Low-Income Resources in Minnesota

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with Minnesota’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the Department of Human Services. For nutrition support for families with young children and local food pantry options, the resources below can help you understand what’s available.

Food Support (SNAP) — Minnesota Department of Human Services

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.

Program overview: Minnesota Food Support (SNAP)
Apply: ApplyMN (state benefits application)

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Minnesota Department of Health

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and find a local WIC clinic.

Program overview: Minnesota WIC Program

Find a food shelf — Second Harvest Heartland

Helps with: Locating food shelves and meal programs across Minnesota.
How to start: Use the food finder to search by ZIP code.

Second Harvest Heartland Find Food

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are a concern, Minnesota offers energy assistance and housing resources through state agencies and local partners. Community action agencies administer many programs locally.

Energy Assistance Program (EAP) — Minnesota Department of Commerce

Helps with: Help paying home heating and electric costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details and find a local service provider.

Program overview: Minnesota Energy Assistance Program
Apply (local providers): Find your local EAP provider

Housing programs and renter resources — Minnesota Housing

Helps with: Affordable housing programs, rental assistance information, and renter resources.
How to start: Review renter resources and program links.

Minnesota Housing renter resources

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In Minnesota, these programs are administered through the Department of Human Services.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — Minnesota DHS

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible families.
How to start: Review program information and apply when ready.

Program overview: Minnesota Child Care Assistance
Apply: ApplyMN (child care assistance)

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) — Minnesota DHS

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment supports for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility and apply when ready.

Program overview: MFIP program information
Apply: ApplyMN (MFIP application)

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Minnesota offers Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and MinnesotaCare. Enrollment is handled through MNsure, the state’s health insurance marketplace.

Medical Assistance & MinnesotaCare — MNsure

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Minnesota residents.
How to start: Review eligibility options and apply online.

Program overview: Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare
Apply: MNsure application portal

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 Minnesota

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or search the online directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
211 Minnesota information

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Minnesota Mobile Crisis Line

Helps with: 24/7 mental health crisis support and local mobile crisis teams.
How to start: Call for immediate support.

Call: 1-844-763-2255
Minnesota Mobile Crisis Services

Day One Minnesota (domestic violence support)

Helps with: Confidential advocacy and connection to local domestic violence programs.
How to start: Call the statewide helpline.

Call: 1-866-223-1111
Day One Minnesota

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/minnesota/