BASIC NEEDS
For other information about social services in the Twin Cities, please call the United Way’s First Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1. Cell phone users can call 651-291-0211. Toll free: 1-800-543-7709.
Food stamp benefits
Individuals may apply for food support benefits at Salvation Army social service offices. They can also receive eligibility pre-screening and assistance in filling out their application. Click here for more information and eligibility criteria.
Feeding programs
The Salvation Army provides hot meals year-round for anyone in need. Free evening meals are available at Harbor Light in Minneapolis. Lunch is available Monday-Friday at St. Paul Eastside, and breakfast is available at St. Paul Citadel. For more information, visit our locations page.
Food Shelves
Salvation Army food shelves provide groceries for families and individuals in need. The seven Salvation Army food shelves are Parkview, Central, Temple, Eastside, HOPE Harbor/CCO, St. Paul Citadel and Dakota County. Food is free, but an appointment is necessary at Temple, Citadel and Dakota, all others are on a walk-in first come first serve basis. To determine which food shelf serves your area, your may call your local Salvation Army office or call the United Way’s First Call for Help by dialing 2-1-1.
Thrift stores
Salvation Army thrift stores sell clothing and household items at greatly reduced cost and are open to the public. The Salvation Army also offers clothing vouchers for single adults coping with disasters or financial need. Vouchers for household items are available to families and individuals. To find a thrift store near you, visit our locations page. To request thrift store vouchers, visit our social services offices page to find the location nearest you or call 2-1-1. An appointment is necessary to request vouchers.
Rent assistance
Limited assistance with rent, as funding allows, is available in some areas of the Twin Cities. To determine if your local Salvation Army office is able to provide rent or mortgage assistance, visit our locations page and call your local office directly.
Utility assistance
The Salvation Army HeatShare program provides assistance with utility bills for households that have received a shut-off notice. To find the HeatShare office that serves your area, call the HeatShare hotline at 1-800-842-7279.
Transportation assistance
The Salvation Army provides bus cards and gas money to those in need of transportation assistance. An appointment is necessary to request transportation assistance. Visit our locations page to contact the social service office near you.
Medical assistance
Assistance with insurance co-pays and prescription costs is available on a limited basis. If you need assistance with medical costs, visit our locations page and call the social service office near you.
Employment assistance
The Salvation Army offers assistance in finding employment. Job placement assistance is available in Minneapolis at the Center City Office or in St. Paul at the West 7th Office.
Seasonal services
Seasonal services are provided by The Salvation Army according to special and specific needs. The Salvation Army provides holiday gifts for children through Toy Shop and winter wear for children and teens through Coats for Kids. For information on these services contact Terry Hildebrandt at 651-746-3541.
