4/6 UPDATE:

– A new COVID-19 dashboard is now available with up-to-date resources and information for Minnesotans.

– Minnesota veterans and their families affected by COVID-19 can now apply for assistance. Learn more here. 

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3/30 UPDATE:

– Minnesotans experiencing violence can still seek help. Domestic and sexual violence programs are open and advocates are standing by. Call Minnesota’s crisis hotline at 1-866-223-1111 or text at (612) 399-9995 for assistance.

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3/26 UPDATE:

– The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has published information about worker protections related to COVID-19. Check it out here.

– Misinformation surrounding COVID-19 has led to an unfortunate increase in discrimination and harassment. If you have been the victim of discrimination at work or in your community, you can file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

– While this is a tough time for our economy, some companies are still hiring. Visit this list of companies with job vacancies in Minnesota to learn more.

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3/20 UPDATE:

-Minnesota YMCAs are opening their doors to Minnesota families in need of child care. Contact your local YMCA to learn more.

-MNsure is offering a special enrollment period for Minnesotans without health insurance. Minnesotans will have 30 days to enroll beginning March 23.

-Governor Walz issued an executive order banning price gouging on essential items like food and personal hygiene supplies. If a company in your community is price gouging, notify the office of the Attorney General know by filling out this form. 

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When times get tough here in Minnesota, we stick together and look out for our neighbors. It’s just what we do. The COVID-19 outbreak is no different. Whether you’re looking for help staying afloat, or want to pay it forward, here are a few of the resources available to Minnesotans during this difficult time.

Meals for families

No school means no school lunches. That’s why Minnesotans are stepping up to make sure our kids and families still get a nutritious meal every day. St. Paul Public Schools are offering meal pickups along school bus routes, and several Minnesota restaurants are offering free sack lunches for kids. Families in need can also contact a local food shelf for assistance.

You can help by donating to Minnesota organizations that fight child hunger, like Second Harvest Heartland and The Sheridan Story, and by supporting restaurants that offer kids’ lunches. How about some delivery or a gift card for a future night out?


Unemployment Insurance

Unfortunately, some Minnesotans have lost their jobs in light of this global crisis. That’s why Governor Walz signed an executive order to ensure that Minnesotans have access to unemployment benefits. If you or someone you know lost their job, visit the Department of Employment and Economic Development website to learn more. 

You can help by supporting relief organizations like the Twin Cities Music Community Trust. Minnesota is rich with art, music, and culture, and the Music Community Trust aims to keep it that way by offering relief to performers, bartenders, security staff, and other workers who have lost critical income because of COVID-19. You can also donate to the Immigrant Family Fund to support immigrant families in Minnesota who may not qualify for other benefits.

Stay safe and healthy

The Minnesota Department of Health offers guidance in 5 languages on signs, symptoms, and treatment of COVID-19, and has set up a COVID-19 hotline for Minnesotans with health questions. Call (651)-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to get advice about what to do.

You can help by sharing MDH materials and resources to keep your friends and family in the know. Memorial Blood Centers are also calling for urgent blood donations to help those in critical condition.

More resources

Check out this list for more Minnesota organizations working hard to help our communities during this crisis.

We’ll get through this, Minnesota.

We’ve seen record-breaking tornadoes, Halloween blizzards, polar vortexes, and more, and through it all, we’ve persevered. During this pandemic, we’ll do what we always do: stick together and push on.

Know a great organization that deserves a shoutout? Want to share how you’re supporting your communities? Follow ABM on Facebook and Twitter and let us know!