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Home > Resources

Community Resources

Providing help when you need it most

We maintain a list of community resources to direct you toward the help you or a loved one may need. Below is a series of links to community connections related to health, wellbeing, housing, financial assistance, small business support, and other community programs for you to use or share with family or friends that need a little extra support.

Community Down Payment Assistance Fund (MMCDC)

Learn more about the Forgivable First Generation Homebuyers Community Down Payment Assistance Fund for Minnesotans.

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Community Meals & Community Closet (Focus MN)

Providing basic-needs assistance to those who come to our doors.

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Down Payment Help (NeighborWorks Home Partners)

“How much down payment do I need?” This resource from NeighborWorks Home Partners helps you find the answer for yourself!

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Downpayment & Entry Cost Assistance (ABHF)

First-time homebuyers can receive up to $45,000 of down payment and entry cost assistance to help you buy your first home and stay supported throughout your journey – with a no interest loan that is partially forgiven.

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Elections & Voting (MN Secretary of State)

Learn about voting in Minnesota! Find your polling place, learn what’s on your ballot, register to vote, and more.

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Shot of a cute little girl eating fruit salad at a table

Emergency Financial Assistance (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help provide necessary funds for well-balanced meals.

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Hand pressing indoor room thermostat to lower the temp

Energy Assistance (Xcel Energy)

Xcel energy offers energy assistance to improve your financial stability in the event of lost hours and wages.

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Find a Community Meal (Loaves & Fishes)

Find a to-go meal near you with this food resource map from Loaves & Fishes.

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Food Access Map (Second Harvest Heartland)

Friendly, free help finding food in Minnesota.

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Volunteers packing boxes at a local food bank

Food Resources (Ramsey County)

Get help and links to resources to find food or affordable food options near you.

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Food Shelf & Fresh Produce Market (Hallie Q. Brown)

The Hallie Q. Brown Food Shelf strives to assist families in achieving self-sufficiency and empowerment through providing basic needs of food and clothing.

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Food Support Programs (Neighborhood House)

At Neighborhood House our Food Support Program includes two free food markets, fresh produce distribution events, and other food support related services and assistance.

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Fresh produce distribution events (Neighborhood House)

Fresh produce distribution events are offered year-round, offering ample amounts of fresh produce to people and families in need.

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Homeownership Programs (Minnesota Housing)

Minnesota Housing offers a variety of loan programs for first-time and repeat homebuyers and a refinancing loan program to help make owning a home more affordable.

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Close-up of house keys on a wooden table

Housing Resources (Family Housing Fund)

Need housing help? Here’s a list of resources, organizations, and links to direct services provided to families and individuals in need.

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Volunteer working in a shelter

Housing Services & Support (Ramsey County)

Emergency shelter resources and services for people who are experiences homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

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Small group of people assembling donated food

Hunger Solutions

A map to find information and resources, including a food shelf list in your area.

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MN PROMISE Act Grant

MN PROMISE Act is a state-funded small business revitalization program that will provide grants and loans to disadvantaged businesses located in certain areas of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and greater-Minnesota.

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Pay-As-You-Can Cafe and Community (Shobi’s Table)

Shobi’s Table serves fresh, from-scratch, delicious and nutritious lunch to anyone and everyone who comes to our food truck. You can pay 10 cents, $10, $100, or nothing at all – this table belongs to you.

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Seniors Programs (Hallie Q. Brown)

A gathering place for seniors to enhance their independence through connection to services and activities. Learn more about Active Seniors, Magnificent Golden Agers, Retired Men’s Club. All groups are always welcoming new members.

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Kindergarten children eating lunch

Summer Meals (Saint Paul Public Schools)

Learn the schedule and location for free summer meals for kids and teens.

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Happy call center worker

Tenant Hotline (HOME Line)

HOME Line provides a hotline service for any Minnesota renter and offers free legal advice to tenants.

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Woman at a call center

United Way 211

Free and confidential health and human service support for all people in Minnesota.

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Winter Break at Your Library (SPPL)

FREE fun, hands-on learning activities for kids and teens from December 21, 2025 – January 5 2026! Available each year.

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Need more assistance?

Model Cities Community Services: 651-632-8340

info@modelcities.org

Contact us

Model Cities of St. Paul, Inc.

839 University Avenue W

Saint Paul, MN 55104

651-632-8350

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Thank you to our funders and partners

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Target Foundation
Saint Paul Public Housing Agency
Scoular Foundation
9000 Equities
Allianz Life
City of Saint Paul
FR Bigelow Foundation
Frogtown Neighborhood Association
Greater Twin Cities United Way
Hope Community
Housing Justice Center (HJC)
825 Arts
Otto Bremer Trust
Pohlad Family Foundation
Ramsey County
Richard M Schulze Family Foundation
Saint Paul Minnesota Foundation
Saint Paul Promise
NAREB Twin Cities
Rondo CLT
Butler Foundation
HUD
MN Dept of Human Services
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