COVID-19 Specific Resources

Precautions and recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health. Available in multiple languages.

Guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health, including situation updates, information about COVID-19, and resources for health care providers, schools, and employers. Available in multiple languages.

This free Star Tribune article is updated multiple times a day with the latest COVID-19 updates in Minnesota.

Governor Walz announced a new dashboard for COVID-19 information from the state government. This is a valuable resource for any questions you have about resources available to Minnesotans.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed Emergency Regulation 2020-12, which will require people in Minneapolis to wear cloth face masks or coverings when they are in an indoor place of public accommodation, including grocery stores, recreation centers, hotels, retail businesses, the skyway system, and government buildings. The emergency regulation will take effect on Tuesday, May 26.

Face coverings are now required on board all Metro Transit buses and trains.

All eligible voters in Minnesota can choose to vote by mail via absentee ballot. 

To complete the application for an absentee ballot online you must:

• Be eligible to register and vote in Minnesota
• Provide an email address
• Provide your identification number: MN-issued driver's license, Minnesota ID card or last 4 digits of Social Security Number

Complete your absentee ballot request here.

Our Virtual Town Halls are meant to fight off the isolation that many in our community are feeling right now, while engaging in conversations that are meaningful and important to our Minnesota LGBTQ+ Community. We’re gathering in spirit and power! Our Town Halls will be every Sunday at 4pm, starting April 26th. Check out our topics and tune in!

View this video from the CDC for safety tips when visiting friends and family who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Anti-Violence Crisis Line 

612.822.0127 option 3

advocate@outfront.org

An article with advice for seeking emergency care if you're trans. 

An article with helpful guidelines and graphics about chest binding. 

A guide from the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund.

As the worldwide spread of COVID-19 has spiraled into a pandemic, national health organizations are warning that some members of the LGBTQ community may be “particularly vulnerable” to the effects of the virus.

COVID-19, also referred to as novel coronavirus, is a new virus, and there is still much to learn about the severity of this outbreak. However, we know that transgender people and their families may have a lot of questions about how they can properly face this public health threat.

Here’s a video The Dresscode Project put together for short-haired folks who need to take matters into their own hands for this social distancing time!

Information and resources from the HRC Foundation and SAGE.

Search for therapists from Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ community who are dedicated to your mental health.

A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.

(866) 488-7386

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) National Hotline provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.

(800) 246-7743

Peer support & crisis hotline for trans folks.

(877) 565-8860

The hotline is available in Spanish as of July 1st, 2020. 

OutFront Minnesota has trained domestic abuse staff who can help you file for protective orders, provide supportive counseling regarding your situation, referrals to domestic violence shelters and other safe places in the community.

Anti-Violence Crisis Line 

612.822.0127 option 3

advocate@outfront.org

Day One is a statewide network of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, youth-and community-advocacy programs in Minnesota. Day One hosts the Minnesota Day One Crisis Line which connects individuals seeking safety and resources to service agencies statewide via phone, text or chat message. The Day One Call Center also answers calls, texts and chat messages to the Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line.

Crisis hotline

1.866.223.1111

Self-isolation during the pandemic can be dangerous for those in abusive relationships. Resources are limited, but there are options.

The Minnesota Elder Justice Center provides support, information and resources to older and vulnerable adults and their loved ones around issues of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

Information on vulnerable adult protection and elder abuse from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Office of the Ombudsman for Long Term Care: 1-800-657-3591 (advocacy and support for those receiving long term care services)

Senior LinkAge Line: 1-800-333-2433 (general resource for older adults seeking information on a wide range of subjects)

Black Trans COVID-19 Community Response Grant Program provides rapid response funds to individuals at their point of need during a government declared crisis. Financial assistance is provided for emergency food, shelter, utilities, transportation and health care to ensure the basic needs of our most vulnerable populations are met.

A list of local and national mutual aid funds with links and descriptions.

A fund for Black and LGBTQ+ migrant* or first generation** people in urgent need of cash assistance ($250 - $500) as a result of COVID-19. BLMP has a limited amount of funding for cash assistance so priority will be given to those who are undocumented or under-documented, currently or formerly detained, trans and/or nonbinary, living with disabilities, illnesses or are immunocompromised, living with HIV/AIDS or do not benefit from the economic stimulus package.

A list of mutual aid funds and resources compiled by Women for Political Change.

This Fund micro grants to individuals and nonprofits that are most affected by the Coronavirus.  The first round of grants is prioritizing the communities listed on the website below, all of whom are particularly impacted by this crisis.

Information about this fund is available in multiple languages.

Free printable worksheets and educational activities to help making learning fun. Resources arranged by grade or subject.

The YMCA has opened 38 locations across Minnesota to provide access to distance learning and care to children in kindergarten through sixth grade, coordinating with school districts. The YMCA program will prioritize tier two emergency workers, for which some school districts have not been able to accommodate and be open to other school age children.

Bullying that happens on social media is just as harmful as other bullying — and sometimes it’s even worse. That’s because it’s hard to get away from and it can reach people no matter where they are or what they’re doing. Planned Parenthood has put together a list of things to do if you are experiencing cyberbullying. 

YSN links youth to shelter, drop in centers, food, medical care, a crisis line, and more in Hennepin County.

Borrow eBooks and downloadable audiobooks, stream music or try the Libby app.

A group of University of Minnesota students is offering free childcare, pet sitting, and household errands to healthcare workers.

Information about applying for unemployment benefits due to COVID-19 in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) has introduced a website that will be updated daily with resources from financial counseling to food insecurity for Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An article listing several national companies currently hiring full-time, part-time, and temporary workers.

All borrowers with federally held student loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0% for a period of at least 60 days. In addition, each of these borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. This will allow borrowers to temporarily stop their payments without worrying about accruing interest.

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households.

Meals on Wheels is a community-based service that provides fresh, nutritious meals delivered directly to the homes of seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout the Twin Cities.

A list of food pantries in Minnesota organized by city or searchable by address. 

A list of food shelves in the Northeast Minnesota Food Shelf Network, including hours and contact information.

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families in need.

As of Thursday, May 28, participants in Minnesota’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are able to use their benefits to purchase food through approved retailers. So far, these retailers include Amazon and Walmart. Customers do not need a credit card or debit card on file to place orders with a SNAP EBT card. A different payment method (in addition to an EBT card) will be required to pay for items not eligible for SNAP purchasing or to pay for any shipping fees and taxes.

This is a statewide list.

Certified Metro Mobility customers and existing Transit Link customers can now order groceries and household essentials online from a store that has online shopping and local pick up. You can book same day or in advance, for groceries and household essentials, just like you book a ride for yourself. You’ll receive your delivery within 60 minutes of the scheduled pickup time.

HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems.

Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order suspending evictions in Minnesota as the state moves to contain the spread of COVID-19. 

Grant applications are open 9:00AM Wednesday, April 22 through 12:00PM Monday, April 27.

Hennepin County residents who have been financially harmed by COVID-19 may qualify for emergency assistance to help with rent and other housing costs. 

Look for the “City of Minneapolis Public WiFi” or “USI Wireless” networks on your mobile device and you will be connected. The process is similar to using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or the airport.

Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers.

A guide for navigating available assistance programs and eligibility requirements to find low-cost provider options.

This is where you can file some court cases online through the system. It’s a guided system that will walk you through the filing process for: harassment restraining orders, orders for protection, conciliation court, divorces, and evictions.

Starting March 23, 2020, Minnesota courts will be restricting in-person access to courthouses. 

Please visit the website to determine if your hearing is taking place and to get more information.

HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems.

This website includes a fact sheet about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, as well as legal information about other forms of paid sick time rights.

Answers from LawHelpMN to a variety of legal questions.

A directory of online AA meetings, including a list of speaker tape apps and websites.

Mental health resources and support geared toward young people.

RECLAIM works to increase access to mental health support so that queer and trans youth may reclaim their lives from oppression in all its forms. Reclaim partners with youth ages 13 – 25 who are marginalized because of their gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual orientation.

A list and map of children's mental health crisis response phone numbers in Minnesota.

Mental health resources for adults in Minnesota.

Pride Institute is committed to providing LGBTQ+ people with an inclusive and accepting place for recovery through evidence-based treatment for substance abuse, sexual health and mental health.

1-800-273-8255

Text MN to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor

Mental health crises resources from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

A queer-friendly therapy provider offering sliding scale virtual counseling.

Are you in your 20s or 30s? Have you lost someone close to COVID-19? Or is someone you love ill with COVID-19?

Get connected to a community of young adults who know what it’s like, and free one-on-one support from a volunteer grief worker.

The Recovery Village offers teletherapy appointments for mental health, including for those struggling with substance abuse. They provide access to various virtual services, including one-on-one counseling and group therapy.

Healthcare information for undocumented people, including a list of health centers and other resources by state.

MNsure is offering a special enrollment period (SEP) for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance in response to the potential growth of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. This SEP will allow uninsured individuals 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through MNsure. 

This SEP runs Monday, March 23 through Tuesday, April 21.

A nonprofit clinic committed to improving the health of LGBTQ+ individuals through affordable, respectful sexual health care and education.

A video from the Surgeon General about how to create a face covering using items you likely have at home. 

A comprehensive list of steps you can take to keep your home and frequently-touched areas clean.

The City of Minneapolis opened up space for walking, rolling and biking to support active recreation and safe access to essential businesses with Stay Healthy Streets. People should stay 6+ feet apart to stay healthy and protect their fellow community members per Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.

Resources for anxiety and your mental health in a global climate of uncertainty including free meditations, FAQs, and an ask-an-expert column.

Advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about managing your stress and anxiety.

Individuals seeking shelter in Hennepin County need to visit the Adult Shelter Connect (ASC) for an assessment and placement at one of the Minneapolis shelters. The ASC operates on behalf of the Single Adult Shelter Collaborative which is made up of the five agencies providing shelter to single individuals over age 18 in Hennepin County. The Single Adult Shelter Collaborative includes the following agencies: Catholic Charities, Our Saviour’s, St. Stephens, Salvation Army, and Simpson Housing Services.

Avenues supports youth ages 16-24 in Hennepin County with finding housing.

A website to help find housing in Minnesota.

A resource for finding shelters throughout the state. 

For emergency housing, text 612-400-7233 or call 612-377-8800.

The State of Minnesota will begin allowing bars and restaurants to open outdoor dining options on or after June 1. See below for Minneapolis-specific guidance.

Information and resources for employers and businesses in Minnesota.

A list of resources for businesses, employers, and employees by Twin Cities Quorum.

This temporary program, established in response to the 2020 public health emergency, will help Minnesota lenders provide capital to small businesses in Minnesota affected by COVID-19. 

Get information on coronavirus (COVID-19) tax relief for businesses and tax-exempt entities.

Information from USDA Rural Development to help rural residents, businesses, and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

An article about anti-Asian discrimination related to COVID-19.

An article about the importance of language with respect to how it spreads racism.

We have seen an increase in hate crimes against our Asian-American neighbors. These instances are absolutely unacceptable, and we encourage you all speak up for those who are experiencing harassment and discrimination during this time. Reports of discrimination can be made at 651-539-1133 or 1-800-657-3704, or here.

Black MN COVID-19 Response is a coalition of Black organizers and organizations, from across the state of Minnesota, putting forward a collective agenda to address the harmful impacts of COVID-19 on all our communities. Together, we are ensuring the needs and lives of Black people are at the center of the solutions. 

How a bigoted remark at the grocery store exposed how some in my community see me in the age of COVID-19.