COVID-19 Resources
Here is a collection of resources our partners have put together to help families and children right now.
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Message from Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS):
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) are closed from March 17 to April 5 to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Classes will resume on Monday, April 6 unless otherwise notified. If these dates change for school closings, families will be notified through robocalls, emails, social media and the MPS website.
Minneapolis Public Schools has resources available in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
Message from Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS):
The safety of our Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) students and staff is our top priority. We will provide updates and resources in an effort to help families reduce the risk in their home and community. Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order for all K-12 schools to be closed Wednesday, March 18, to Friday, March 27.
Saint Paul Public Schools has resources available in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
Meals For Kids During COVID-19 Closings
“We’re collecting information on where families and kids can go to get a free meal during Minnesota’s statewide school closures. This list is by no means comprehensive and it is constantly changing as new information is available. To get the best, most recent info about a restaurant or school, be sure to call them before you visit.”
Northside Achievement Zone Resources for Youth and Families:
“As a result of COVID–19, we know that many of our families and community members will see reduced income. We will be collecting and maintaining resources and announcements that affect our community. Click here for our education resource list for at-home learners.”
Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood Resources for Youth and Families
(*Resource links are bolded in purple below)
Community-Driven Resources
Frogtown-Rondo Mutual Aid group serves as a space for Frogtown-Rondo residents to pursue mutual aid, where Frogtown-Rondo residents can offer what we can and ask for what we need.
Cultural Wellness Center offers an online space for families, called Daily Living With Cultural Wellness Center, to share information in the areas of cultural education, health, and wellness and a physical space for unhoused people, called Backyard Community Health Hub mobile unit, to access resources and build community, This is open daily, from 1 to 3 pm, in Peavey Park!
Kare 11 highlighted an Idea for maintaining physical and emotional health with neighbors on your block
“Our Lives in the Time of Coronavirus” is an article about parenting and cultivating joy in our children during uncertain times
The SEAD Project’s Collective Temperature Check is a healing-centered space held to process everything that’s happening within Southeast Asian communities. SEAD acknowledges that during this challenging and uncertain times, coming together to grow support, hope, and healing with each other is a collective effort. This first session is Friday, April 3, 2020 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. It will be facilitated by Dr. MaiNhia Khang. Learn more about her work here: https://www.tcpwellness.com/
COVID-19 Information translated in Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Simplified Chinese
Governmental Resources
- COVID-19: Renters’ Rights and Court Changes During the Pandemic
- Expedited (Emergency) Food Stamps
- COVID-19: Changes in Unemployment Benefits During the Pandemic
- COVID-19: What does the Stay at Home Order mean for me?
- COVID-19: Orders for Protection (OFP), Custody and Parenting Time
- COVID-19: Changes for Immigration Cases with Immigration Court, USCIS, and ICE During the Pandemic
- COVID-19: Court Changes for Late Penalties, Collections Referrals, and Drivers’ License Suspensions During the Pandemic
- Health Insurance and COVID-19
- Meals For Public School Children While Schools Are Closed
- Emergency General Assistance (EGA)
- Unemployment Benefits
Messages from Greater Twin Cities United Way:
- With students out of school, businesses temporarily closing, workers being laid off and more, there has never been a time when community support and financial resources have been more critical.
- When the reality of COVID-19 hit, Greater Twin Cities United Way immediately connected with 95 nonprofit partners to identify the most urgent needs, which include food, shelter, childcare, sanitary and hygiene supplies and financial assistance.
- In response, Greater Twin Cities United Way (GTCUW) established the Greater Twin Cities COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund
- 100% of all donations go directly into the community and provide immediate support to those most vulnerable.
- GTCUW is providing resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Greater Twin Cities United Way 211 helpline at www.211unitedway.org.
- 211 is a three-digit number that families and individuals in Minnesota can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services.
- GTCUW is advocating in partnership with local and statewide nonprofits for Department of Human Services funding for critical services such as mental health support, childcare, and more.
- For support during this stressful and demanding time, visit 211 to speak with someone directly.
- To get assistance accessing food, paying bills or for other essential services, visit 211 online
- Learn more about how United Way is continuing to support local Minnesotans during this difficult time.
SEL Resources & COVID-19 Resources for Youth Workers (from the Center for Youth Development, University of Minnesota)
(*Resource links are bolded in purple below)
Now more than ever, we need connection and innovation. Even as youth programs close their doors and staff are furloughed or serving youth via distance, the youth development field is mobilizing to support our most vulnerable young people. Here are some resources for those who work with and on behalf of young people:
- Ignite Afterschool’s resources for how Minnesota’s afterschool programs are continuing to support families and young people through the pandemic and how they are planning to return to programming afterwards: COVID-19 Related Afterschool Resources.
- Search Institute’s checklist: Building Developmental Relationships During the COVID-19 Crisis, and MENTOR’s tips for maintaining connection with young people during a time of social distancing: Connection in a Time of Social Distancing.
- Teaching Tolerance’s recommendations and resources for A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching Through Coronavirus.
- Be sure to check out University of Minnesota Extension COVID-19 resources for dealing with stress, supporting food insecurity, and managing income loss. And as you facilitate more online meetings, consider these four tips from University of Minnesota Extension.
Move This World: Videos, Tools, Activities
Supporting Mental Health
School-Connect & SEL Launchpad: Videos and Handouts
SEL Lessons Online
xSEL LABS: Free – requires sign-in
SEL Activities
“The Youth Coordinating Board is taking every public health recommendation seriously, but we also know COVID-19 is making lives in our community confusing, challenging, and creating worry. We also feel, now more than ever, is the time to step up and help people with whatever we can. While we aren’t equipped to provide medical help, gathering information and communicating is what we do best, so we hope this help page provides some comfort during this unprecedented time. We will continue to update it as more information is gathered, but please know things are changing quickly.”
Sprockets Saint Paul has a COVID-19 Resources page that is updated periodically.
Youth Farm Resources for Youth and Families:
“As the news changes day to day related to COVID-19, our staff will continue to track resources for youth and families and post them here. We will also continue work in our greenhouse in isolation from community to keep everyone safe and ensure the successful production of fresh produce throughout the coming months.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities have provided several resources for children and families during the COVID-19 school closures and the closures of after school care.
Message from the City of Minneapolis:
The City of Minneapolis is prepared and working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health and Hennepin County to stay ready and respond to coronavirus disease, or COVID-19.
- Visit Minnesota Department of Health
- Find resources on coronavirus disease in multiple languages
- Call the Minnesota Department of Health Hotline at 651-201-3920
Message from the City of Saint Paul:
Like communities across our nation, we’ve been closely monitoring the unfolding of the situation around the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The City is working diligently in responding to the unique needs of our residents, business owners, and key partners.
We’ll be sending regular email updates about the City’s response to COVID-19. Please subscribe to our COVID-19 bulletin.
The City is coordinating closely with our public health partners at Ramsey County and the Minnesota Department of Health and following their recommendations. The Minnesota Department of Health has a hotline for questions the general public has about COVID-19. The hotline is open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 651-201-3920.