds—staff handle the rest. Address: 4544 4th Ave S, Minneapolis. (crisisnursery.org)

Other regions:

• Crisis Nursery—Olmsted County (Rochester): call 507‑287‑2020 (business hours). Short‑term care via licensed providers; they can also help with diapers and referrals. (familiesfirstmn.org)

Common pitfalls:

• Waiting until you’re overwhelmed; slots fill fast. Call at the first sign you can’t provide safe, attentive care (illness, sleep deprivation, no backup caregiver).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask 211 for local “crisis nursery” or faith‑based respite programs in your county; if none, request a same‑day “home visiting” agency to come to you for stabilization. (211unitedway.org)

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Diapers, Baby Gear & Furnishing a New Place

Start here (diapers):

• Diaper Bank of Minnesota has dozens of partner pick‑up sites; use their “Find Diapers” page to see hours and any ID/age limits. (diaperbankmn.org)

If you can use cloth:

• Minnesota Cloth Diaper Bank loans full kits statewide; apply online or call 612‑460‑5266. (mnclothdiaperbank.org)

Furnishing your place affordably:

• Bridging provides furniture/household goods through agency referral. Client fee $75\ast \ast perappointment;optionaldelivery\ast \ast$225 in the metro. Call 952‑888‑1105 for Bloomington/Roseville. (bridging.org)

Common pitfalls:

• Showing up to Bridging without a referral; skipping the client fee planning. Ask your case manager (PRISM/VEAP/Keystone) to refer and help with fees if needed. (bridging.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask 211 for “furniture bank” alternatives or church ministries near you that deliver beds and kitchen kits. (211unitedway.org)

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Work, Clothing, Money Coaching & Small Business Support

Professional clothing and career coaching:

• Dress for Success Twin Cities provides professional attire plus workplace skills and coaching (referral required). Office 651‑646‑6000; physical site 1549 University Ave W, St. Paul. They serve about 1,000 clients a year and marked their 15th anniversary in 2025. (search.211unitedway.org, dressforsuccesstwincities.org)

Debt/budget counseling (free):

• LSS Financial Counseling: confidential, judgment‑free phone/virtual counseling—call 888‑577‑2227. Spanish/Hmong available; no consult fee. (financialcounseling.lssmn.org, minnesotahelp.info)

Starting or stabilizing a small business:

• WomenVenture offers training and small business loans up to $100,000 for eligible applicants in the metro counties (and Pierce/St. Croix, WI), plus free child‑care business courses. Timelines for loans are typically “up to 90 days” after a complete application. (womenventure.org)

Common pitfalls:

• Skipping a referral for Dress for Success (ask your case manager or 211 which partners can refer); not keeping loan documents organized for WomenVenture.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask 211 for the nearest job club, adult education, or community college career navigator in your county. (211unitedway.org)

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Transportation That Doesn’t Break the Budget

Start here:

• The Lift Garage: call 612‑866‑5840 for an appointment; bring pay stubs/benefit letters to show income at or under 150% FPG. Labor is $15/hour; parts at cost. Friday Express (walk‑in) 10am–noon for bulbs/wipers/fluids/battery tests. (theliftgarage.org)

If you need a car to keep your job:

• Newgate School’s Wheels for Women: free cars for working single moms in the 7‑county metro; apply online or call 612‑378‑0177. If you’re donating a car, towing is usually 24–48 hours after scheduling. (newgateschool.org)

Common pitfalls:

• Going to a market‑rate shop first; spending savings on a clunker without a pre‑purchase inspection (The Lift does them free).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask IOCP (763‑489‑7500) about one‑time car repair help (service‑area rules apply). (iocp.org)

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Diverse Communities: Targeted, culturally specific help

• LGBTQ+ single mothers and fathers
  • Day One and Women’s Advocates serve all genders; ask for LGBTQ‑affirming advocates when you call. (wadvocates.org, dayoneservices.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or children with disabilities
  • Ask 211 to filter for disability‑specific respite/home visiting and legal advocacy, plus medical/dental safety‑net clinics in your ZIP. (211unitedway.org)
• Veteran single moms
  • Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) prevents homelessness, covers deposits/arrears in some cases, and connects to employment/legal help. Main line 833‑222‑6228; St. Paul office 1000 University Ave W, Suite 10. (mac-v.org)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms
  • CLUES (St. Paul/Minneapolis/Willmar/Austin) supports Latine families with survivor support, economic mobility, and childcare/family programs: St. Paul 651‑379‑4200, Mpls 612‑746‑3500. (clues.org)
  • International Institute of Minnesota (St. Paul): low‑cost immigration services, free adult classes/job training for those born outside the U.S.; immigration line 651‑377‑8642. (iimn.org)
• Tribal‑specific/Urban Native resources
  • Division of Indian Work (Minneapolis): culturally specific food shelf, parenting support, domestic violence services; 612‑722‑8722, 1001 E Lake St. (diw-mn.org)
  • American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO, Duluth): supportive housing and a 10‑bed shelter for victim‑survivors; 218‑722‑7225, 202 W 2nd St. (co.lake.mn.us)
  • MIWRC (Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, Minneapolis): culturally grounded supports for women and families (healing, mental health, safe house). (givemn.org)
• Rural single moms with limited access
  • Use Food HelpLine 1‑888‑711‑1151 for mobile pantries and low‑cost groceries; ask 211 to filter by county for church‑run rent/utility funds and traveling programs. (hungersolutions.org, 211unitedway.org)
• Single fathers
  • Most programs above serve all parents; identify yourself as the custodial parent and ask for Father‑inclusive supports where relevant (PRISM, IOCP, Keystone, Salvation Army). (prismmpls.org, iocp.org)
• Language access
  • 211 offers English, Spanish, Hmong menus, and broader interpreter services; many hotlines and clinics can add interpreters on the call. (211unitedway.org)

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Application Checklist (print or screenshot)

• Photo ID(s) for adult(s).
• Proof of address (lease, letter from shelter, or mail with your name).
• Lease and ledger showing what’s owed; or utility bill with account number/balance.
• Proof of income (last 30 days’ pay stubs, benefits award letter). If no income, many agencies have a zero‑income form—ask for it.
• Eviction, late‑rent, or shutoff notice (if applicable).
• For car repair: title/registration, proof of insurance; any prior estimates.
• For Crisis Nursery: proof of Hennepin residency (if in Minneapolis site), child meds, emergency contacts. (crisisnursery.org)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting to call until right before a court date or shutoff (funds are first‑come and thin late in the month).
• Not checking your service area—PRISM, IOCP, VEAP and others are strict about city/ZIP coverage. (iocp.org)
• Sending photos of documents that cut off page corners or signatures (leases must show names, address, rent amount, and signatures).
• Ignoring blocked/unknown numbers—the callback may be your case manager.
• Assuming a charity can cover multiple months; most are set up for one‑time help to stabilize.

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If “Plan A” Doesn’t Work (Plan B/C ideas)

• Ask 211 to do a three‑way call to another agency and stay on the line until you have a live person and an intake time. (211unitedway.org)
• For utilities, escalate to HeatShare: 1‑800‑842‑7279 (average aid ~$400). (salvationarmynorth.org)
• For safety, call Day One even if you’ve already called a local shelter; they can search beds statewide and arrange placement. (dayoneservices.org)
• For food, use Fare For All’s $10\ast \ast produceand\ast \ast$25 meat packs to stretch funds until the next check. (thefoodgroupmn.org)

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Real‑World Examples

• Rent help through PRISM: A mom in Robbinsdale behind one month on rent called 2‑1‑1, got warm‑transferred to PRISM, and submitted her lease, ledger, and Hennepin denial letter. PRISM called her back within the posted 5–7 business days and, with a partial payment plus her pay stub, kept the family housed. (prismmpls.org)
• Car repair through The Lift Garage: A single mom working in Richfield used The Lift’s Friday Express to diagnose a failing battery and wipers, then scheduled full repair. Her bill was labor at $15/hour with parts at cost—hundreds less than market rates. (theliftgarage.org)
• Warm, short‑term childcare through Crisis Nursery: In Hennepin County, a mom recovering from a C‑section arranged 72 hours of free care so she could attend a medical follow‑up and sleep safely; staff coordinated transportation and food for the kids during the stay. (crisisnursery.org)

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Resources by Region (scan and call)

Twin Cities Metro (Hennepin/Ramsey and nearby):

• United Way 211: 2‑1‑1, 651‑291‑0211, text ZIP to 898‑211 (24/7). (211unitedway.org)
• Salvation Army Twin Cities & HeatShare: 1‑800‑842‑7279 (utilities). (salvationarmynorth.org)
• PRISM (NW suburbs): 763‑432‑4217. (prismmpls.org)
• VEAP (Bloomington/Edina/Richfield/S. Mpls): 952‑888‑9616 x147. (veap.org)
• Keystone Community Services (St. Paul): 651‑917‑3883. (keystoneservices.org)
• IOCP (Plymouth/Wayzata area): 763‑489‑7500. (iocp.org)
• People Serving People (family shelter via hotline): 612‑204‑8200; admin 612‑332‑4500. (peopleservingpeople.org)
• Catholic Charities Family Service Center (Ramsey Co. families): 651‑266‑7818. (cctwincities.org)
• Day One (statewide domestic/sexual violence): 1‑866‑223‑1111, text 612‑399‑9995. (dayoneservices.org)
• Tubman: 612‑825‑0000. Women’s Advocates: 651‑227‑8284. Esperanza United: 651‑772‑1611. AWUM: 612‑724‑8823. (tubman.org, wadvocates.org, esperanzaunited.org, ramseycounty.us)
• The Lift Garage (car repair): 612‑866‑5840. (theliftgarage.org)
• Dress for Success Twin Cities: 651‑646‑6000. (search.211unitedway.org)
• Bridging (furniture): 952‑888‑1105; Bloomington/Roseville. (bridging.org)
• CLUES (Latine services): St. Paul 651‑379‑4200, Mpls 612‑746‑3500. (clues.org)
• Division of Indian Work: 612‑722‑8722. (diw-mn.org)
• St. Vincent de Paul Twin Cities: Minneapolis 612‑722‑7882; St. Paul 651‑227‑1332. (svdpmpls.org)

Greater Minnesota highlights:

• Jeremiah Program Rochester–SE MN: 507‑215‑8661. (jeremiahprogram.org)
• AICHO (Duluth): 218‑722‑7225. (co.lake.mn.us)
• MACV statewide (veterans): 833‑222‑6228; offices in Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato, Moorhead, Minneapolis, Rochester, St. Paul. (mac-v.org)
• Families First of Minnesota—Crisis Nursery (Rochester): 507‑287‑2020. (familiesfirstmn.org)
• Second Harvest Northland (NE MN) “Find Food” tool for food shelves/mobile pantries. (northernlakesfoodbank.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• If you’re past due on rent or a disconnect notice: call 2‑1‑1 and ask for a warm transfer to your area’s eviction or utility fund, then have your lease/bill in hand. (211unitedway.org)
• Need heat help today: call HeatShare at 1‑800‑842‑7279; average grant ~$400 when funds are available. (salvationarmynorth.org)
• Need food: call 1‑888‑711‑1151 to find a same‑day food shelf and the next Fare For All; bring bags and show up early. Produce $10\ast \ast ;MegaMeat\ast \ast$25. (hungersolutions.org, thefoodgroupmn.org)
• Unsafe at home: Day One 1‑866‑223‑1111 (text 612‑399‑9995). (dayoneservices.org)
• Car broke down: The Lift Garage 612‑866‑5840 (labor $15/hour) and Newgate Wheels for Women 612‑378‑0177 (free cars for working single moms). (theliftgarage.org, newgateschool.org)

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FAQs (Minnesota‑specific)

1. Where do I call first for help that’s not government benefits?

• United Way 211 (2‑1‑1) has a Minnesota database of 40,000+ programs and offers warm transfers. (211unitedway.org)

2. What’s a realistic rent‑help timeline?

• PRISM posts 5–7 business days for callbacks; many charities process faster if you have complete documents ready. Funds often reset at the start of each month. (prismmpls.org)

3. Can a charity pay my entire back rent?

• Usually no. Most provide a one‑time payment to stop an eviction while you pay the rest or set a payment plan.

4. Is there energy help that’s not a government program?

• Yes, Salvation Army HeatShare (average $400); call 1‑800‑842‑7279. (salvationarmynorth.org)

5. I need a shelter where my teens can stay with me.

• Family shelters like People Serving People and Catholic Charities FSC keep families together. Use 612‑204‑8200 (Hennepin) or 651‑266‑7818 (Ramsey) for placement. (peopleservingpeople.org, cctwincities.org)

6. I’m a working mom but my car is undriveable—cheap fix?

• The Lift Garage (612‑866‑5840), income ≤ 150% FPG; labor $15/hour, parts at cost. (theliftgarage.org)

7. Where can I get affordable groceries without paperwork?

• Fare For All: anyone can buy packs (Produce $10\ast \ast ,MegaMeat\ast \ast$25). See schedule online. (thefoodgroupmn.org)

8. Are there diapers available regularly?

• Yes, use the Diaper Bank of Minnesota’s “Find Diapers” list to pick a partner near you. (diaperbankmn.org)

9. Any programs specifically for single moms with young kids to pursue school/work?

• Jeremiah Program (Minneapolis and Rochester) provides housing plus on‑site childcare and coaching. (jeremiahprogram.org)

10. I’m a veteran single mom. Who can help?

• MACV’s main line is 833‑222‑6228 for housing, employment, and legal resources statewide. (mac-v.org)

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Resource List (clickable, with phones and addresses)

• Salvation Army HeatShare – donor‑funded utility help (average around $400): [HeatShare Program page] – hotline 1‑800‑842‑7279. (salvationarmynorth.org)
• Salvation Army – Twin Cities programs and housing: [Programs & Services directory]. (salvationarmynorth.org)
• Catholic Charities Twin Cities – Family Service Center (Ramsey family shelter): [FSC overview], 651‑266‑7818, 2001 Van Dyke St, Maplewood, MN 55109. (cctwincities.org)
• People Serving People (family shelter): [Location & contacts], main 612‑332‑4500, 614 3rd St S, Minneapolis, MN 55415; shelter access via 612‑204‑8200. (peopleservingpeople.org)
• United Way 211 Minnesota (24/7): [Call 2‑1‑1 or text 898‑211]. (211unitedway.org)
• PRISM (housing/food, NW suburbs): [Housing Programs], 763‑432‑4217, 1220 Zane Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55422. (prismmpls.org, search.211unitedway.org)
• VEAP (rent/utility/food, south metro): [Apply for financial assistance], 952‑888‑9616 x147, 9600 Aldrich Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420. (veap.org)
• Keystone Community Services (Ramsey): [Crisis Support], line 651‑917‑3883; main 651‑645‑0349, 2000 St. Anthony Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104. (keystoneservices.org)
• IOCP (Plymouth/Wayzata area): [Emergency Financial Assistance], 763‑489‑7500, 1605 County Rd 101 N, Plymouth, MN 55447. (iocp.org)
• St. Vincent de Paul Twin Cities (parish‑based aid; thrift; food): [Need Help], stores: Mpls 612‑722‑7882 (2939 12th Ave S), St. Paul 651‑227‑1332 (461 W 7th St). (svdpmpls.org)
• Day One Minnesota (statewide domestic/sexual violence network): [Find Help Now], 1‑866‑223‑1111, text 612‑399‑9995. (dayoneservices.org)
• Tubman (shelter/legal/therapy): [Shelter & Housing], crisis 612‑825‑0000. (tubman.org)
• Women’s Advocates (St. Paul): [Find Help], 651‑227‑8284. (wadvocates.org)
• Esperanza United (Latina‑led): [Contact], 651‑772‑1611. (esperanzaunited.org)
• Asian Women United of Minnesota: Ramsey County resource listing with hotline 612‑724‑8823. (ramseycounty.us)
• Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery: [Need Help], crisis line 763‑591‑0100, 4544 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419. (crisisnursery.org)
• Families First of Minnesota – Crisis Nursery (Olmsted): [Program page], main 507‑287‑2020, 126 Woodlake Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904. (familiesfirstmn.org)
• Minnesota Food HelpLine (Hunger Solutions/The Food Group): [Food HelpLine], 1‑888‑711‑1151. (hungersolutions.org)
• Fare For All – discount groceries: [Pack Peek & FAQs]. Produce $10\ast \ast ,MegaMeat\ast \ast$25. (thefoodgroupmn.org)
• Bridging (furniture bank): [Get Help], fees $75\ast \ast appointment/\ast \ast$225 delivery; main 952‑888‑1105; Bloomington/Roseville. (bridging.org)
• The Lift Garage (low‑cost auto repair): [About & Services], 612‑866‑5840, 2401 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406. Labor $15/hour, parts at cost. (theliftgarage.org)
• Newgate School – Wheels for Women (free cars): [Program], 612‑378‑0177, 2900 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55413. (newgateschool.org)
• Dress for Success Twin Cities: [Programs/Contact], 651‑646‑6000, 1549 University Ave W, Suite 100, St. Paul. (search.211unitedway.org)
• LSS Financial Counseling (free): [Contact], 888‑577‑2227. (financialcounseling.lssmn.org)
• CLUES (Latine services in St. Paul/Mpls/Willmar/Austin): [Contact], St. Paul 651‑379‑4200, Mpls 612‑746‑3500. (clues.org)
• DIW – Division of Indian Work (Urban Native): [Contact], 612‑722‑8722, 1001 E Lake St, Minneapolis. (diw-mn.org)
• AICHO (Duluth): [Program overview], 218‑722‑7225, 202 W 2nd St, Duluth. (co.lake.mn.us)
• MACV (Veteran families): [Contact], main 833‑222‑6228 (statewide). (mac-v.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from community organizations and established nonprofits in Minnesota. It is produced under our Editorial Standards with primary sources, tested links, and regular reviews. We are independent from government agencies and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.
Corrections? Email info@asinglemother.org.

Key sources include: Salvation Army Northern Division (HeatShare stats and hotline), United Way 211 Minnesota (24/7 contact), Catholic Charities Twin Cities (Family Service Center details), People Serving People (family shelter), PRISM/VEAP/Keystone/IOCP (service area and intake), Fare For All/The Food Group (current pack prices), Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery (72‑hour care), Dress for Success Twin Cities (program scope), LSS Financial Counseling (free services), The Lift Garage (labor rate and eligibility), Newgate School (Wheels for Women), CLUES/DIW/AICHO (culturally specific supports), MACV (veterans). (salvationarmynorth.org, 211unitedway.org, cctwincities.org, mn.gov, prismmpls.org, veap.org, keystoneservices.org, iocp.org, thefoodgroupmn.org, crisisnursery.org, search.211unitedway.org, financialcounseling.lssmn.org, theliftgarage.org, newgateschool.org, clues.org, diw-mn.org, co.lake.mn.us, mac-v.org)

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Disclaimer

• Charity program amounts and eligibility change often based on funding. Always confirm the latest requirements and availability directly with the organization before you spend time assembling documents or traveling.
• We link to official, established sources and keep this page updated, but we’re not a government agency or legal service. This guide is informational, not legal advice.
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Stay safe, keep copies of everything you submit, and ask for warm transfers when you call—those two steps save time and prevent avoidable denials.

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🏛️More Minnesota Resources for Single Mothers

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