Need Help? Find Community Assistance Here
Check out the local community resources listed below and ask for help if you need it.
Everyone needs help now and then. This site exists to help you find credible and reliable community resources. State government, local governments and local non-profits have many resources that can help if you can just find the “right” service when you need it.
Health & Wellness
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a new website called HealthCare.gov. This new tool lets consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to information about quality, affordable health care coverage. HealthCare.gov is the first central database of health coverage options--from Medicare to the new Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance Plan, with information from more than 1,000 private insurance plans. HealthCare.gov answers questions that relate to people with disabilities and health care, and also has information about insurance plans and community services in every state. Take a video tour of this new website.
FLU SEASON
Check the current status of the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses., Contact your local public health department for immunization and disease information.
County Public Health Department Information
Falls Prevention
Falls are a major health issue especially for older adults and their family caregivers. Learn more.
Health Care Directives
Make sure others know your personal wishes if you cannot make decisions for yourself. Write a health care directive.
Memory care/issues
Government Health Care Programs
The Minnesota Department of Human Services offers basic health care coverage to low-income Minnesotans through 3 major programs -- Medical Assistance (MA), General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) and MinnesotaCare.
Apply for these programs thorough your county of residence.
Medicare Savings Program
This program helps low-income adults pay for Medicare premiums and co-pays.
Prescription Drug Assistance
Information if you need help paying for your medication prescription medications.
COBRA SUBSIDES
Government subsidies are available to those who become unemployed and want to continue their health insurance coverage. ACT Now! This is a time sensitive program.
The Federal subsidy will pay 65% of the COBRA premium if you are eligible.
Federal Fact Sheet
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html
Employment Services:
Are you currently looking for a job? Considering a career change? Interested in creating or updating your resume? The area Workforce Centers have many programs and services that can help!
Information on Employment Programs
State
Need to file for unemployment or need to know the status of benefit extensions? Check the state unemployment website:
Personal Finance
Reliable financial information and services are hard to find. The resources in the links below contain information families and individuals can use to expand their knowledge of personal finance. Whether you are experiencing a financial crisis, want a few extra dollars in the bank or want to fund college, these sites offers helpful ideas and tools to succeed.
Dakota County Personal Finance
Attorney General Person Finance
Child Care
For those looking for childcare or those who need help funding child care.
Finding child care
Minnesota Resource and Referral
State center list by county.
Child Care Centers (Rule 3):
DHS licensing
Finding child care by county
Child Care Payment Assistance by county:
Child Support
The Minnesota Department of Human Services and the local County Social Services and County Attorneys Offices have a child support program to help families provide for their children’s basic needs. If you pay or receive child support, and you need help enforcing or modifying your court order, or you need a child support order to be established, or if you have a child born outside of marriage and need paternity established, these websites should help you find information about working with your county to get the help that you need.
Disabled Persons or Older Adults Needing Help
Call the Senior LInkAge Line® 1-800-323-2433 or the Disability LinkAge Line® at 1-655-333-2466 for information and assistance with services and support or visit:
Minnesota Board on Aging
DARTS
DARTS is local service provider and source of information for older adults and their family caregivers in the Dakota County region.
DARTS 651-455-1339 Transportation
Ensuring mobility and community involvement through accessible ride services
TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT ASSISTANCE
The MN Telephone Equipment Distribution Program, provides special telephone equipment at NO COST for Minnesotans of all ages who have difficulty using a standard telephone due to a hearing loss, speech or physical disability.
There are applications available in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali and Arabic.
PDF link for the application in the language of your choice.
Food
Grocery shopping service for Seniors Store to Door
Food Support (Food Stamps) apply in the County you live in.
- Dakota County
- Ramsey County
- Washington County
Neighbors Food Shelf and supportive services.
Neighbors is a non-profit, social-service agency serving the Northern Dakota County communities of Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake and Lilydale. Primarily through the services of more than 530 volunteers and 31 faith communities, Neighbors provides 14 emergency assistance and supportive assistance programs.
Nutrition
Good diet and nutrition are necessary for good health.
RIDES
Public Transportation
Metro Transit
Metro Mobility
A shared public transportation service for certified riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to a disability or health condition. Rides are provided for any purpose.
Reporting Abuse & Preventing Violence Information by county
Veterans Resources by County
Provides advice and assistance for veterans or their families filing claims for state and/or federal benefits, social security supplemental income benefits and other public and private programs.
