Because of generous donations from the community, NHCC has an emergency program called Random Acts of Kindness. There is also an emergency assistance program provided by the State of Minnesota. The NHCC CARE Center can assist in determining which is the best program for you.
How Random Acts of Kindness Works
The program provides a student with financial assistance up to $500 when they have an unexpected expense which may cause them to drop out of class. Once a student receives the maximum $500, they are no longer eligible to receive money from this program.
Eligible Emergency Expenses
- Car Repair
- Medical Expenses
- Childcare
- Bus Pass (for use during the semester)
- Rent (due to extenuating circumstances only)
- Utilities: Gas & Electric (not fuel for transportation)
Please note: If your application is approved, money will be paid directly to the vendor who issues the bill. The vendor cannot be a family member or friend unless they own the business that is providing the service.
To Qualify
- Must be registered for six (6) or more credits at NHCC but not be a PSEO student
- Has not maxed out your financial aid
- Has not received $500 from the Random Acts of Kindness program previously
To Apply
If you have an emergency expense listed above and meet the qualifications listed above, here are your next steps:
Step 1: Contact the NHCC CARE Center to learn about emergency assistance options. If it is decided Random Acts of Kindness is the best program for your situation, they will provide you a link to the application.
You can schedule an appointment by calling 763-493-0554 or through Navigate.
Step 2: Complete the Random Acts of Kindness application. Be prepared to:
- Explain exactly what happened that caused this unexpected expense or hardship
- Explain how this emergency affects your ability to complete this semester
- Upload expense documentation (review documentation needed in FAQs below)
Emergency Assistance
The NHCC CARE Center has two options for Emergency Assistance. Please contact them at 763-493-0554 or through Navigate.
Random Acts of Kindness FAQs
To qualify, you
- Must be registered for six (6) or more credits but not be a PSEO student
- Have not maxed out your financial aid
- Have not received $500 from the Random Acts of Kindness program previously
These are the emergency expenses the program assists:
- Car Repair
- Medical Expenses
- Childcare
- Bus Pass (for use during the semester)
- Rent (due to extenuating circumstances only)
- Home Utilities: Gas & Electric (not fuel for transportation)
The vendor who is providing the above services must be a business, it cannot be a friend or family member unless they own the business that is providing the service. If you are approved for this financial assistance, the money will be paid directly to the vendor who is issuing a bill. You will be responsible for paying the difference between the amount being awarded to you and the cost of the service.
- Car Repair – upload a written estimate with car repair business name and business contact information
- Medical Expenses – upload invoice of the services after insurance has been deducted. The bill must be for yourself or your minor child.
- Childcare – upload invoice of services rendered with business name and business contact information. We do not pay in advance for services.
- Bus Pass (for use during the semester) – upload a Word document where you have typed “I am applying for a bus pass.”
- Rent (due to extenuating circumstances only) – upload your lease agreement along with your property management contact information
- Home Utilities: Gas or Electric (not fuel for transportation) – upload current bill with the breakdown of charges.
No. If you are approved for the emergency financial assistance, money will be paid directly to the vendor who is issuing the bill. The vendor cannot be a friend or family member unless they own the business that is providing the service. You will be responsible for paying the difference between the amount being awarded to you and the cost of the service.
While Random Acts of Kindness applications are prioritized, the entire process (reviewing your application, validating your qualification, and coordinating payment to the vendor) can take 1 to 2 weeks.
You will be responsible for paying the difference between the amount being awarded to you and the cost of the service. You will need to work out that payment with the vendor.
If you have a future emergency need, you can reapply and receive up to your remaining balance. For example, you request a bus pass which costs $165. The following semester, you have an unexpected car repair. You reapply and are approved. The remaining amount, $335, would be applied toward that car repair. You would be responsible for payment over $335.
No but NHCC has partnerships with three local nonprofits who provide free or affordable computers. Find a list of those nonprofits on the Student Basic Needs Resources webpage under Technology Resources.
No. This assistance only helps with car repairs, medical expenses, childcare, bus pass, rent/mortgage, and home utilities (gas and electric).
No. This assistance only helps with car repairs, medical expenses, childcare, bus pass, rent/mortgage, and home utilities (gas and electric).
No. This assistance must be paid to a property management company.
The purpose of the program is to help students no drop out of class. When classes are not in session, the program closes.
No. The maximum amount a student can receive is $500.
No. The money must be paid directly to the vendor.