Minnesota Resources

To find out about key benefits and services in Minnesota and how to apply, select from the topics below.

Private Sponsor Organizations are local, regional, and national organizations that recruit, support, and oversee private sponsor groups as they prepare for, receive, and guide refugee newcomers arriving through the Welcome Corps. Organizations may be locally based or work in coordination with local partners or local networks. PSOs coach Private Sponsor Groups in carrying out core private sponsorship services, including making connections with local community organizations and services. They also support Private Sponsor Groups in navigating the sponsorship process, including group dynamics and supporting refugees from diverse experiences and backgrounds. Learn more about the role of Private Sponsor Organizations here.

Minnesota-based PSOs

Refugee Health Assessment

The Refugee Health Assessment is the first step for getting newcomers connected to health care in Minnesota. It is a special medical appointment for newcomers to the United States that takes place with specially trained health care providers. The Refugee Health Assessment typically takes 1-2 visits, during which newcomers will receive a health exam, get refills on medications if needed, and get connected to primary care and specialist doctors.

This appointment is coordinated with state and local health departments and cannot be scheduled independently. Please fill out the New Arrival Notification and Screening Referral Form (available by clicking the “set up a health assessment” button below or by visiting the state health department website) as soon as possible after the newcomer arrives. The local county health department will reach out within a few weeks of receiving the referral to schedule the appointment.

Set up a health assessment

Website provides a brief overview of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Refugee Health Program (RHP), the Minnesota Refugee Health Assessment, and information regarding health requirements for humanitarian parolee arrivals.

This resource directory of low-cost and immigrant-friendly health services includes a listing of hospitals, clinics, organizations, and services that offer dental services, disability services, domestic violence services and sexual assault services, health services, home health services, hotlines, mental health services, and vision services.

Focuses on building pathways for new arrivals to connect with community health workers through the Resettlement Network, to ensure timely health supports for new arrivals with acute and chronic health needs.

Available Health Insurance Options

All refugees should apply for health insurance upon arrival in the U.S.

Minnesota’s Medicaid program for people with low income and/or disabilities. There is no monthly premium. Most refugees qualify for Medical Assistance.

A federal program providing short-term (up to 12 months) medical coverage to refugees who are ineligible for Medical Assistance/Medicaid. The benefits are generally similar to Medical Assistance/Medicaid.

A health insurance program with low premiums for people who do not qualify for Medical Assistance or Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) but may have low income.

Minnesota-made health insurance marketplace, where Minnesotans can shop, compare, and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs.

People with disabilities who work may get health care coverage under a program called Medical Assistance (MA) for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD).

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older and/or who meet certain disability qualifications. Certain individuals may be dual enrolled in Medical Assistance and Medicare. Assistance understanding qualifications and plan options may be found by clicking the button below or via Senior Linkage Line (see “Seniors” section).

Phone: 1-800-633-4227

Assistance Applying for Health Insurance

Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace, where people can apply for health insurance including Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, and private insurance. People can shop, compare, and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. Or, for assistance applying, reach out to an organization with MNSure navigators (some are listed below).

Provides free enrollment assistance in multiple languages for those seeking health insurance coverage from MNSure (Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare).

Provides free enrollment assistance in multiple languages for those seeking health insurance coverage from MNSure (Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare).

Provides free enrollment assistance in multiple languages for those seeking health insurance coverage from MNSure (Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare).

Provides free enrollment assistance in multiple languages for those seeking health insurance coverage from MNSure (Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare).

Provides free enrollment assistance in multiple languages for those seeking health insurance coverage from MNSure (Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare).

Provides free enrollment assistance in multiple languages for those seeking health insurance coverage from MNSure (Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare).

Accessing Ongoing Health Care

After completing the Refugee Health Assessment, refugees should establish primary care for ongoing health care needs, including specialty care.

This resource directory of low-cost and immigrant-friendly health services includes a listing of hospitals, clinics, organizations, and services that offer dental services, disability services, domestic violence services and sexual assault services, health services, home health services, hotlines, mental health services, and vision services.

**Care through the Health Services Directory should be accessed after completing the Refugee Health Assessment.**

Use this directory to find health care providers that serve fee-for-service Minnesota Health Care Programs (Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, and Minnesota Family Planning Program) members. If you receive health care services through a health plan, do not use this directory. Call the health plan customer service number on the back of your health plan ID card or use the provider directory your health plan mailed to you.

**Care should be accessed after completing the Refugee Health Assessment.**

A list of low-cost or free physical, mental, and dental health care clinics.

**Care should be accessed after completing the Refugee Health Assessment.**

Focuses on building pathways for new arrivals to connect with community health workers through the Resettlement Network, to ensure timely health supports for new arrivals with acute and chronic health needs.

**Care should be accessed after completing the Refugee Health Assessment**

A network of federally qualified health centers in Minnesota

Health-specific Resources

Mental Health

Provides guidance to people who are trying to navigate the mental health system and identifies resources and treatment that can help

The Minnesota Warmline provides free and confidential peer support via phone / text.

Text “support” to 85511

Call 651-288-0400 or toll-free 855-WARMLINE

A statewide network of 34 community-based mental health programs

Accessible mental health services and supports for adults through MN Department of Human Services

Dental Care

Nonprofit dental clinic that serves all patients. Accepts all state public programs and most commercial insurances that have open networks. Multicultural staff; 25 languages spoken. Locations in Buffalo, Maplewood, St. Paul, Robbinsdale, and Rochester.

Accept all forms of insurance including Medical Assistance, and offer discounted care through an income-based sliding fee scale. Typically able to treat emergencies within 24 to 48 hours. Based in Minneapolis.

Phone: 612-746-1530

Vision Health

Provides medically necessary eye care services and surgeries at no cost for uninsured, low-income patients

Connects to eye doctors that can provide a comprehensive eye exams. Children qualify for the program if they had a vision screening that caught an eye problem — or if they show signs of vision problems.

Offers free eye assessments for babies ages 6 to 12 months

Offers free comprehensive eye exams — and up to 1 year of care — to people age 65 and older and to people at higher risk of glaucoma

Population-specific Resources

Persons with Disabilities

A free statewide resource network that helps people solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for the future.

Resouces, training, technical assistance, and outreach to create a barrier-free Minnesota for persons with disabilities

Helps Minnesotans who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing and their families

The Social Security program in the United States provides protection against the loss of earnings due to retirement, death, or disability.

Assist Minnesotans who are blind, deafblind, losing vision, or who have another disability that makes it difficult to read print

A single entry point to more than 100 Minnesota state agency programs, products, and services that are devoted to the range of disability issues.

Seniors

Resources for older individuals, including assistance applying for Medicare.

Phone: 1-800-333-2433

Children’s Health

Early intervention services for infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delays.

The Department of Human Services supports a range of children’s mental health services across the state, from prevention to crisis response, school programs to treatment.

Programs and information for children with special needs.

Offers free or low-cost vaccines for eligible children age 18 years and younger

A parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth through 21 years old

A program offering supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition information to low-income women who are pregnant or have children aged birth to five.

Find your local clinic

A county or tribal human services office is the first place to contact for access for most public assistance benefits in Minnesota. Find the specific contact information for your county or tribal nation here.

Cash & Food Assistance

Cash assistance available to residents who enter the U.S. under humanitarian protection with low incomes.

Federal nutrition program

Cash assistance designed to help low-income families achieve self-sufficiency.

A program offering supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition information to low-income women who are pregnant or have children aged birth to five.

Find your local clinic

A federal program supporting participants to attain self-sufficiency within 240 days (eight months) of arrival in the United States through financial, case management, and employment support.

A program that provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI payments are also made to people aged 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.

A program that helps people without children pay for basic needs.

Find Housing

Source for affordable housing-related openings, data, information, and resources

Lists publicly funded rental housing in Minnesota

Affordable housing units in rural counties funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Affordable housing in Minnesota funded by HUD, HUD offices, local public housing authorities, homeless resources, and elderly and special needs housing funded by HUD

  • Disability Hub MN – Housing Help

Assistance for persons with disabilities to understand housing options and benefits

Phone:1-866-333-2466

Assistance with Housing Costs

For families with low incomes experiencing household emergencies. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911.

Helps low-income households meet their immediate home energy needs

Helps residents maintain housing stability

Call 211 (24/7) to speak to a Community Resource Specialist

Limited funding to provide a one-time payment for eligible households for either: emergency rental assistance up to $1,000 per household, or by paying up to $1,000 for the security deposit and/or first month of rent per household

Call 211 (24/7) to speak to a Community Resource Specialist

Housing Advocacy

Free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services for renters

Housing Counseling

HUD-certified Housing Counselors help navigate the rental process and educate on legal protections. Counselors also help renters develop household budgets, determine financial assistance eligibility, apply for rental assistance, and identify an affordable place to rent.

  • Tenant Resource Center (TRC)

Supports Hennepin County residents who are at risk of eviction or homelessness through a collaborative partnership between community, nonprofits, government, and higher education

Phone:612-767-9737

HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low-cost advice.

Phone: 800-569-4287

Renter Rights

Offers workshops designed to answer questions regarding rights and responsibilities as a renter, how fair housing laws protects renters, how affordable housing is calculated, the importance of insurance, and more

Offers workshops designed to answer questions regarding rights and responsibilities as a renter, how fair housing laws protects renters, how affordable housing is calculated, the importance of insurance, and more

Homelessness Prevention & Assistance

If you are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, or don’t have a place you can stay for very long, get help from Minnesota’s Coordinated Entry System.

Helps youth find shelter and services

Walk-in or call the crisis line: 612-377-8800

Provides supportive services and financial assistance, such as rent deposits, rent payments, or utility payments to eligible households that are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness.

FHPAP Provider Contact List

Program focused on addressing homelessness and housing instability among students and their families
  • Hennepin Shelter Hotline

The Hennepin Shelter Hotline serves Hennepin County residents who are seeking emergency shelter by helping them find a safe, temporary place to stay while they work on next steps toward stable housing.

Phone: 612-204-8200

Community Orientation classes are offered to teach participants about life in Minnesota and cover topics such as transportation, housing, finances, education, employment, community resources, and government/pathways to citizenship. Classes are offered in-person or online. Currently, Community Orientation Workshops are not offered for the Northern MN region.

Community Orientation Workshops through the Resettlement Network

Contact: Kaija Bergen

Call 651-377-8199 | Email

  • Community Orientation – Southern MN

Contact: Ahmed Osman

Call 507-289-5960 ext. 108 | Email

  • Community Orientation – Central

Contact: Mohamed Haashi

Call 320-204-4257 | Email

Employment services through the Resettlement Network

Key functions of employment services include job placement, job upgrades, and building employer partnerships. To access employment services through the Resettlement Network, please contact the appropriate regional focal point from the below list.

  • Employment Services – Twin Cities Metro

Contact: Liban Nuur

Email | Call 612-895-9650

  • Employment Services – Central

Contact: Mohamed Haashi

Email | Call 320-204-4257

  • Employment Services – Southern

Contact: Ahmed Osman

Email | Call 507-289-5960 ext. 108

  • Employment Services – Northern

Contact: Amy Feland

Email | Call 218-512-1561

Other employment services

Refugee employment services, Career Pathways Programs

Resource for job seekers and employers in MN (resume, interview, and job search support)

Career Pathways Programs

Resources for job seekers

Career planning, skills, and job training in Southeast MN

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) helps families with children meet their basic needs, while helping parents move to financial stability through work. Parents are expected to work and receive employment services, and along with being supported in working with both cash and food assistance. Most families have a lifetime limit of 60 months on MFIP.

The Matching Grant program helps refugees and other ORR-eligible populations overcome barriers and quickly find jobs. The intent is for refugees to become economically self-sufficient through employment within 240 days and without accessing cash assistance programs.

Local resettlement agencies currently offering the Matching Grant program:
  • International Institute of Minnesota – St Paul, MN

Call 651-647-0191

  • Minnesota Council of Churches – Minneapolis, MN

Call 612-874-8605

  • Catholic Charities Winona Diocese – Rochester, MN

Call 507-287-2047

  • Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN

Call 612-871-0221

Documentation

Information and resources about obtaining a driver’s license

Language

Free beginning, intermediate, and advanced ELL classes

Free English classes and other subjects

Free in-person and online English classes

Free English classes

Childcare

Information and resources for parents looking for childcare in Minnesota

Childcare financial assistance programs

Find your local office

An Early Learning Scholarship can help pay for high-quality childcare and early education to help children get ready for school.

To apply for an Early Learning Scholarship – Pathway I, contact the Area Administrator serving your county.

Information about childcare licensing, resources for children with special needs, and other supports for children

Helps low-income students with young children pay for childcare while the student attends classes

Offers free tools and resources to help families find the quality childcare and early education programs

  • Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R)

Child Care Resource & Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) help families find childcare and assist childcare providers with resources for their business.

Find a CCR&R near you

Provides free relationship-based professional development (RBPD) including support, modeling, and resources to childcare programs throughout Minnesota

  • Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Childcare Providers

Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) childcare providers offer legal unlicensed childcare

FFN Navigator Locations & Contact List

For more information, please contact gaylene.spolarich@state.mn.us.

Early Childhood Education

A federal program that promotes the school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families

Find your local Head Start

A navigator connecting expectant families, families with young children (birth to 8 years-old), and those working with families to services in their local communities that support healthy child development and family well-being.

The ECFE program is offered through Minnesota public school districts oftentimes in partnership with other community or early learning programs.

Find contact information for your school district

K-12 Education

Support for English learners

Program uses English Language Proficiency Screeners to determine initial eligibility for English Learner Status and English Language Development Programming

The Minnesota Learning English for Academic Proficiency and Success (LEAPS) Act defines SLIFE as an English learner with an interrupted formal education who meets three of the following five requirements: 1) comes from a home where the language usually spoken is other than English, or who usually speaks a language other than English; 2) enters school in the United States after grade six; 3) has at least two years less schooling than the English learner’s peers; 4) functions at least two years below expected grade level in reading and mathematics; and, 5) may be preliterate in the English learner’s native language.

Email

Call 651-582-8323

Students are eligible to attend public school and receive a free public education through age 21.

Phone: 651-582-8572

  • Immunizations

Schools require a health record for children that shows their medical history and vaccines. Families need to ask a doctor or clinic to give them a document showing their child’s immunization record.

Information for parents

Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) program (free or low-cost shots)

  • Minnesota School Districts

Enter your address here to locate your school district.

Contact information & maps

Students in special education have a disability and are in need of specialized instruction. A comprehensive evaluation, conducted by a team from the public school, evaluates and identifies these students. For every student who needs special education services, the team develops a special document called an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Email

Phone: 651-582-8616

Adult Education

A sequence of courses that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge and skills to provide students a pathway to postsecondary education and careers

The GED Test Measures High School Academic Equivalency. The GED test consists of four exams designed by the American Council on Education to measure “knowledge and skills at a range of complexity and difficulty levels that are covered across multiple high school grades.”

Search for GED Prep classes near you

State system of 26 colleges, 7 universities, and 54 campuses of Minnesota State

The College Readiness Academy (CRA) is a free program that provides college preparation to new Americans and others who are not yet ready for college and would like additional support navigating higher education.

Welcome Corps

Report cases of fraud (for example, individuals asking for money in exchange for becoming a private sponsor or to assist in submitting an application)

Employment

Labor Standards will help you file a wage claim to resolve cases of unpaid wages

Contact for free help in filing a wage claim:

Call 651-284-5075 or 800-342-5354 | Email

Minnesota has its own Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA). Employees have the right to file complaints about workplace safety and health hazards.

  • Workers’ Compensation (MN Dept. of Labor and Industry)

The Workers’ Compensation Division oversees and administers the workers’ compensation system in Minnesota. Worker’s Compensation Division Help Desk live support is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Call 651-284-5005 (press 3) or 800-342-5354 (press 3) | Email

Public Safety

Helpline with advocates available 24/7 to assist in seeking support, information, and referrals

Call 1-866-385-2699 or Text 612-399-9977

Government office offering resources for legal rights and public protection in Minnesota

Call 651-296-3353(Twin Cities area) or 800-657-3787 (outside the Twin Cities area)

The Directory of Crime Victim Service Programs in Minnesota is a listing of government and nonprofit organizations that serve victims of crime.

Violence, Human Trafficking, and Exploitation

  • MN Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA)

​Statewide nonprofit organization providing general information about sexual assault issues and referrals to local programs

Find an advocate near you

Phone: 651-209-9993

24/7 helpline that connects calls with an advocate trained in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking who can help find a shelter and services in your area

Call 1-866-223-1111 or Text 612-399-9995 any time (24/7) for services through text, web chat, or a phone call

List of shelter and housing options for victims/survivors of domestic violence or sexual violence

Nonprofit providing culturally and linguistically specific legal services and case management to victims of human trafficking, sexual assault, and abuse

Phone: 612-664-5600

Minnesota address confidentiality program that assists survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by providing a substitute address for people who move or are about to move to a new location unknown to their aggressors

Phone: 651-201-1399 (Metro Area)

Phone: 1-866-723-3035 (Greater MN)

24/7 Crisis Support line: free respectful, confidential services to survivors, their friends, and their families

Phone: 612-871-5111

Supportive services and shelter/housing for victims/survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and exploitation

Find a Safe Harbor Regional Navigator near you

1-888-373-7888

  • 24/7 Hotline

Report suspected exploitation/trafficking

651-793-7000

Adult & Child Abuse

Report suspected vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation

Phone: 1-844-880-1574

To report concerns about child abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse, contact the county or reservation where the child lives during business hours. If the child is in immediate risk of harm, please contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911.

24/7 national hotline staffed with professional crisis counselors who — through interpreters — provide assistance in more than 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.

1-800-422-4453

Mental Health

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals in the United States

Call 988

Throughout Minnesota, call CRISIS (274747)

  • Crisis Text Line

Provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need

Text MN to 741741

Free, confidential, 24/7 helpline for farmers and those in rural MN

833-600-2670

Email

Text FARMSTRESS to 898211

  • Mental Health Crisis Teams

Crisis teams, made up of mental health professionals, can travel to an individual’s location and assess the situation. They provide stabilization services, intervention services, crisis prevention planning, referral to other professionals, and follow-up services. The crisis teams are available by phone 24/7.

Call the team in your area:

Anoka County: 763-755-3801

Carver County: 952-442-7601

Dakota County: 952-891-7171

Washington County: 651-275-7400

Ramsey County: 651-266-7900 (adults) | 651-266-7878 (children)

Scott County: 952-818-3702

Hennepin County: 612-596-1223

Provides service to adults (ages 18 and over) in Ramsey County who are experiencing a mental health or chemical health crisis. Walk-in services include access to an onsite team of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and trained peer support staff that provide person-centered, recovery-focused care.

The Cope mobile crisis team can come to anyone in Hennepin County who needs an urgent response, 24/7

Phone: 612-596-1223 (Hennepin County)

Phone: 274747 (outside the county)

Transition

The Resettlement Programs Office works with federal, state and local partners to assist families to build well-being and contribute to a stronger Minnesota. It provides federally funded services through regional resettlement networks. These networks provide a variety of coordinated services with a whole family approach for people under humanitarian protection who have been in the U.S. less than five years. Services within the Resettlement Network include Family Assisters, Family Coaches, Employment Services, Immigration Services, Community Orientation Workshops and Community Health Workers.

Family Assisters

Key functions of Family Assisters are getting immediate help and connecting to resources outside of the resettlement network. Examples of supportive services that they assist with are county assistance navigation, interpreting, reading mail, ELL enrollment, housing search, emergency assistance, childcare and elder care, Drivers Ed classes and other supportive services.

  • Family Assister – Twin Cities Metro

Contact: Bruce Yang

Email | Call 612-465-0556

  • Family Assister – Southern

Contact: Ahmed Osman

Email | Call 507-289-5960 ext. 108

  • Family Assister – Central

Contact: Mohamed Haashi

Email | Call 320-204-4257

  • Family Assister – Northern

Contact: Amy Feland

Email | Call 218-512-1561

Family Coaches

Key functions of Family Coaches are student academic support, high school transitions, and career and vocation guidance. Examples of supportive services include education and career mentoring/planning, K-12 academic or behavior interventions, student advocacy, and facilitating parent-school engagement.

  • Family Coaches – Twin Cities Metro

Contact: Lah Tha Pwee

Email | Call 651-202-6064

Minneapolis School District 1

Contact: Mahdi F. Egal

Email | Call 612-668-1203

St. Paul Public Schools

Contact: Myrna Abrego

Email | Call 651-767-8148

  • Family Coaches – Southern

Contact: Ahmed Osman

Email | Call 507-289-5960 ext. 108

  • Family Coaches – Central

Contact: Mohamed Haashi

Email | Call 320-204-4257

Contact: Abdishukri Abdi

Email | Call 320-227-1315

  • Family Coaches – Northern

Contact: Amy Feland

Email | Call 218-512-1561

Resettlement network services can be accessed through any of the network’s providers.

Locate the closest Resettlement Network service provider near you

To learn about Minnesota’s refugee resettlement program, regional resettlement networks that provide coordinated services with a whole family approach for people under humanitarian protection, as well as other important information about benefits and services, visit the Minnesota Resettlement Programs Office website.

To learn about Minnesota’s Refugee and International Health Program, including important information for sponsors about refugee health, scheduling a refugee health assessment, and health education materials for refugees, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website.