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Basic Needs

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Going beyond simply providing a top-notch education to our students, Minneapolis College is shaping our environment through a more holistic approach, creating opportunities by providing access to basic needs.

The Student Resource Center assists students by offering mental health/counseling support, food pantry, emergency grants, student conduct and complaints, housing navigation assistance and more.

We will host different events throughout the year to assist students including school supply giveaway, winter weather gear giveaway,holiday meal giveaway, and resource fairs. If you need assistance, please contact the Student Resource Center.

Location: T.2200
Phone: 612-659-6709
Email: resources@minneapolis.edu

Basic Needs Point of Contact: Heidi Goettl
Parent Navigator: Elma Osmanovic

Beam Emergency Funding (Legislative Emergency Funding)

Childcare/Parenting

The Student Parent Center is located within the Student Resource Center. This is a space for currently enrolled students and their children; this is not a drop-off center and students must be with their children at all times. Please click the link to learn more about the center and hours of operation.
Child Care Access Means Parents In School (CCAMPIS) Grant is a childcare grant that helps currently enrolled students pay for childcare. Please click the link to learn more and see if you qualify. Contact ccampis@minneapolis.edu for any questions.
HelpMeGrow Minnesota provides resources for families to understand developmental milestones and learn if there are concerns.
HelpMeConnect Navigator is a navigator connecting expectant families, families with young children (birth – 8 years old) and those working with families to services in their local communities that support healthy child development and family well-being.
HelpMeConnect Family Well-being and Mental Health webpage and parenting support programs highlight services and resources that support family health, mental health and safety.
HelpMeConnect parenting support programs offer resources, information and connections with other parents.
Minnesota Follow Along Program through the Minnesota Department of Health helps parents and caregivers track their children's development and let them know if their children are playing, talking, growing, moving and behaving like other children the same age.
Early Childhood Family Education is a parenting program offered through Minnesota public school districts and community organizations for families with children between the ages of birth to kindergarten entrance.
HealthyChildren.org by the American Academy of Pediatrics provides child and youth development resources for caregivers.
Childwelfare.gov – Understanding Children’s Developmental Stages offers resources on child development.
Minnesota’s Parent Support Outreach Program is a voluntary support service that helps pregnant and parenting families thrive.
DHS’ mental health webpage provides links to mental health resources, crisis lines and more.

Food

The Minneapolis College Food Pantry (in collaboration with the Minneapolis College Foundation) is designed to serve our students, however, we will not turn people away. We offer a variety of food options. Options available change weekly.

HOURS: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LOCATION: T. 1220

Please bring your own bag (plastic, paper or reusable!). We also accept donations of bags!

Kitchen Coalition delivers microwavable, ready-to-eat meals each week on Wednesdays. Meals are typically delivered between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. They are placed in the refrigerator outside of the food pantry and are available to any person needing a meal.

Additional Food Support Resources:

Housing

AmeriCorps Housing Navigator, located within the Student Resource Center - Gaynell Edaferierhi
Ways to Pay for Rent and Housing

If you are within 14 days of Houselessness:

Individuals seeking shelter should contact the County office in their county of residence. In Hennepin County, single adults would contact Adult Shelter Connect at 612.248.2350. Families seeking shelter should contact Hennepin County at 612.348.9410. After hours, please call United Way 211 (mobile: 651.291.0211).

Mental Health

If you are a Hennepin County resident, call COPE (Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies) at 612-596-1223. The COPE team is available 24/7.

For LGBTQIA+ crisis and suicide prevention support, call Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 and/or The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 (24/7/365 available, text options available at TrevorText: Text START to 678-678 stand messaging rates apply).

Connect with a Personal Wellness Counselor in the Student Resource Center. Click the link to learn how to make an appointment with Counselors, Melissa Schultz, Merlita Lockman, or Brian Haptonstahl.
Crisis Text Line offers free help to those who are having a mental health crisis or are contemplating suicide. Just text MN to 741741. Services are available 24/7 across Minnesota.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Line (toll free) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Ramsey County Crisis Mental Health Support

Nursing Program Random Acts of Kindness

The Nursing Program Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) is a program of random acts of kindness to assist currently-enrolled nursing students who are undergoing extreme financial difficulties so that they can continue their education at Minneapolis College.

The Nursing Program Random Acts of Kindness Grant application is closed. All funds have been depleted.

Please note: Due to limited funding, we are working with the Financial Aid Office to check overages. Students who receive large overages will be denied for the Nursing Program RAK.

Please reach out to resources@minneapolis.edu for any questions or concerns.

Random Acts of Kindness

Student Parent Support Initiative (SPSI) Grant

Minneapolis College has received the Student Parent Support Initiative Grant from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for student parent retention and overall completion rates. Currently enrolled students who are parents or pregnant may apply for the grant by providing details, and demonstrating their need for funds. Grant award amount will depend upon how many credits you are currently taking.

Student Parent Support (SPSI) Initiative Grant - Summer 2026 Application

Please reach out to resources@minneapolis.edu for any questions or concerns.

Technology/Internet Access

The Student Resource Center does not have nor provides laptops or internet service to students. Students are encouraged to review options available to them for low-cost services. Some resources are provided below:

Transportation

Other resources for basic needs: