During this challenging time, we are trying to keep the community updated with ways to stay connected, how to lend a hand and available resources. If you have a suggested update, please email it to [email protected].
A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important tools in our fight against the pandemic. Know what to expect when getting a vaccine, when it will be available, and how it was developed and approved.
Reanimation of Downtown Minneapolis – Open for Business
As downtown continues to reanimate, the Minneapolis Downtown Council is tracking key news and metrics while highlighting open restaurants and retail locations.
Ways to Help
Volunteer with or make a financial contribution to our local emergency service organizations such as: People Serving People, House of Charity, Catholic Charities, and St. Stephen’s
Support Hennepin Healthcare: check out the variety of options such as writing a thank you note to the healthcare providers, donating equipment, and making a financial donation.
Government Resources
City of Minneapolis: contains a variety of information, including COVID-19 information, impacts to City services, and links to resources for residents and business owners
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board: information on the MPRB’s response to COVID-19, including closure information
Hennepin County: information on the County’s response to COVID-19
MetroTransit: Information on reduced service and more
Minnesota Department of Health: state-level information about COVID-19
- COVID-19 schools/child care/business information hotline: 651.297.1304 or 1.800.657.3504 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
- COVID-19 health information hotline: 651.201.3920 or 1.800.657.3903 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: federal-level information about COVID-19
Food
House of Charity (501 S 8th St): Free meals, public showers, housing, and chemical and mental health treatment.
Community Emergency Services (1900 11th Ave S): Neighborhood Food Shelf, Monday – Thursday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.: If you are sick or considered high-risk, or have been in contact with someone who is sick, please do not visit the food shelf. Instead, call 612.870.1125 and leave a message with your name and number, and CES will contact you about options for getting food.
Catholic Charities Mary F. Frey Opportunity Center (740 E 17th Street): Meals, mail, lockers & showers, 7a.m. – 3p.m. Monday – Friday and Saturday 7a.m. – 1p.m.
Minneapolis Public Schools (closest distribution is at Brian Coyle Center or at Anderson): Meals for children under 18 years old, do not need to be students of MPS.
Meals on Wheels (delivery): Meal delivery service for seniors and people with disabilities. Sign up online or call 612.623.3363.
Emergency Assistance
If you need help paying for rent, food, or childcare, apply online for emergency and cash assistance, food benefits (SNAP), and child care assistance: https://applymn.dhs.mn.gov/ For one-time emergency financial assistance, call the county where you live.
Hennepin County: 612.596.1300
Healthcare
Hennepin Healthcare: Healthcare and COVID-19 informational resources.
Sick Time & Unemployment
City of Minneapolis Sick & Safe Time: FAQ on COVID-19 and Minneapolis Sick & Safe Time
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance: The Governor’s office has made special accommodations for workers affected by the pandemic, suspending a waiting period for unemployment insurance and ensuring benefits are available to those quarantined or self-isolated as well as those impacted by loss of childcare.
Utilities
Water: As of March 13, the City has suspended water meter shut-off for the next 30 days, and then will re-evaluate at that time
Electricity: Xcel Energy, the electricity provider for Minneapolis residents and business owners, announced over the weekend that it will indefinitely suspend service disconnections. The company also said it would work with customers who face difficulty paying their electricity bill to arrange payment plans to meet those circumstances. If you have questions about your electricity bill or service, call Xcel’s customer service line at 1.800.895.4999.
Gas: CenterPoint Energy, the gas provider in Minneapolis, also announced it will suspend service disconnections and work with customers who need payment assistance, extensions, or other help. If you have questions about your gas bill or service, contact CenterPoint Energy’s customer service line at 1.800.245.2377.
Internet Access: US Internet has opened their wifi network in Minneapolis for those that may need temporary Internet access. To use this tool: Select the “City of Minneapolis Public WiFi” or “USI Wireless” network on your device and you will be connected.