Minnesota Relief Resources
As many of you know, I lived in the Twin Cities for almost 16 years. The place saw me come into my adulthood on many levels.
Aid for Minnesota
Currently, the state of Minnesota is facing some chilling realities. Here is a list of vetted agencies taking donations. During this crisis, it is recommended to focus on grassroots efforts. A lot of propaganda has cropped up around the current situation, and it's best to refuse to feed it.
When you see the propaganda, do not argue with it. Simply respond, "This [agency/branch] has no credibility. There is no confidence in this agency." Do not engage further. If a troll swoops in, just repeat the comment. Do not feed them further - that's part of why we're where we're at right now.
Overwhelmed about where/whom to give?
Think about what's important to you. Yes, everything in this situation is meaningful and deserves attention. But when it comes to donations and attention, the impact goes the furthest when the donor derives emotional satisfaction from giving. Think back to the tough times in your life, financial or emotional. What helped the most? What made you feel safe? What gave you relief? Pick one to three answers, and use that self-understanding to make your choice.
As happens, most of these organizations and businesses center in the Twin Cities. There are other areas of the state impacted. Most of the impact is around perceived city centers. In addition to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, centers may include Mankato, Albert Lea, Rochester, Saint Cloud, and Moorhead/Fargo. (Fargo is in North Dakota, but it shares a border.) I haven’t heard as much about a disruptive presence in the far north, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
For those who want to send clothing donations, etc., please ask in advance. If you want to knit, crochet, and so on, people are in need of gloves, scarves, and hats. These items are not returned when people are released from detainment. It is also helpful to include clothing donations for those who are much smaller or much larger than average.
This problematic weather condition is expanding to other states. Be cautious in neighborhood groups and on dating apps. People who are "new to the area" and "want to try out the authentic cuisine" are no longer asking an innocent question. Do not call them out, and do not tell them where the real community places are. Just make a note, and DM anyone you actually know who happens to respond.
As always in these situations, cash donations to local organizations and mutual aid do the most good.
StandWithMinnesota.com
This is the central page for grassroots efforts. Everything from food and rent to pet support is covered. There is even a category for business stabilization.
Of particular note, they have a page of links to independent and citizen news journalism resources so that the public can stay accurately informed on what's happening there. Remember, local always has better context and details compared to distant/franchise.
There is definitely overlap between what I have listed below and waht you may find on the StandWithMinnesota page. Much of the mutual aid focuses on specific neighborhoods in the Twin Cities, and on the concerns of specific vulnerable communities.
Legal Aid
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
Inquilinxs Unidxs Por Justica (rent protection)
Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Protection Fund (PayPal link)
Church of the Ascension Immigrant Emergencies Fund
Specific Impacted Communities
Food Relief
Again, cash donations are always best, especially if you're not local. A note about food shelves: they provide more than just food. Also, many common donations arrive without the items needed to make them usable. Food shelves must also comply with health code standards and cannot accept expired food.
Common items that food shelves are typically short on and always need more of. :
Feminine Hygiene Products
Diapers and wipes
Toilet paper
Can openers
Laundry Soap
Cooking oil
Powdered milk
Peanut butter AND Jelly
Instant oatmeal
Condiments
Spices
Salt & Pepper
Pet food
Baking Mixes, especially birthday cake mixes
Shelf-stable ingredients
Gluten-free shelf-stable items (for example, Costco sells pasta made from lentils)
Sugar-free items
Ask any shelf you donate to if it also has a cooking implements program. A new crockpot or decent cooking knives can make a significant difference for some families!
Hamline Midway Diaper, Formula, Hygiene, & Medical Supply Hub
Calvary Food Shelf Emergency Response Fundraiser
Channel One Regional Food Bank
Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization
Temporary Food Assistance Campaign
The Midway Food and Empowerment Project
Food Drive: Dios Habla Hoy Ministries
Local Business Food Relief
Some businesses will have "pay it forward" and "buy a stranger a sandwich" initiatives. These programs are especially helpful in areas with a high concentration of unhoused residents.
El Burrito Mercado Food Relief
La Guadalupana Supermercado Food Relief
LGBTQ+ Business Support
Additional Business Support
Pow Wow Grounds Coffee shop - maintains a warming center and supply space for protestors and observers
Leo's Towing - retrieves vehicles abandoned due to detainment and returns them to families
Mutual Aid Organizations
For those unfamiliar - a mutual aid organization/society is one in which members share resources and services to address common needs. These are more common in the south, and in African American communities. They are effective, and the formation of mutual aid societies is becoming a national movement.
Critical Rent Assistance for Central Neighborhood Families
Support Powderhorn Families with Urgent Rent Relief
Show Love to North Minneapolis Families in Crisis
Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church Accompanying Immigratns Fund
Rent Relief for Minneapolis School Families
Do Gooders MN (LGBTQ+)
Voix Noire (Direct Action for Protesters and the Detained)
Email for those in need of direct support, especially in the black community: Minnesota@VoixNoire.com
