Open Cupboard

Formerly known as CCEFS

Community Resources

Here are links to other websites that provide useful services.  Please note that these third party sites are not under the control of Open Cupboard and Open Cupboard is not responsible for the content on any linked site or any link contained in a linked site, or any changes or updates to such sites. Open Cupboard is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply that Open Cupboard endorses or accepts any responsibility for the content on such third-party sites.

You can find out what programs you might be eligible for by using the Bridge to Benefits screening tool.  The tool is easy, confidential and free.  

Salvation Army

There is a Salvation Army office located in Woodbury Lutheran Church. The Salvation Army can connect you with basic needs assistance, housing, youth services, rehabilitation, disaster relief, counseling, and spiritual care. If you are in need of specific items, such as furniture, staff from Salvation Army may be able to direct you to where you might find those resources. Call to schedule an appointment or ask about services.

Locations in the East Metro:

  • Woodbury: 7380 Afton Rd., Woodbury, MN 55125, 651-739-6288
  • Maplewood: 2080 Woodlynn Ave., Maplewood, MN 55109, 651-779-9177
  • St. Paul: 1019 Payne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55130, 651-776-2653
  • St. Paul: 401 7th St. W., St. Paul, MN 55102, 651-224-4316

Other Food Assistance

  • SNAP/EBT – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Receive food benefits based on income, expenses, and household size. To see if you qualify, or if you need assistance with your application or recertification, call Emily Bowman from Second Harvest Heartland at 651-307-9033.
  • MFIP – Minnesota Family Investment Program – Provides food and cash assistance to families with children. Also offers help finding and keeping employment, as well as childcare assistance while family members search for jobs.
  • MFAP – Minnesota Food Assistance Program – Food assistance for legal noncitizens age 50 or older who do not qualify for SNAP because of their citizenship status.
  • NAPS – Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (also called CSFP –  Commodity Supplemental Food Program) – Through NAPS, Second Harvest Heartland provides a box of nutritious food to low-income seniors age 60 and older. To see if you are eligible, call Second Harvest at 651-484-8241.
  • Minnesota Food Helpline – If you are short on food, call 1-888-711-1151 and someone will assess your situation and connect you with solutions to meet your family’s needs.
  • Fare For All – This program buys fresh produce and frozen meat in bulk, repackages it, and sells affordable food packs ranging in price from $10-$25 (up to 40% off the price you would pay at a store). Visit the website to find a site near you.
  • St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center – Supplies those in need with food kits, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and other items.

Energy/Electric/Gas Assistance

  • Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP) – Assists eligible renters and homeowners with home heating costs and emergency utility disconnections.
  • Shut Off Protection/Cold Weather Rule – Helps residential customers keep their heat connected from October 15 through April 15. All gas and electric companies must offer CWR protection, but in order to receive CWR protection you must make and keep a payment plan with your company. Contact your gas or electric company to find out more about their CWR protection policy and get information on additional discounts.
  • 4U2 (Minnesota Energy Resources) – Helps qualified homeowners and some renters make their home more energy-efficient, in order to lower future energy costs.
  • Emergency Furnace Services – If you are a homeowner eligible for the Energy Assistance Program and your furnace is broken or unsafe, a trained technician will come and evaluate your heating system. Funding is limited so this service may not be available year-round. Call 651-645-6470 for more information.

Medical/Dental/Counseling Services

  • MA – Medical Assistance – MA is Minnesota’s Medicaid program for low-income families. MA helps cover the cost of services like doctor visits, prescriptions, or hospital stays. May also help pay fees from other insurance providers so you can keep your coverage. You do not have to pay a monthly premium, and can enroll at any time in the year if you qualify.
  • MinnesotaCare – Offers enrollment in a health care plan for Minnesotans with low incomes. Those enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B are not eligible. You may have to pay a premium based on your household size and income.
  • MNSure – MNSure is Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment is November 1 through December 15. Many people can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs.
  • Minnesota Dental Association – Click here for a list of some dental clinics in the Twin Cities that provide dental services to patients on public care programs or at a reduced cost. You may also call the Minnesota State Assistance Telephone Line (651-431-2670) for a list of dentists accepting State Medical Assistance.
  • DDS – Donated Dental Services – Provides non-emergency dental treatment to eligible applicants who have a permanent disability, or are age 65 and older, or qualify as medically fragile.
  • Family Means – Family Means is a place where families, children, couples and individuals can come to find help and work through challenges during difficult times in their lives.
  • Canvas Health – Offers care to individuals and families that struggle with aging, addiction, mental health, and domestic and sexual abuse.

Mental Health Support

  • Washington County Mental Health Crisis Response: If you are in an emergency, call 651-275-7400 or text “MN” to 74174.
  • Minnesota Warm Line: If you just need to talk, the MN Warm Line operates 7 days a week, 9am to 9 pm. Call 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511.
  • How to Get Regular Help: Mental Health Minnesota’s tips for how to start getting regular mental health care.
  • Mental Health Minnesota: Find more mental health resources specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Tubman – Offers individual therapy, medication management, co-occurring disorders treatment, chemical health assessment (Rule 25), and more. You can call the Intake Department at 612-870-2426

Shelter/Housing/Rent Assistance

  • St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center (for homeless families with children) – Offers emergency shelter and ongoing case management until stable housing is achieved. Also offers rental assistance to qualifying families. Call 651-762-9124 to schedule an intake appointment.
  • Washington County Community Services (for homeless single adults and couples) – Call 651-430-6488 to speak with someone who will connect you to social services and housing options.
  • Washington County Emergency Assistance – If you are facing eviction or in a position where you are about to lose your housing, call 651-430-6455 for help.
  • The Youth Services Network, helps youth 25 and under to find shelter and services they may need.
  • Booth Brown House (Salvation Army) – Offers emergency shelter for homeless youth age 21 and younger. Also offers stable and affordable housing for young people age 16 to 25, as well as support and resources necessary to make the transition to independence.
  • Rent Help MN
  • Destiny Residential Services offers housing transition services and connects tenants with landlords within the metro area for those on Medical Assistance

Domestic Violence Services

*Safety Alert: Individuals can monitor your computer use and internet use. If you think someone is monitoring your activities, they probably are.*

Education/Employment Resources

  • DWP – Divisionary Work Program – A four-month program that helps Minnesota parents find jobs. You may also receive help with housing costs, utilities, and personal expenses. The goal of the DWP is to get families back on their feet quickly so they do not have to enroll in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP).
  • Training and Education Center at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota – Offers free classes to help individuals gain the skills, focus, and confidence they need to obtain the job they want. Also offers a free financial literacy class, an open computer lab for those who are searching for a job, and one-on-one resume assistance.
  • St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center – Offers a three-stage mentoring service for those in the process of looking for a job. Service includes computer access for job searching, as well as help with writing a resume and preparing for job interviews.
  • Minneapolis Public Schools – Adult Education Program – Click here to search for free ESL, GED preparation, computer literacy, citizenship, career training, and other classes for adults in your area.

Cash Assistance

  • GA – General Assistance – Helps people without children pay for housing or basic needs. GA is for adults who can’t work enough to support themselves and have a low income and low assets.
  • MSA – Minnesota Supplemental Aid – Provides cash assistance to adults who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you do not qualify for SSI because your income is too high, you may qualify for MSA if you are age 65 or older, are blind, or have a disability.
  • MFIP – Minnesota Family Investment Program (also called TANF Minnesota) – Provides food and cash assistance to families with children. Also offers help finding and keeping employment, as well as childcare assistance while family members search for jobs.
  • RCA – Refugee Cash Assistance – This is a monthly cash payment available to refugees and asylees who have been in the United States for eight months or less.

Legal Assistance

  • Immigrant Law Center of MN – Offers legal advice and full legal representation to eligible immigrants and refugees on immigration-related cases.
  • Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid – Provides free civil legal services and advocacy to people with low incomes, seniors, and those with disabilities. Aims to help Minnesota citizens gain access to their basic rights, such as safety, shelter, food, heath care, and education.

Looking for recipes? Check out Good and Cheap, a cookbook full of ideas for meals on a very tight budget. You can download a free PDF here.

You can also take a look at the Pantry to Plate project, created by University of Minnesota nutrition students who cultivate recipes based on what ingredients we typically offer.

Sign up for our customer newsletter!

* indicates required
Customers

Join Us On Social Media