Spartans Basic Needs Support

M State recognizes that many students experience challenges that create stress and anxiety in their lives outside the classroom, and those challenges can impact their academic performance. Challenges can include accessing enough food to eat every day, safe and stable housing, issues with childcare, family obligations, physical and mental health, unexpected bills or issues with accessing technology.

As a student, your safety, health and well-being are our primary concerns, and we want to be able to support you in any way that we can.

This website contains information on resources on our campuses and within the communities M State serves.

This is not a complete list of current offerings and will be updated regularly to reflect changes with services, resources and support. Please contact Tyler Strand with questions or if you have a resource to include.

You are not alone, and we will navigate these challenges together.

Bridge to Benefits

Bridge to Benefits Screening Tool is a project of the Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits. By answering a few simple questions, you will be able to see if you or someone else may be eligible for public work support programs. They will NOT ask you for information that identifies you. It’s easy, confidential and free! NOTE: This screening tool does not determine eligibility. It is only a guideline. After using this screening tool, you must apply to each program to be sure you are eligible.

 

211 Basic Needs Resource Hub

211 LogoUnited Way Logo

M State and Minnesota State have partnered with United Way 211 to establish a statewide basic needs resource hub. The hub provides M State students access to basic needs resources and support available on campus and in the community via phone, text or chat, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

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It's free and confidential

United Way 211 provides free and confidential health and human services information. Trained Community Resource Specialists are available 24/7 to connect you with the resources and information you need. If you’re looking for information about services available in your community for you or a loved one, they can help. 

Text or call to get help

Text MNHELP to 898211 (TXT211) or call 211 toll free at 1.800.543.7709 to speak with a highly trained information and referral specialist. Your call is completely confidential, and they have call menus in English, Spanish and Hmong. Interpreters are also available for any language.

Learn more

Visit the 211 website to learn more or to explore resources and support that may be available. 

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Getting help with grocery purchases is easier than you think. SNAP, formerly Food Stamps, is how many Minnesotans feed themselves and their families, and the federal government recently expanded college students' access to SNAP benefits. Someone who purchases and prepares their food alone is now qualified for a SNAP benefit of up to $250 per month. Check out our SNAP page to learn more and find out if you qualify.

 

M State Resources, by campus:

DETROIT LAKES CAMPUS

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Mental health

M State counselors provide a confidential setting where you can explore personal concerns and work toward achieving a better understanding of yourself. We provide confidential individual appointments, crisis intervention, workshops and referrals to off-campus agencies and services, when necessary.

IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS AND NEED IMMEDIATE HELP, CALL 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - available 24 hours - 1.800.273.8255
CRISIS SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE BY TEXTING MN TO 741741 OR BY TEXTING YOUR ZIP CODE TO 898211.

Mental health service providers include:

Childcare resources

MAHUBE-OTWA

An Early Learning Scholarship can help pay for childcare or early child care education. For questions or to request an application, contact MAHUBE-OTWA in Wadena at 218.632.3600 or call toll free at 1.888.458.1385.

Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to help families pay for child care. MAHUBE-OTWA administers the Child Care Assistance Program in Becker, Otter Tail, Wadena and Marshall counties. To learn more, call the MAHUBE-OTWA Fergus Falls office at 1.218.739.3011 or toll free at 1.888.458.1385.

Financial assistance
Food assistance

Stop at Student Services to be directed to the campus food cupboard.

Find Help - Hunger Solutions Minnesota works to end hunger in our state. We take action to assure food security for all Minnesotans by supporting programs and agencies that provide food to those in need, advancing sound public policy, building grassroots advocacy, and informing and educating critical stakeholders about the status of hunger in Minnesota.

Becker County Food Pantry, 1308 Rossman Ave, Detroit Lakes
COVID-19 updates: Shopping allowed if masked. Otherwise, drive-up/curbside, pre-packed boxes
Tuesday, Thursday 12-3pm, 2nd Tuesday of the month 3:30-5 p.m. 218.846.0142 

Health
  • Essentia Health
  • Sanford Health
  • Health Resources
  • MAHUBE-OTWA Family Health provides confidential health and wellness services to men and women regardless of income, race, religion, age or marital status. Services include health education, reproductive health services (birth control and contraceptives), physical exams, pregnancy testing, Gardasil vaccines, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment.
Housing
Legal

Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota provides free legal help to low-income individuals in 22 northwest Minnesota counties. Call 1.800.450.8585 to see if you are eligible for services.

Technology

The Affordable Connectivity Program helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devises.

If you qualify, you can receive:

  • Up to $30/month discount on your internet service
  • Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.

Students who received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year are eligible for this program.

Transportation

Rural transportation offers dial-a-ride, low-cost options to get to campus and around the community. With a student ID, anyone can ride Becker County Transit from 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 2 pm Saturday.

To schedule a ride, call 218.847.1674 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Work and employment

CareerForce is Minnesota's career development and talent matching resource dedicated to success. The agency guides people toward rewarding careers, connects individuals to opportunities and provides valuable economic and employment development information for employers. Phone: 507.292.5152

FERGUS FALLS CAMPUS

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Mental health

M State counselors provide a confidential setting where you can explore personal concerns and work toward achieving a better understanding of yourself. We provide confidential individual appointments, crisis intervention, workshops and referrals to off-campus agencies and services, when necessary.

IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS AND NEED IMMEDIATE HELP, CALL 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - available 24 hours - 1.800.273.8255
CRISIS SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE BY TEXTING MN TO 741741 OR BY TEXTING YOUR ZIP CODE TO 898211.

Mental health service providers include:

Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, 218.321.0390

Fergus Falls Family Counseling, 218.205.1079

Lakeland Mental Health, 218.736.6987

Solutions Behavioral Healthcare, 218.998.2992

Strong Self Mental Health, 218.382.5380

Valley Christian Counseling, 701.232.6224

 

Childcare resources

MAHUBE-OTWA

An Early Learning Scholarship can help pay for childcare or early child care education. For questions or to request an application, contact MAHUBE-OTWA in Wadena at 218.632.3600 or call toll free at 1.888.458.1385.

Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to help families pay for child care. MAHUBE-OTWA administers the Child Care Assistance Program in Becker, Otter Tail, Wadena and Marshall counties. To learn more, call the MAHUBE-OTWA Fergus Falls office at 218.739.3011 or toll free at 1.888.458.1385.

 

Financial assistance
Food resources

Stop at Student Services to be directed to the campus food pantry.

Find Help - Hunger Solutions Minnesota works to end hunger in our state. We take action to assure food security for all Minnesotans by supporting programs and agencies that provide food to those in need, advancing sound public policy, building grassroots advocacy, and informing and educating critical stakeholders about the status of hunger in Minnesota.

Salvation Army Fergus Falls
622 E Vernon Ave, Fergus Falls
Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. by appointment 218.739.9692

Fergus Falls Community Food Shelf
1512 N. 1st Ave., Fergus Falls
Walk-ins only. Serves residents of Fergus Falls and surrounding area of Otter Tail County.
COVID-19 updates: drive-up/curbside, modified client choice, delivery available for residents who are home-bound
Wednesday and Friday 1-4 p.m. 218.739.2971

Health
  • Lake Region Healthcare
  • MAHUBE-OTWA Family Health provides confidential health and wellness services to men and women regardless of income, race, religion, age or marital status. Services include health education, reproductive health services (birth control and contraceptives), physical exams, pregnancy testing, Gardasil vaccines, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment.
Housing and utilities
Legal

Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota provides free legal help to low-income individuals in 22 northwest Minnesota counties. Call 1.800.450.8585 to see if you are eligible for services.

Technology

The Affordable Connectivity Program helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devises.

If you qualify, you can receive up to $30/month discount on your internet service; up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands; and/or a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer

 

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.

Students who received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year are eligible for this program.

Transportation

Otter Express

Work and employment

CareerForce is Minnesota's career development and talent matching resource dedicated to success. The agency guides people toward rewarding careers, connects individuals to opportunities and provides valuable economic and employment development information for employers. Phone: 507.292.5152

MOORHEAD CAMPUS

(Clay County, Minnesota and Cass County, North Dakota)

The M State Moorhead food shelf is located in E120. Help yourself to the items you need.

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Mental health

M State counselors provide a confidential setting where you can explore personal concerns and work toward achieving a better understanding of yourself. We provide confidential individual appointments, crisis intervention, workshops and referrals to off-campus agencies and services, when necessary.

IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS AND NEED IMMEDIATE HELP, CALL 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - available 24 hours - 1.800.273.8255
CRISIS SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE BY TEXTING MN TO 741741 OR BY TEXTING YOUR ZIP CODE TO 898211.

Mental health service providers include:

  • Lakeland Mental Health, Moorhead 218.233.7524
  • Human Service Associates, Moorhead 218.291.1658
  • Lost and Found Ministry, Moorhead 218.287.2989
  • Lutheran Social Services, Moorhead 218.233.7521
  • Lutheran Social Services, Fargo 701.235.7341
  • Prairie St. John's, Fargo 701.476.7216
  • Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, Fargo 701.293.7273
  • Solutions, Moorhead 218.2874338
  • Solutions, Fargo 701.412.2973
  • Southeast Human Service Center, Fargo 701.298.4500
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800.273.TALK (8255)
  • The Village, Moorhead 701.451.4811
  • The Village, Fargo 701.451.4900
Childcare and parenting

The Jeremiah Program provides a supportive community for single mothers pursuing a career-track college education. Through a combination of quality early childhood education, a safe and affordable place to live, and empowerment and life skills training, families find stability and a path out of poverty. Contact the Jeremiah Program at 701.793.5616 or 3104 Fiechtner Drive S, Fargo.

Financial and employment resources

Clay County Financial Assistance Programs - https://claycountymn.gov/207/Financial-Assistance-Services

MN residents - Community Action Lakes & Prairies (CAPLP) – https://caplp.org/

ND residents - Southeast North Dakota Community Action (SENDCAA) - https://www.sendcaa.org/

Rural MNCEP - https://www.rmcep.com/agency-profile/locations/p/item/7245/moorhead

ND Job Service - https://www.jobsnd.com/job-seeker/training-opportunities       

Food assistance
  • See the list of Fargo Moorhead food pantries here.
  • Dorothy Day West, 45 21st Ave E, West Fargo; 218.656.7495; Monday and Wednesday 2-4 p.m.
  • Emergency Food Pantry, 1101 4th Ave N, Fargo; 701/793.6001; see facebook page for times
  • Faith Food Ministry, 909 19th Ave N, Fargo; 701.232.6844; first and third Fridays 1:30-3 p.m.
  • KIDS Food Pantry, 725 28th St N; Fargo; 701.799.3202; Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m.
  • McMerty Food Pantry, 630 7th Ave N, Fargo; 701.235.4289; Saturdays 1-4 p.m.
  • Myrt Armstrong Recover Center, 1419 1st Ave S, Fargo; 701.478.5200; Monday through Friday 2-4 p.m.
  • New Life Center, 1902 3rd Ave N; Fargo; 701-235-4453; Lunch from noon-12:30 p.m. and dinner from 5-5:30 p.m.
  • Olivet Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 1330 University Drive S, Fargo; 701.235.6603; third Monday of each month 4:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Peace Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 1011 12th Ave N, Fargo; 701.232.7166; Tuesdays 10 a.m. -Noon, Thursdays 3-5 p.m.
  • Rural Cass County Emergency Food Pantry, 602 1st St N, Casselton; 701-347-2566; first and third Wednesday 4-6 p.m.
  • Rural Kids Development Alliance Food Pantry, Fargo; call office to order - food available by delivery only 701.639.6674
  • Salvation Army, 304 Roberts St, Fargo; 701.232.5565; Monday-Friday breakfast 8-9 am, lunch 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., dinner 5-6 p.m.
  • The Arbors at McCormick Park, 618 23rd St, Fargo; 701.429.8615; Tuesdays 3:30-5 p.m.
  • Tri City Haitian Ministry, 1419 17th St S, Fargo; 701.541.7351; Mondays 4-5 p.m.
  • YWCA Shelter of Cass-Clay, 3000 S University Drive, Fargo; 701.232.3449; Monday-Friday 2:30-4:30 p.m.; call ahead for an appointment
Health

Family Health Care is a family-oriented primary care clinic that provides medical services in a compassionate and personal setting in the Fargo Moorhead area. The clinic does not refuse care for any patient, regardless of ability to pay or insurance status. Its Access Plan has a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.

Phone: 701.271.3344

Housing and utilities

Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership in Moorhead serves as the centralized intake for all rent and utility financial assistance for Clay County for these agencies: Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership, Salvation Army and Presentation Partners in Housing. The program offers an array of supportive housing programs for individuals or households experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Phone: 1.800.452.3646

Legal
  • Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota is the only free civil legal aid provider in northwest Minnesota. Call 1.800.450.8585 to see if you are eligible for services.
  • Legal Services of North Dakota is a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to low-income and elderly North Dakotans. Help is available by calling:
    • Under age 60, call toll-free 1.800.634.5263 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 9 am and 3 pm.
    • Age 60 and over, call toll-free 1.866.621.9886 Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; and Friday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Technology

PCs for People - https://www.pcsforpeople.org/eligibility/ - Non-Profit organization that provides refurbished laptop/desktop computers at an affordable cost. Must provide photo id (please note, we DO NOT require proof of citizenship), and documentation of household income or documentation of enrollment in government assistance program under 200% of the federal poverty level or 60% of area median income.

M State Laptop loan program – Provides laptop computers on a temporary basis to help students stay connected with their course work. Students encouraged to complete the Laptop/Technology Program User agreement form by visiting - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xscRULQKq0ae9PrnSpIaf3aFu_VyVQ9Gix0vncilmsdUN1E0M0IzUUlMUE0wMDVMVlY2UEZZR0VTWSQlQCN0PWcu

The Affordable Connectivity Program helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devises.

If you qualify, you can receive up to $30/month discount on your internet service; up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands; and/or a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.

Students who received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year are eligible for this program.

Transportation

MATBUS operates Monday through Saturday in the communities of Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead and Dilworth. All M State Moorhead students ride MATBUS free with their M State student ID.

Phone: 701.241.8140

Work and employment
  • The North Dakota Department of Commerce Workforce Development Division partners with other state agencies and public sector industry to deliver specialized programs and services to help enhance the workforce in North Dakota. Phone: 701.328.5300
  • CareerForce is Minnesota's career development and talent matching resource dedicated to success. The agency guides people toward rewarding careers, connects individuals to opportunities and provides valuable economic and employment development information for employers. Phone: 507.292.5152

WADENA CAMPUS

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Mental health

M State counselors provide a confidential setting where you can explore personal concerns and work toward achieving a better understanding of yourself. We provide confidential individual appointments, crisis intervention, workshops and referrals to off-campus agencies and services, when necessary.

IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS AND NEED IMMEDIATE HELP, CALL 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - available 24 hours - 1.800.273.8255
CRISIS SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE BY TEXTING MN TO 741741 OR BY TEXTING YOUR ZIP CODE TO 898211.

Mental health service providers include:

Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota

Childcare resources

An Early Learning Scholarship can help pay for childcare or early child care education. For questions or to request an application, contact MAHUBE-OTWA in Wadena at 218.632.3600 or call toll free at 1.888.458.1385.

Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to help families pay for child care. MAHUBE-OTWA administers the Child Care Assistance Program in Becker, Otter Tail, Wadena and Marshall counties. To learn more, call the MAHUBE-OTWA Fergus Falls office at 218.739.3011 or toll free at 1.888.458.1385.

Financial assistance
Food assistance

Stop at Student Services to be directed to the campus food pantry.

Find Help - Hunger Solutions Minnesota works to end hunger in our state. We take action to assure food security for all Minnesotans by supporting programs and agencies that provide food to those in need, advancing sound public policy, building grassroots advocacy, and informing and educating critical stakeholders about the status of hunger in Minnesota.

Project Share of Wadena
205 Aldrich Ave SE, Wadena

By appointment only. Call Human Services at 218.631.7605 to make appointment. Serves residents of Bluffton, Deer Creek and Wadena.
Appointment hours Monday and Thursday 11 a.m. - noon 218.631.7605 

Health
  • Astera Health
  • MAHUBE-OTWA Family Health provides confidential health and wellness services to men and women regardless of income, race, religion, age or marital status. Services include health education, reproductive health services (birth control and contraceptives), physical exams, pregnancy testing, Gardasil vaccines, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment.
Legal

Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota provides free legal help to low-income individuals in 22 northwest Minnesota counties. Call 1.800.450.8585 to see if you are eligible for services.

Technology

The Affordable Connectivity Program helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devises.

If you qualify, you can receive up to $30/month discount on your internet service; up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands; and/or a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.

Students who received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year are eligible for this program.

Transportation

Friendly Rider Bus Service for Todd and Wadena counties

Work and employment

CareerForce is Minnesota's career development and talent matching resource dedicated to success. The agency guides people toward rewarding careers, connects individuals to opportunities and provides valuable economic and employment development information for employers. Phone: 507.292.5152

We're available to help!

M State social workers communicate with a variety of community agencies and make referrals as needed to help students get connected to resources and programs. We encourage you to reach out to the campus social workers any time to learn about the community and campus resources available to you when you choose M State. If ever in doubt about an issue, just ask! 

Tyler Strand

Tyler Strand, LGSW

218.299.6839
Available by appointment at https://bookings.minnesota.edu/tyler-strand

Lori Hinrichs

Lori Hinrichs

218.846.3687
Available by appointment at http://bookings.minnesota.edu/lori-hinrichs