Resources for Families

COVID-19 Hotlines

CLUES Programs and Services:

651-379-4243

Health questions:

651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 | 7 am – 7 pm

Schools and child care questions:

651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 | 7 am – 7 pm

http://www.clues.org/wp_english/coronavirus/

Unemployment

Those whose employment has been affected by COVID-19 may qualify for unemployment. Person needs a valid SS# to apply. CLUES may be able to help you apply. Call 651-379-4243 for more information.

State guidelines are here: www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/covid-19.jsp

Unemployment Insurance
Were your work hours reduced or eliminated? Apply for unemployment insurance. Apply online in English, Hmong, Somali or Spanish.
Do you speak a language other than English, Hmong, Somali, or Spanish? If so, call 651-296-3644 to start the application process.
Emergency Assistance
Do you need help paying for rent, food or childcare? If so, apply for emergency assistance. Contact your county human services agency to get started.

Housing Resources:

CLUES housing counselors are available to support you in preventing foreclosure or eviction during this time. Call 651-379-4243 for more information.

Evictions
March 24, 2020 – Due to COVID-19, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order that stops evictions, lease terminations, and Writs of Recovery during the peacetime emergency. Learn More: FAQ Executive Order.

Communication with your Landlord
If you are struggling to pay rent, or will have this problem soon, here are some tips for communicating with your landlord.

Talk to your landlord right away when the problem occurs.
Be honest with them about your current income situation. How has the spread of COVID-19 impacted your work?
Consider discussing the resources/assistance types that you’ve sought thus far.
Explain how vulnerable your family will be. How many members of the family will be impacted by the loss of housing?
Find out what other people in similar positions are doing with this landlord or with others. Discuss the Minnesota Multi Housing Association’s ‘shelter in place‘ guidelines.
Ask about payment arrangements.

Your landlord is likely experiencing a high degree of stress and concern over the current circumstances as well. Strive to ensure that your communication with them is as clear and calm as possible. Document your conversations.

Additional Resources:

Tenant Resource Center – Call 612-302-3180

Homeline – Call 612-728-5767

Education, family and food resources

Minnesota Department of Education Guidance and resources regarding closing schools, and what schools and organizations can do to protect the community.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Education are answering questions related to child care and education, available 7 am –7 pm at 651-297-1304 (Greater Minnesota: 1-800-657-3504).

Minneapolis Public Schools Meals are given from school buses parked in school parking lots; school buildings will remain closed. Meal pickup services begin Tuesday, March 17 and continue Mondays through Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm while schools are closed due to the COVID-19 virus. Link to pick up locations: https://cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/COVID19
Saint Paul Public Schools Meal Access During Closure: https://www.spps.org/Page/38722
Families who lack transportation or those with medically fragile children can request to have food delivered to their residence. Registration for home delivery is open at https://tce.me/hieVzY.
White Bear School Districtfree meals/deliveries – Fill out questionnaire at link and follow up with a phone call to Nutrition Services at (651) 407-7515 to request for delivery.
Mounds View School Districthave set up food banks where families can pick up breakfast/lunch at different schools between 10am-1pm. Locations are in the link.
Find food shelves and free meals near you: Hunger Solutions
Minneapolis Public Schools is providing meals for its students. Learn more
Paul Public Schools is providing meals for its students. Learn more
Do you need long-term food benefits (SNAP)? Apply here

Internet Access and Utilities

Internet Essentials program from Comcast: Two months free home access, all public Xfinity Wifi spots open for free.
Spectrum program from Charter:Two months free access for students. Or call 1-844-488-8398.
Minneapolis Public WIFI spots are all free for the time being.
USI and Comcast are expanding access to the internet in the City of Minneapolis. Learn more
Low cost computer and internet resources. Learn more
Xcel energy will waive late fees and stop service disconnections if they are because of a COVID-19 hardship. Call 1-800-895-4999 for more information.
CenterPoint Energy will waive late fees and stop service disconnections if they are because of a COVID-19 hardship. Call 1-800-245-2377 for more information