By PRECIOUS MATLOCK, Community Journalists-In-Training
Single parents face their own unique challenges and may struggle to find the resources they need to support themselves and their family. There are resources available to our single parents in Minneapolis, however, and there are lessons to learn from that same community.
The list below is a non-exhaustive list of resources available for single parents in the Minneapolis region.
Food
“There’s not enough resources for parents in Minneapolis,” said Travis M, author and chef.
Joyce Uptown Food Shelf provides food to the community via appointment although emergency bags of food are available anytime they are open. However, they are not currently accepting appointments for new shoppers due to high demand.
Hours
Monday: 10am – 4:45pm
Tuesday: 9am – 4:45pm
Wednesday: 12pm – 4:45pm
Thursday: 11am – 6:45pm
Saturday: 9am – 1:45pm
Website: https://www.joyceuptownfoodshelf.org/
Address: 3041 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN. 55407
Harvest from the Heart is a food distribution center in South Minneapolis that generally stocks local and seasonal produce as well as food from local retailers. Shoppers do not need to provide an ID when they visit – just a phone number and zip code – and visits are limited to once a week.
Hours
Tuesday – Friday: 11am – 4pm
Saturday: 10am – 1pm
Website: https://www.harvestfromtheheart.org/Address: 3817 Pleasant Ave S. Minneapolis, MN. 55409
Clothes and Shoes
“I wish we had more donation closets for parents especially during winter,” said Makayla H, a single mother of 3.
Bridging, a Bloomington-based nonprofit, provides a “foundational home setup” to those who most need support in creating a functional home. To access Bridging, folks must be referred to the organization through a human service provider, healthcare agency, or faith community, though there are other ways to be referred to the organization for an appointment. There is a fee for an appointment with Bridging: $75, and a $200 delivery fee for anyone who lives in the 7-country metro area.
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 9am – 6pm
Friday – Saturday: 9am – 3pm
Closed major holidays.
By appointment only.
Website: https://bridging.org/
Address:
Bloomington: 201 W 87th Street Bloomington, MN 55420
Roseville: 1730 Terrace Drive Roseville, MN 55113
Guardianship
“Gaining guardianship for single fathers is a hassle,” said Travis M.
Goodwill Easter Sale – FATHER Project assists fathers so that they can overcome barriers and become the best dad they can be. Resources are available related to employment services, case management, parenting support classes, family activities, and child support services.
There are no upcoming events but individuals are urged to call 612-724-3539 or visit their website for more information.
Website: https://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/services/family-stability
Address: Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St. Suite 204, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services provides legal services to low-income clients and other eligible individuals.
Website: https://www.smrls.org/ Address: 800 Alliance Bank Center, 55 East 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
Lutheran Social Services provides lots of different kinds of resources for families and parents. Resources cover a wide variety of services including adoption, pregnancy counselling, crisis nurseries, and more.
Various LSS Contact: https://www.lssmn.org/contact
Website: https://www.lssmn.org/
Rent Help
“Sometimes the county takes too long to get back to us and approve us for emergency assistance,” said Makayla H.
Tenant Resource Connection supports housing stability in Hennepin County, and specifically those individuals and families who are at risk of eviction or homelessness. The organization provides a variety of possible remedies including mediations, legal assistance, and more through a collaboration between nonprofit organizations, government agencies, community groups, and higher education.
Website: https://www.trchennepin.com/
Email: Housing.Assistance.triage@hennepin.us
Education
“It is very important that I don’t stress about paying for my child’s schooling,” said Travis M.
Think Small aims to connect parents with affordable childcare resources, as well as early learning scholarships, child care assistance programs, and more.
Website: https://www.thinksmall.org/parents/
Student Parent Campus-Based Resources are provided by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, organized by institution. Several colleges in Minneapolis are listed.
Website: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2606
Career Resources
“I will not be able to afford what my child needs if I do not have a career,” said Makayla H.
Urban League Twin Cities provides employment and training opportunities and programs to clients pursuing jobs with livable wages. The Urban League Twin Cities also provides a computer & internet resource room for individuals applying for jobs and more. They currently offer several programs: Work Readiness, the Urban Tech Institute, and construction apprenticeships. They will be launching a jobs board soon, according to their website.
Website: https://ultcmn.org/workforce-solutions/
Address: 2100 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Precious Matlock is a children’s author with a love for storytelling that began in childhood. She has written three captivating books: Pup, Kit; Ronnie The Rabbit; and Suzy The Snake. Her creative journey started when she wrote her first book in the first grade, inspired by her natural curiosity. As a dedicated mother to her daughter, Reign, who is her biggest supporter, Precious continues to write with enthusiasm and purpose. She is on a mission to create a book for every letter of the alphabet, bringing joy and learning to young readers with each new story.
