State-level resources for Minnesotans during COVID-19

With daily changes in how we as Minnesotans are responding to the ongoing pandemic, here are some resources to help you stay up to date on the latest COVID-related news. This list will be updated on an ongoing basis, but if you need help looking for a resource not included below, please reach out to [YOUR OFFICE-SPECIFIC INFO – Best way to contact, etc.]

Minnesota COVID-19 Response Website: mn.gov/covid19

Mental Health:

  • Crisis Text Line: 24/7 emergency service available if you or someone you know is experiencing a psychiatric or mental health crisis. Text “MN” to 741741
  • County Crisis Contacts: access a directory of mental health crisis phone numbers by county here:
  • Talk to a specialist who has firsthand experience living with a mental health condition by calling the Minnesota Warmline at 651-288-0400 or texting “Support” to 85511
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available 24/7 to those in distress, for prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Substance abuse and mental health services helpline: Offers crisis counseling and support if you or a family member is experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990
  • Peer support connection warmlines: Peer-to-peer telephone support that’s safe and supportive. Open 5p.m. to 9a.m. by calling or texting 844-739-6369
  • Resources to support mental well-being for children and families:

Health and Human Services:

  • Governor Walz’s new Dashboard tracking COVID-19 in Minnesota can be found HERE
  • Hotline for Health Questions:

Interpreters available/Intérpretes en Español

651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7am-7pm daily)
Visit www.health.state.mn.us

Seniors:

  • If you need help finding alternative services, the Senior LinkAge Line is 1-800-333-2433. Senior LinkAge Line specialists assist seniors in finding the resources and services they need.
  • Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota-North Dakota
    • 24/7 helpline: 800-272-3900
    • Online resources, virtual community programs, and caregiver tips are available HERE.
  • Leading Age Minnesota has a number of tools & resources for caregivers to utilize, including visitation guidance, information on state and federal funding, and other resources for prevention and monitoring, all of which can be found HERE.

K-12 Education and Childcare:

  • Hotline for School and Childcare questions:
    Interpreters available/Intérpretes en Español

Call 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7am-7pm daily)

  • Hotline for Childcare Providers with questions: 1-888-234-1268
  • Updates about K-12 education from the Minnesota Department of Education can be found online HERE
  • Information on childcare for families and providers can be found online HERE

Meals for kids: MDE announced a new app/website that can be used to locate free meals for kids, in addition to what districts are doing: www.hungerimpactpartners.org.

Housing and Employment:

  • Hotline for workers and employers: 651-259-7114 or 800-657-3858, or visit www.mn.gov/deed 
  • Hotlines for housing questions:
    • For single-family residences: 651-296-8215
    • For multi-family residences: 651-297-4455
    • Available Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Apply for unemployment insurance at this website.
  • Video in Spanish about applying for unemployment insurance. 
  • Employee protections during Covid-19 in Spanish: Protección para empleados durante el Covid-19

Also Serving Undocumented Minnesotans:

Mutual aid funds:

Metro Transit: stay up to date on transit changes due to COVID by visiting their website.

Discrimination Hotline to report discrimination on account of COVID-19 (translation services available):

Governor Walz’s Stay-at-Home Executive Order:

  • Governor Walz issued a Stay-at-Home Order on March 27, lasting until April 10, which can be read HERE. NOTE: The order was extended on April 30 and will last until May 18. More information can be found on mn.gov/covid19.
  • Guidance on the order, including information on critical workers exempted from the order, can be found HERE.
  • The governor’s office has compiled an FAQ page about the order, which can be accessed online HERE.
  • To learn more about the Governor’s strategy to get Minnesotans back to work you can explore the engagement page on the COVID-19 website.

There is now a hotline and email for residents to report violations: 651-793-3746 or sahviolations@state.mn.us

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Medical Reserve Corps: Find out how you can volunteer with the Minnesota Responds Medical Reserve Corps HERE.
  • Donate PPE: The Salvation Army is collecting donations of 500 pieces of PPE or more. Locations can be found online, HERE. If you have fewer than 500 pieces of PPE, please consider donating to a local donation center or contact your county’s emergency manager for more information, which can be found HERE.
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