We’ve assembled this resource page to keep our community safe, healthy, and updated. Have a suggestion? Email our Coordinator at anacoordinator@armatage.org.
As we enter another season of this crisis, it’s hard not to feel burnt out. Keep following our state mask mandate, practice social distancing, and support essential workers who staff our hospitals and clinics, emergency services, grocery stores, nonprofits, schools and care-giving facilities. Check in with neighbors who may need assistance or just a friendly phone call or text. ❤️
Employment, Insurance & Transportation
- Minnesota Stay Safe info and FAQs found at https://mn.gov/governor/covid-19/
- Minneapolis Indoor Mask Requirements: info and FAQs at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/faqs#Masks
- Metro Transit: Information for Minnesotans who use Metro Transit. Masks and distancing are now required on buses and trains: http://metrotransit.
org/health - State of Minnesota Unemployment:
- Unemployment Benefits: if your employment has been impacted by COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment benefits. Use the online system to apply for benefits and request payments
- Call the Customer Service Center at 651.296.3644 only if you need assistance or do not have internet access. Due to increased call volume wait times will be longer than usual.
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for those who do not qualify for regular unemployment like independent contractors and self-employed folks. The State of MN has instructions are available to begin your application.
- Unemployment Benefits: if your employment has been impacted by COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment benefits. Use the online system to apply for benefits and request payments
- Health Insurance: if you’ve lost your health insurance or have another qualifying event, you can enroll through MNsure.org.
- Minnesota Discrimination Hotline: translation services available at 1.833.454.0148 or complete and submit this online form to report discrimination.
Small Business, Nonprofit & Individual Loans/Grants
- US Small Business Administration Loans:
- Disaster Loans from Civil Unrest: small businesses, non-profits, homeowners and renters can apply for low-interest loans: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
- Minneapolis businesses can consult with the City’s Business Technical Assistance Program to get help preparing financial documentation or contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team at 612-673-2487 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.
- Payroll Protection Program (PPP) offers forgivable loans for up to 2.5 months of payroll expenses for business who keep their employees and spend at least 75% of the loan amount on payroll. Businesses can access the PPP through eligible banks.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) offer long-term loans up-to-$2 million at 3.75% and an up-front $10,000 grant against the loan: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/
- Disaster Loans from Civil Unrest: small businesses, non-profits, homeowners and renters can apply for low-interest loans: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
- State of Minnesota Small Business Loans:
- Small Business Loan Guarantee Program Loans for businesses of up to 250 employees impacted by COVID-19. Apply through one of the states approved lenders at https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/loan-guarantee/
- Small Business Grants lottery has been run but more may be available in the future.
- Hennepin County:
- Emergency Rent Assistance is now available to Mpls residents who meet guidelines: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19
- Small Business Loan: Hennepin has held three rounds (the last ended Aug 12) and the program is currently closed to new applications. Learn more at https://www.hennepin.us/economic-development/programs/Emergency-relief
- City of Minneapolis:
- Forgivable, No-Interest Loans for small businesses and self-employed workers located in certain parts of the city. The first round of applications closed on April 20, but info is still up at http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/gap-funding#business
- Gap Funding provides emergency housing assistance and more (first round of applications closed April 27): http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/gap-funding
- Minnesota Support for Veterans: one-time grants in the amount of $1,000: MinnesotaVeteran.org/
COVIDRelief
Housing, Utilities & Internet
- Hennepin County Emergency Rent Assistance is now available who residents who income meet guidelines: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19
- State of MN Housing Assistance: for both renters and homeowners who are behind on a housing payment: http://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/np/covid19housingassistanceprogramFAQ
- State of MN Housing Hub: info on the Eviction Suspension Executive Order, renters rights, grant programs, links to file complaints and more at http://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/np/covid-19
- First Call for Help: Call 211 or 651.291.0211 (Available 24 hours a day to provide information on a variety of resources in your area)
- Shelter Hotline: 1.888.234.1329
- Renter Rights: HomeLine @ 612.728.5767 or homelinemn.org/
- City of Minneapolis Gap Funding provides emergency housing assistance and forgivable small business loans (not currently accepting applications): http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/gap-funding
- If you need a safe place to stay: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/help-for-crime-victims/Pages/default.aspx
- If you are experiencing homelessness: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-assistance
- Adults: Call 612.248.2350.
- Families: Call 612.348.9410. On holidays, weekends, and evenings until 11 p.m., call 211 (mobile: 651.291.0211) and ask for the after-hours shelter team.
- Utilities:
- Minnesota Energy Assistance Program: assistance paying utility bills for renters and homeowners who meet income guidelines: https://mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp
- Citizens Utility Board: If you are overdue on your bills or are currently disconnected, contact your utility provider immediately and ask them to keep service on or reconnect you. For help advocating, contact CUB: at info@cubminnesota.org or 651.300.4701.
- Free Internet:
- Comcast: Two free months (sign up at www.internetessentials.com) The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. Or call 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish
- Charter/Spectrum: Their Spectrum Internet Assist program is available to anyone who doesn’t have Internet access free for 60 days. Call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll.
- Free WiFi (USI Wireless): City of Minneapolis is providing free WiFi in Minneapolis for those who may need temporary internet access during COVID-19: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/wireless/index.htm
Schools, Parks & Childcare
- Minneapolis Public Schools:
- Back to School 2020: https://b2s.mpls.k12.mn.us/Home
- Minneapolis Kids child care services are limited to Tier 1 essential workers: https://mplskids.mpls.k12.mn.us/home
- Fall weekly meal boxes start September 8 with meals for any children 18 years and younger to pick up at food distribution sites: https://cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/2020-21_school_year.html
- Enrichment packets are available for download at https://sites.google.com/mpls.k12.mn.us/mpsonlinepk-12/
- Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
- Sign up for fall Rec Plus at select rec centers: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/youth_programs/school-age_childcare/
- Find outdoor, distanced park activities at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/summer-2020-events-and-activities/
- Read the notice that cancelled events and closed park buildings closed through August 31: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNPARKREC/bulletins/284a13a
- Read about playground, skate park, court and field closures reopening in the spring (May 19): https://www.minneapolisparks.org/news/2020/05/19/minneapolis-park-courts-playgrounds-and-fields-to-slowly-reopen-during-stay-safe-mn/
- YMCA sites provide licensed care M-F for ages 5 and up, prioritized for children of emergency workers, including educators, grocery store workers, utility workers, essential state and local government staff, etc.: ymcamn.org/mnchildcare or 612.230.9622.
- Emergency Child Care Grant Program provides financial support to licensed child care providers: http://greaterminnesota.
net/childcare. - State of MN Info for Childcare Providers: https://mn.gov/mmb/childcare/providers/
- MN Covid Sitters is child care service run by U of M medical students that matches students with health care workers, including doctors, nurses, kitchen staff, janitors and hospital administrators, across the entire state: https://www.mncovidsitters.org/
Coronavirus & Health Links
- City of Minneapolis’ Coronavirus Online Hub – sign up for e-updates, check impacted City services and closures, find FAQs for businesses and employees, and more: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/
- Dashboard of City COVID-19 cases: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard
- Hennepin County’s Coronavirus Services & Resources page: https://www.hennepin.us/covid-19#services-available
- Minnesota Department of Health’s Coronavirus page provides situation updates, prevention info, traveler information, and guidance for child care, first responders, and businesses: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
- CDC Coronavirus Hub: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- COVID-19 Minnesota Hotlines (7:00am-7:00ppm daily):
- Schools, child care, businesses: Call 651.297-1304 or 1.800.657.3504.
- Health questions: Call 651.201.3920 or 1.800.657.3903.
- State of Minnesota COVID-19 Testing Site to find testing locations, results and more: https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/if-sick/
Emergency Assistance, Mental Health & Chore Help
- COVID-19 Minnesota Hotlines (7:00am-7:00pm daily):
- Schools, child care, businesses: Call 651.297-1304 or 1.800.657.3504.
- Health questions: Call 651.201.3920 or 1.800.657.3903.
- City of Minneapolis Gap Funding provides emergency housing assistance and forgivable small business loans (not currently accepting applications): http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/gap-funding
- Hennepin County Assistance – If you need to apply for cash assistance, SNAP, child care or emergency assistance, visit ApplyMN or call 612.596.1300 to get an application mailed or faxed to you.
- Experiencing homelessness: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-assistance
- Adults: Call 612.248.2350.
- Families: Call 612.348.9410. On holidays, weekends, and evenings until 11 p.m., call 211 (mobile: 651.291.0211) and ask for the after-hours shelter team.
- If you need a safe place to stay: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/help-for-crime-victims/Pages/default.aspx
- City of Mpls Mental Health Resource Page
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- MN Dept of Human Services Crisis Hotlines:
- Cellphone 24/7 Crisis Line: For anyone in crisis, call **CRISIS (274747) from a cellphone.
- Crisis Text Line: For anyone in crisis, 24/7. Text MN to 741741.
- Mental Health Resources & Help in a Crisis:
- State of MN Resource List: https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/get-help/mental-health.jsp
- City of Mpls Resource List: http://news.minneapolismn.gov/2020/06/29/mental-health-resources/
- State of MN Resource List: https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/get-help/mental-health.jsp
- Health Care Assistance: Call 612.596.1300 or apply online at https://www.mnsure.org/
- Unemployment Benefits: if your employment has been impacted by COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment benefits.
- Please use the online system to check which day of the week you should apply for benefits and call the Customer Service Center at 651.296.3644 only if you need assistance or do not have internet access.
- Help for Seniors: https://guidance.lifesprk.com
- Nextdoor’s Help Map – request or offer help through Nextdoor’s interactive map: https://nextdoor.com/help_map/
- Help at Your Door helps seniors and people with disabilities with grocery assistance, transportation and home support: https://helpatyourdoor.org/request-a-service/
- Metro Mobility is offering to pick up online orders for groceries and essentials for MM customers and Transit Link customers: https://metrocouncil.org/News-Events/Transportation/Newsletters/Let-Metro-Mobility-pick-up-your-grocery-order-2020.aspx
Food Access
- Food Emergency Support: https://mn.gov/dhs/food-emergency/
- Food shelves and meal assistance:
- Minneapolis Interactive Map of Food Shelves: http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/sustainability/homegrown/WCMSP-185913
- Second Harvest – many resources available to help: https://www.2harvest.org/who–how-we-help/how-to-get-help/
- Hunger Solutions – look up local food shelves at http://www.hungersolutions.org/find-help/
- Joyce Uptown Food Shelf has prepackaged bags of food available: https://www.joyceuptownfoodshelf.org/
- YMCA and Sheridan Story have free bags of food at the front door of YMCAs including the Southdale and Blaisdell YMCAs (no membership required): https://www.ymcamn.org/food-distribution
- Metro Meals on Wheels has meal delivery available on a short and long term basis and is accepting new clients: https://meals-on-wheels.com/get-meals/sign-up/
- Help at Your Door helps seniors and people with disabilities with grocery assistance, transportation and home support: https://helpatyourdoor.org/request-a-service/
- Minneapolis Public Schools has a weekly box of meals for all enrolled students starting Sept 8: https://cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/2020-21_school_year.html
- Local farmers offering direct sales of their food and goods found at https://www.minnesotacooks.org/buying-local-while-socially-distancing
- Grocery hours for those at risk:
- Lunds and Byerlys has reserved 7:00-8:00am each day for those shoppers who are at a higher risk of severe illness by COVID-19, which includes older adults and those who have compromised immune systems: https://lundsandbyerlys.com/coronavirus/
- Cub Foods has also reserved 6:00-7:00am each day for shoppers at a higher risk, healthcare workers and first responders.
- Target has also reserved the first hour of operation each Wednesday for shoppers who are at a higher risk: https://corporate.target.com/about/purpose-history/our-commitments/target-coronavirus-hub
- Kowalski’s has reserved 6:00-8:00am each day for shoppers who are at a higher risk: https://www.kowalskis.com/note-kowalskis-markets-regarding-coronavirus
- Linden Hills and Wedge Co-ops has reserved 8:00-9:00am each day for shoppers who are at a higher risk and will limit the number of customers in each store: https://tccp.coop/coronavirus-updates/#update-march-19-2020
Local Businesses Offering Delivery or Curbside Pick-up
- Southwest Journal’s SW Mpls Curbside Directory map: https://www.southwestjournal.com/curbside-directory/
- Eat MPLS’s citywide map of restaurants offering to-go orders: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1MsGZddaChpjSAGKgLyn5wTCubHNYwzJq&ll=44.90451652905502%2C-93.30872677171254&z=14
- Armatage Businesses:
- Book Club – call for curbside pick-up: http://www.bookclubrestaurant.com/
- Colita – order online for curbside pick-up: https://www.colitampls.com/
- Domino’s Pizza – order online for carry out or delivery at https://www.dominos.com
- Kwan’s Chinese Cuisine – call to order for pick-up (612.922.3432) or order online for delivery through a variety of local services: http://www.kwanschinesecuisine.com
- Pizzeria Lola offers takeout and order pick-up available on their website: https://www.pizzerialola.com/
- Red Wagon Pizza offers dinner delivery, takeout and curbside pickup are available on their website or through our app: https://www.redwagon-mpls.com/
- Settergren Ace Hardware – call orders in (Settergren’s on Penn: 612.922.6055) or place them online via acehardware.com’s online ordering system and selecting the proper store option. You can also place orders of many different items that are not stocked in-store through the website as well: https://www.facebook.com/settergrens/
- Wagners Garden Center – order online for no contact curbside pick up: https://www.wagnergreenhouses.com/garden-center/events-workshops/
Online Kids’ Activities
- Meet Minneapolis has free digital puzzles at https://www.minneapolis.org/puzzles/
- Wizarding World at Home has quizzes, puzzles, online activities and Danielle Radcliffe, Dumezweni and Eddie Redmayne reading chapters of Book 1 on video: https://www.wizardingworld.com
- The Cincinnati Zoo is offering free home safaris via Facebook, every day starting at 2:00 pm CST: https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatizoo/
- Catch up on all the recordings to date (HERE)
- Mo Willems, author of books like “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” is live-streaming “Lunch Doodles.” Each stream occurs at 12:00pm CST, M-F:
https://www.scarymommy.com/mo-willems-lunch-doodles/ - Drew Brockington, author of the CatStronauts series, “Let’s Do Fun Stuff Together” (drawing, stories and more): YouTube Video Series
- Monterey Bay Aquarium offers free live cameras on their reefs and outdoor habitats: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams
- MPS Online Learning: https://sites.google.com/mpls.k12.mn.us/mpsonlinepk-12/home
- Snapology Daily Lego Build Challenge: https://www.snapology.com/post/snapology-daily-lego-r-build-challenges
- National Park Virtual Tours: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm
- Duolingo offers a free app and website to help kids learn a second language: https://www.duolingo.com/
- Time Magazine for Kids has made its digital library free for the rest of the school year: https://time.com/tfk-free/
- National Geographic has curated free learning resources for K-12 learning at home: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/classroom-resources/learn-at-home/
- Audible Free Kids Books: https://stories.
audible.com/start-listen - Typing Practice
Be a Helper
- Donate PPE to health care workers and essential employees:
- Mask Drive Mondays: bring homemade cloth masks to all Minneapolis Fire Stations each Monday from 10:00am-2:00pm to be distributed to individuals and sites in need.
- Minnesota Donation Hub: if you have resources to donate or need items, please use these links:
- Donation Form – for use by organizations/individuals wanting to donate items other than Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Request for Information and Resources – for use by organizations/individuals needing items other than Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Hennepin County is collecting new, sealed #N95 and #N100 masks, coveralls, gloves and more from 7:30am – 4:00pm M-F in Mpls: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/emergencies/covid-19#Donations
- Kingfield’s Volunteer/Donation Hub: our friends at the Kingfield Neighborhood Association have organized this city-wide list of urgent volunteer/donation needs.
- Sheridan Story is a food program aimed at feeding kids when school lunches are not available. The organization has 30,000 bags of food ready to give to needy kids this week in 31 different school districts.
- Second Harvest has a food warehouse waiting for volunteers and they’re also looking for donations. You can find out more at 2harvest.org.
- Metro Meals on Wheels is looking for on-call volunteers in the event of a volunteer shortage. The nonprofit is accepting new customers and people can enroll in the service here.
- Open Arms of Minnesota is currently providing medically tailored and shelf stable foods to people living with life threatening illnesses who often also have compromised immune systems. They are in need of donations and are adding new volunteer shifts.
- The Aliveness Project is a meal program, food shelf and community center for low-income and homeless people living with HIV. They are accepting volunteers to help bag groceries and are accepting donations — learn more about how they are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak on its site here.
- House of Charity serves free meals daily and needs volunteers. View open volunteer shifts and sign up to help at https://houseofcharity.galaxydigital.com/