NHCC is committed to providing transformational educational opportunities to the community we serve. We understand many students experience challenges outside the classroom that impact their well-being and academic performance. We are here to help you if you need support with accessing food, safe and reliable housing, consistent childcare, and addressing issues with mental health, family obligations, technology, and more. It's important to know you're not alone. We're here to help and we've assembled the resources below as a starting point. Please contact the CARE Center if you need additional support beyond the list of resources below.
211 Basic Needs Resource Hub
North Hennepin Community College and Minnesota State have partnered with United Way 211 to establish a statewide basic needs resource hub. The basic needs resource hub provides NHCC students access to basic needs resources and support available on campus and in the community via phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
United Way 211 provides free and confidential health and human services information. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect you with the resources and information you need. If you're looking for information about services available in your community for you or a loved one, they can help.
Text MNHELP to 898-211 (TXT211) or call 211 (toll free at 1-800-543-7709) to speak with one of their highly trained information and referral specialists. Your call is completely confidential, and they have call menus in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Interpreters are also available for any language.
Visit the 211 website to learn more or to explore resources and support that may be available.
To search the 211 database of basic needs resources online, please visit the student basic needs website.
NHCC Campus Resources
Food Cupboard
The Food Cupboard is open to all NHCC students and provides fresh produce, non-perishable food, frozen veggies and meats, hygiene items, baby items, and ready-to-eat meals from Kitchen Coalition.
Community Connections Resource Center
The Community Connections Resource Center helps students with basic needs and connects them to community resources.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services at NHCC provides free and confidential personal counseling and consultation to promote personal development and well-being.
Basic Needs Resources and Information
Minnesota State Post-Secondary Childhood Program
The Child Care Grant program provides financial assistance to students who have children 12 and under, are not receiving assistance under the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and who demonstrate financial need for grants, to help pay for child care while pursuing a postsecondary education.
Contact the NHCC Financial Aid Office for assistance with the application.
Phone: 763-424-0728
Email: faid@nhcc.edu
Website: MN State Post-Secondary Childhood Program
Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery
Emergency childcare service for newborn-6-year-olds for up to three nights (and for a total of 30 days in a calendar year) to prevent neglect and abuse; crisis counseling for families; 24-hour crisis hotline for parents; education and connection to community resources.
Crisis Helpline: 763 591 0100
Address: 4544 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Website: Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery
Hennepin County Childcare Assistance
The child care assistance program helps families pay for child care so parents can work, look for a job or attend school. The program is available for families with children younger than 13 and with children with special needs who are younger than 15.
Phone: 612-348-5937
Website: Hennepin County Childcare Assistance
PICA Head Start
Free Preschool for those families that qualify.
Town Hall- Brooklyn Park Location
Phone: 763-425-7422
Address: 8500 Zane Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Website: PICA Head Start
Helping Us Grow
Provides no-cost home visiting or virtual visiting to anyone expecting, adopting or with a child 36 months or younger. Home visits are one-on-one with a licensed parent educator and provide information about growth and development, community resources and connections to other early childhood programs. In addition, HUG is a member of the Diaper Bank of MN and distributes diapers, pull ups and wipes to families in need.
Phone: 763-504-4981
Address: 3730 Toledo Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Website: Helping Us Grow
First Care Pregnancy Center (Locations in Minneapolis, Richfield and St. Paul)
Free parental education programs, baby items, and other parental support services.
Minneapolis: Call or Text: 612-712-4270
Richfield: Call or Text: 612-712-6253
St. Paul: Call or Text: 612-509-0718
Website: First Care Pregnancy Center
North Hennepin Community College Emergency Grants
NHCC does offer emergency grant programs for students who are experiencing unexpected, emergency expenses that would prevent them from staying and being successful in school. To learn more about Emergency Grant options, please contact the CARE Center.
Phone: 763-493-0554
Email: CARECenter@nhcc.edu
Hennepin County Cash Assistance
Hennepin County offers programs to supplement families' and individuals' incomes.
Phone: 612-596-1300
Website: Hennepin County Cash Assistance
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC)
CAP-HC provides a variety of assistance programs related to food support, housing, energy and water assistance, insurance navigation, and more.
Phone: 952-930-3541
Address: The Triad Building, 7101 Northland Circle N, Suite 123, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Website: Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County
Anoka County Economic Assistance
These programs help individuals and families who meet program guidelines and whose income is not enough to meet basic needs.
Phone: 763-422-7200
Address: 1201 89th Ave NE Suite 400 Blaine, MN 55434
Website: Anoka County Economic Assistance
Anoka County Community Action Program
Provides assistance and support to Anoka residents in the following areas: Energy Assistance, Head Start and Housing Services.
Phone: 763-783-4747
Address: 1201 89th Ave NE #345, Blaine, MN 55434
Website: Anoka County Community Action Program
Prepare and Prosper
Provides the following services and programs: Free Tax Preparation, FAIR Banking, Money Mentors, Get an ITIN Number, and Financial Continuum of Care.
Phone: 651-287-0187
Address: 2610 University Ave W Suite 450 St. Paul, MN 55114
Website: Prepare and Prosper
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Benefits
SNAP is a federal food assistance program which provides monthly benefits to help individuals and families pay for groceries. SNAP is also sometimes referred to as food stamps or EBT. If you are interested in learning more about SNAP Benefits, please contact the CARE Center. You can also learn more and get help with the application process through the Department of Human Services Website or start your application by visiting MNbenefits.mn.gov.
NHCC Food Cupboard
The Food Cupboard is free and open to all NHCC students, including our 4-year University Partners. Students can visit the Food Cupboard once per week to receive groceries and Ready-to-Eat meals through our partnership with Kitchen Coalition. The Food Cupboard offers fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables, dairy items, non-dairy items, eggs, frozen meats, bread, and canned and dry goods. In addition, we offer on a limited basis hygiene product, household items, school supplies and baby items when available. Visit the Food Cupboard page to learn more!
Location: Education Center (ES) 120
Email: foodcupboard@nhcc.edu
Website: Food Cupboard
Anoka County Brotherhood Council (ACBC) Food Shelf
Phone: 763-422-0046
Address: 2615 9th Ave S, Anoka, MN 55303
Website: Anoka County Brotherhood Council Food Shelf
Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP)
Phone: 763- 566-9600
Address: 7051 Brooklyn Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55429
Website: Community Emergency Assistance Program
CAPI USA
Phone: 612-721-0122 (Option 1)
Address: 5930 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Website: CAPI USA
PRISM Market Place
Phone: 763-529-1350
Address: 1220 Zane Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Website: PRISM Market Place
Hope for the Community
Phone: (763) 757-4266
Address: 1264 109th Avenue NE, Blaine MN 55434
Website: Hope for the Community
West African Family and Community Services: Culturally Specific food
Phone: 763-561-3042 Ext.117
Address: 7200 Brooklyn Blvd Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center
NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center is a medical, dental, mental health and human service agency in North Minneapolis. Accepts most insurance and also provides services at a sliding scale fee.
Clinic: 612-543-2500
Human Services: 612-767-9500
Address: 1313 Penn Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Website: Northpoint Health and Wellness
myHealth for Teens and Young Adults
Provides affordable healthcare to youth and young adults ages 12-26 and provides basic Medical Care, Reproductive Health Care, Mental Health Counseling, and Community Education.
Phone: 952-474-3251
Address: 15 8th Avenue South Hopkins, MN 55343
Website: My Health
Annex Teen Clinic
The Annex Teen Clinic helps young people take charge of their sexual health by providing confidential health services and education. Provides Birth Control, STI Testing, and Pregnancy Testing.
Phone: 763-533-1316
Address: 5810 42nd Ave N Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Website: Annex Teen Clinic
Community-University Health Care Center
Provides medical care to people of all ages, reproductive services and travel immunizations.
Phone: 612-301-3433
Address: 2001 Bloomington Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55404
Website: Community-University Health Care Center
Indian Health Board
Provides medical care, dental services, mental health support and educational classes. Offer sliding scale options.
Phone: 612-721-9800
Address: 1315 East 24th Street Minneapolis, MN 55404
Website: Indian Health Board
Open Cities Health Center, Inc.
Provides medical care (family practice, women’s’ health and pediatrics), behavioral health, dental care, eye care and chiropractic care and offers sliding scale fee program.
Phone: 651- 290-9200
Address: Dunlap Clinic- 409 North Dunlap St, St. Paul, MN 55104
North End Clinic- 916 Rice St, St. Paul, MN 55117
Website: Open Cities Health
Southside Medical Clinic
Offers a complete spectrum of outstanding care with services including medical, dental, vision and behavioral.
Medical: 612-827-7181
Dental: 612-822-9030
Vision: 612-821-2003
Behavioral Health: 612-827-7181
Southside Medical & Behavioral Health
324 East 35th Street Minneapolis, MN 55408
Dental & Vision Behavioral Health
4243 4th Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55409
Website: Southside Medical Clinic
St. Mary’s Health Clinic
Provides necessary and accessible healthcare to low-income, uninsured individuals - including preventative and primary medical care, laboratory analysis, specialists, radiology and prescription medications.
Phone: 651-287-7777
Address: 1890 Randolph Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55105
Website: St. Mary’s Health Clinic
Hennepin County Adult Shelter Connect
Point of entry for single adults to access shelters in Hennepin County including Catholic Charities, Our Savior’s Housing, Saint Stephen’s Human Services, Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, and Simpson Housing Services.
Phone: 612-248-2350
Address: 215 S. 8th St, Minneapolis
Website: Adult Shelter Connect
Day One Crisis Hotline
Day One Minnesota provides help and resources for victims of general crime, domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or those concerned about their relationships in Minnesota and Fargo, ND.
Call: 1-866-223-111
Text: 612-399-9995
Website: Day 1 Hotline
Prism
Assist individuals or families facing eviction or those struggling financially with housing. Serves residents of Golden Valley, New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale, or Plymouth (east of 494), or referred by one of our partner agencies within the northwest suburbs of Hennepin County. Screenings are conducted throughout the month with a case manager.
Phone: 763-529-1350
Address: 1220 Zane Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Website: Prism
The Bridge for Youth
The Bridge for Youth is an emergency homeless shelter for youth, including pregnant and parenting youth in crisis or experiencing homelessness. Resilience House is an emergency shelter for youth ages 10-17 focused on family reunification when safe and possible. Gloria’s Place provides emergency shelter, meals, clothing, case management, and support for up to six youth ages 15-17 and their children ages 0-3.
Phone: 612-377-8800
Address: 1111 W 22nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Website: The Bridge for Youth
Hope for Youth
HOPE 4 Youth helps young people find emergency shelter and long-term housing. Serves youth ages 16-24. Has a 24-hour crisis line.
Phone: 612-849-2561
Address: 2665 4th Avenue North Suite 40 Anoka, MN 55303
Website: Hope for Youth
Avenues for Youth
Avenues programs not only provide safe shelter and housing options for youth, but holistic supports to meet a youth's mental, physical, and life-long goals. Supports youth ages 16-24 in Hennepin County.
Avenues for Youth- Minneapolis Location: 1708 Oak Park Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Phone: 612-522-1690
Website: Avenues for Youth Minneapolis
Brooklyn Avenues Youth Center- Brooklyn Park: 7210 76th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55428
Phone: 612-522-1690
Website: Avenues for Youth Brooklyn Park
Housing Link
Search for affordable apartments, houses, duplexes and townhomes for rent in Minnesota. Affordable housing resources and information for renters, landlords, researchers and policy makers.
Website: Housing Link
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance Provides Free Legal Aid to people with Low Income, Disabilities, and Seniors in 20 central Minnesota counties.
Intake Line: 612-334-5970
Website: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Volunteers Lawyers Network
Volunteer Lawyers Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to connecting Minnesotans experiencing poverty with some of the top private lawyers in the state at no cost.
Intake Line: Phone: 612-752-6677
Website: Volunteers Lawyers Network
Legal Rights Center
Our mission is to work with our communities to seek justice and promote racial equity for those to whom it has been historically denied. We do this through criminal defense, restorative justice, advocacy, and community education.
Phone: 612-337-0030
Address: 1611 Park Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404
Website: Legal Rights Center
Immigrant Law Center
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) is a nonprofit agency that provides immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota.
Intake Line: 651-641-1011
Website: Immigrant Law Center
Home Line
HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems. We work to improve public and private policies relating to rental housing by involving affected tenants in the process.
Intake Line: 612-728-5767
Address: 8011 34th Ave S, Suite #126 Bloomington, MN 55425
Website: Home Line
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact the Hennepin County Mobile Crisis Unit at 612-596-1223 or the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
NHCC Counseling Services- CARE Center
NHCC provides free and confidential personal counseling and consultation to promote personal development and well-being. We assist students in defining and meeting personal, academic, and career objectives.
Location: Educational Services (ES) 118
Phone: 763-493-0554
Email: CARECenter@nhcc.edu
Website: CARE Center
Crisis Hotlines
Mental Health Crisis Lines – available 24/7
Anoka County | 763-755-3801
Carver and Scott Counties | 952-442-7601
Dakota County | 952-891-7171
Hennepin County (COPE) – Adults | 612-596-1223
Hennepin County (COPE) – Children | 612-348-2233
Ramsey County – Adults | 651-266-7900
Ramsey County – Children | 651-774-7000
Washington County – 651-777-5222
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
Phone: 1-800-273-8255
Website: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: Call 988
Text: 988
Walk-in Clinic
Counseling services are completely free and anonymous, with no appointment needed. All of our professional counselors volunteer their time.
Phone: 612-870-0565
Address: 2421 Chicago Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55404
Website: Walk-in Clinic
Hennepin County Residents
Hennepin County Libraries are now offering technology support services for individuals and families who live in Hennepin County and make less than $65,000 a year. Visit any Hennepin County Library and request a Technology Needs Assessment. If you meet the eligibility criteria, their Digital Navigators can assist you with gaining access to a laptop and loaner hotspot.
Questions? Contact the Office of Broadband and Digital Inclusion:
Phone: 612-543-9802
Email: obdi@hennepin.us
North Hennepin Community College IT Helpdesk
Can assist students in providing high-quality support and IT services to students, staff, faculty and guests. Students can also check out a loaner laptop.
Phone: 763-424-0957
Email: HelpDesk@nhcc.edu
Minnesota Tech for Success
Offers free refurbished desktop or laptop computers to students in need. A referral from the NHCC CARE Center staff is needed.
Phone: 612-383-2400
Address: 504 Malcolm Ave SE #100, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Website: Minnesota Tech for Success
PCs for People
Provides affordable refurbished computers to individuals that meet their requirements. In addition, they also offer low-cost internet service.
Phone: 651-354-2552
Address: 1481 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Website: PCs for People
Free Geek
Technology thrift store providing reduced cost or free technology equipment or software.
Phone: 612-223-5967
Address: 2537 25th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55406
Website: Free Geek
Metro Transit
NHCC Bookstore sells Metro Transit bus passes at a discounted rate to students.
Location: ES 70
Phone: 763-424-0808
Email: bookstore@nhcc.edu
My Ride Maple Grove
The My Ride program is an advance reservation, shared-ride, curb-to-curb service available to those living in Maple grove. A single-ride cash fare is $3.
Phone: 763-493-2200
Website: My Ride Maple Grove
Plymouth Metrolink Click-and-Ride
Can book on-demand shuttles as needed anywhere in Plymouth, in addition to select locations outside the city, such as Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka, Colonial Square in Wayzata and Golden Valley Center. Click-and- Ride is $3 each way.
Phone: 763-559-5057
Website: Plymouth Metrolink Click-and-Ride
Metro Mobility
Shared public transit service for certified riders who are unable to use fixed routes due to a disability or health condition. Rides provided for any purpose. However, clients must fill out an ADA application and receive certification from Metro Mobility.
Phone: 651-602-1111
Website: Metro Mobility
Workforce Innovation and Experiential Learning (WIEL) Center
The WIEL Center (pronounced "wheel" center) can assist students with career and degree exploration, resume writing and job search, finding internships and connecting to externships, and learning important career readiness skills.
Phone: 763-488-0445
Email: WorkforceInnovation@nhcc.edu.
Website: WIEL Center
Hennepin County Information for Job Seekers
Provides employment resources, job preparation trainings and virtual hiring events.
Website: Hennepin County Employment Services
CareerForce in Brooklyn Park
They offer a range of innovative services, including one-on-one guidance, training, networking, labor market information and much more.
Phone: 763-279-4400
Email: careerforce.brooklynpark@state.mn.us
Website: CareerForce Brooklyn Park
Basic Needs FAQs
The college Social Worker is a dedicated professional available to support students with various basic needs, including food, housing, financial assistance, and other essential resources.
The College Social Worker can assist you with:
- Accessing food assistance through the NHCC Food Cupboard and other local resources.
- Finding housing support and navigating housing instability.
- Connecting with emergency financial assistance and public benefits such as SNAP.
- Providing referrals to community resources for health, wellness, and other essential needs.
During your meeting, the College Social Worker may:
Discuss your current needs and challenges.
Provide information on available resources and how to access them.
Help you create a plan to address your immediate and long-term needs.
Offer support and follow-up to ensure you receive the assistance you need.
No. All services provided by the college social worker are free for currently enrolled students.
Yes, the College Social Worker can assist you with navigating and applying for public benefits such as SNAP, housing assistance, and other programs. The Social Worker can also connect you to appropriate contacts for questions that arise during the application process.
If you are experiencing housing instability, contact the College Social Worker for assistance and referrals to local resources that can help you find stable housing.
The College Social Worker can connect you with emergency financial assistance programs available through NHCC and community organizations. Contact the social worker to discuss your situation and explore available options.
You can contact the College Social Worker by emailing ellie.mcdowell@nhcc.edu , calling 763-424-0883 or contacting the CARE Center at 763-493-0554 or CARECenter@nhcc.edu
The CARE Center at North Hennepin Community College does not assume responsibility for the quality of services provided by outside agencies or websites listed below. Inclusion in the list does not imply endorsement nor does omission indicate disapproval.
