Tools for Families

For additional educational resources, please see your school's Media Center site.

Free tutoring
Free Tutoring Services from Hennepin County Library

Free homework help, online tutoring, language learning and more through the Dakota County Library.

Scholar Squad: a free skill strengthening program that provides one-on-one tutoring for PreK-8th grade learners in reading or math.

Boys & Girls Club - the two closest locations below: You can call and ask about what they offer, according to their website they have an academic success program.  

• Patrick Henry Beacon Club 4320 Newton Ave N Mpls, MN  612-668-2000
• Jerry Gamble Club 2410 Irving Ave N Mpls, MN 651-522-3636

Dual language resource
Spanish Playground

Library E-cards available
Hennepin County Library has now made library eCards available for patrons to get immediate access to downloadable ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and videos. Access to online tutors and homework help is also available. More information and an online application is available.

Physical Education
Hennepin County Public Health has compiled a quick-list of movement resources: SHIP Classroom Activity Breaks

Khan Academy Learning Plans
Grade 3 learning plan
Grade 4 learning plan
Grade 5 learning plan
Grade 6 learning plan
Grade 7 learning plan
Grade 8 learning plan
Geometry learning plan
Algebra 1 learning plan
Algebra 2 learning plan

English Learners
English Learners Success Forum

(This list was updated on 11/10/2023; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)

Food Banks and Food Resources
Find your local food bank here.

HUNGER SOLUTIONS/MINNESOTA FOOD HELPLINE: Call 1-888-711-1151 or 651-486-9860 Help Line Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Will assess the caller’s situation and provide solutions to their food needs. 

PRISM: Social service agency that helps people meet their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. Call or check the website for hours. Serves residents in Golden Valley, New Hope, Robbinsdale, Crystal, Plymouth (East of 494), 763-529-1350.

NEAR: Provides emergency food relief to residents of northern Robbinsdale, Crystal and New Hope who live between 42nd and 62nd Ave N. Call 763-533-2836 or check the website for hours.

CAPI USA: 5930 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Center. Tuesdays 1-4 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Curbside pickup available, 612-767-3691. 

CEAP: Provides food support, clothing and resource referrals. Call or check the website for hours. Serves residents in Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, East Champlin (East of Hwy 169). Visit their website or call 763-566-9600.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program):
Helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for nutritious and well balanced meals. The program provides support to help stretch your household food budget. Income requirements apply. They can be reached at 651-431-4050.

NEW HOPE CHURCH FOOD SHELF

SECOND HARVEST SNAP OUTREACH: Specialists are available for application assistance, eligibility screenings and finding resources in your community.  Use the online screening tool or call 651-209-7963. 

GROCERY DELIVERY WITH METRO MOBILITY: Certified Metro Mobility customers and existing Transit Link customers can now order groceries online and have them picked up and delivered to your home. 

WIC: is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and children up to age 5 stay healthy. WIC services are available to income eligible residents. Call the Hennepin County WIC office at 612-348-6100 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

NAPS: Program participants are given a box of highly nutritious food that may include canned fruits, vegetables and juices, milk, cheese, canned meat, peanut butter or dried beans, cereal, rice or pasta. Participants must be low-income, Minnesota residents 60 years old or older. If you think you may be eligible please call 651-484-8241 (toll free at 800-365-0270) or email naps@2harvest.org for more information. 

LOAVES & FISHES: Community Meal Sites welcome anyone in need; are housed at churches, schools and community centers; and are currently operating as takeaway service only. Call to confirm details.

• Loaves & Fishes at Brunswick United Methodist Church: 6122 North 42nd Ave, Crystal, Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Loaves & Fishes at Serenity Village Community Church: 4100 Douglas Street North, Crystal, Fridays from 5-6:30 p.m.
• Loaves & Fishes at New Bethel: 1115 30th Avenue North, Minneapolis, Monday-Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Loaves & Fishes at Brooklyn United Methodist Church: 7200 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Center, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-1 p.m.

EVERY MEAL: A number of locations throughout the Twin Cities will have Every Meal food bags available though January (while supplies last). Nearby locations include: Brookdale Library, West Metro Fire Department, New Hope YMCA and Webber Park Library. 

Fare For All: Fare For All is a pop up grocery store which sells fresh produce and frozen meat at a lower cost to families.  Available at multiple locations throughout the metro, St. Joseph Catholic Community in New Hope hosts Fare For All Events one Wednesday a month. Learn more and view the dates here.

(This list was updated on 6/23/2022; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)

Hennepin County Emergency Rent Assistance

• Apply for help paying rent and utilities at www.hennepin.us/rent-help.
• Emergency rent assistance is currently available to Hennepin County residents with unpaid rent and very low incomes.
• The deadline to apply is March 19 at noon. You can get help paying for rent and utility bills.
• Free help is available to apply in languages other than English.
• This is a targeted short-term push to meet urgent needs in our community. More help will be available to even more people as part of a statewide COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance program opening later this month.
• Rent is still due during the State of Minnesota’s evictions moratorium. You can’t be evicted for not paying rent under Governor Walz’s executive order, but this order may be lifted soon and you may be at risk of eviction if you have unpaid rent. Apply for help now.

Housing Resources
People Serving People (PPL) 614 3rd Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Phone: 612-332-4500.

Community Mediation & Restorative Services, INC. Phone: 763-561-0033 Espanol: 612-629-6058. Email: staff@cmrsmn.org. Webpage link: https://smrsmn.org/ (Foreclosure prevention and support).

Youth Services Network: 
Online resource of services for homeless youth including available shelters, drop in centers and medical care, etc. 

Youth Resource Line: 763-493-3052 - operates from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. daily - for any youth that is homeless or is at risk of homelessness. Youth can leave a message and a outreach worker will contact them to assess needs and connect youth to needed resources. 

Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County: 952-933-3052 - provides resources for renters, homeowners and those facing homelessness. 

EAP: 1-800-657-3710 - provides energy assistance to renters and homeowners who are struggling financially. 

ACER: 612-430-8678 - provides housing resources and support for tenants.

(This list was updated on 11/11/2023; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.) 

Holiday Toy Programs

• United Way 2-1-1

  United Way receives information from organizations that are providing Holiday food, toys or gifts.  Call 2-1-1, toll free at 800-543-7709 or 651-291-0211. You can also text your zip code to 898-211*.  They will search for programs within your zip code.

• Salvation Army: Registration for the 2023 Twin Cities Toy Shop is now open. Click here to register. If you are unable to register online, our Twin Cities Toy Shop hotline (651-746-3595) will be open during business hours to answer questions. Serves only children 0-14.Parents must provide proof of address, picture id, id for each child in the household (medical card, birth certificate, school ID, etc)

• New Millennium Academy - Toys for Tots, 5105 Brooklyn Blvd Brooklyn Center, MN 55429. Phone: (651)478-1089, Email: info@nmeaedu.org.

• Serves residents Hennepin and Ramsey counties, eligibility: Parents/guardians of children ages 0 – 14 years. Register online; Open now – Tuesday, November 21st. Distribution: Saturday, December 16; time slots provided after approved registration.

• ​NuWay Missionary Baptist Church – Toys for Tots, 1530 Russell Avenue North, Minneapolis. Contact (612)229 7741 or Jawhelper@yahoo.com . Open to all, registration starts Dec. 12 until full . Email to sign up.

• Shiloh Temple International Ministries - Toys for Tots, 1201 W Broadway, Minneapolis 55411. Call to register at (612)302-1463. Registration: Nov. 1 - until registration is full; call and leave message with contact information, name, address, number of children, gender and ages. Distribution information will be provided when registered.

• Q-Dac – Toys for Tots Christmas Party, North Commons Park, 1800 James Avenue North, Minneapolis 55411. Open to all, registration: Now until full; register online. Distribution: Dec. 16.

Thanksgiving Meals

• Salvation Army
  • The Harbor Light Center, 12:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 1010 Currie Ave., Minneapolis
  • Minneapolis Parkview Salvation Army, 11:30–1 p.m., 2024 Lyndale Ave N., Minneapolis

(This list was updated on 6/23/2022; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.) 

• Fraser Hope Line: Can support student social-emotional health, incorporating sensory supports into the home environment, accessing care coordination and other community resources and managing parent mental health. 612-446-4673 (612-446-HOPE), and the email address is FraserHopeLine@fraser.org.  Calls are answered live between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• The Jed Foundation: Tips for Self-Care and Managing Stress
• Crisis Text Line: The 24/7 emergency service is available if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis. Text MN to 741741
• Minnesota Warmline: Are you an adult needing support? Talk to a specialist who has firsthand experience living with a mental health condition. Call 651-288-0400 or text "Support" to 85511
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The 24/7 lifeline provides support when in distress, has prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline: Offers crisis counseling and support if you or a family member us experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990.
• Disability Hub MN provides free, statewide information, referral and assistance service to help people with disabilities, chronic illnesses and their representatives connect to community services. 
• The Tortoise and the Hare: Online storybook musical about depression.

(This list was updated on 6/23/2022; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)

Spectrum Internet: offer begins Monday 3/16/2020. If you are interested call 844-488-8395 (for K-12 and college aged individuals).

Xfinity Comcast: Xfinity is offering hotspots in out-of-home locations for free, including non-Xfinity internet customers. For more information visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Xfinity Comcast is also offering Free to two months Internet Essentials for new qualifying customers. For more information call 1-855-846-8376 or visit internetessentials.com

PC's for People: a non-profit organization that offers low cost computers and wireless hotspots. Learn more at www.pcsforpeople.org

City of Minneapolis Wifi: City of Minneapolis wireless internet is temporarily free right now. Learn more at www.minneapolismn.gov/wireless/index.htm

Update: the following carriers have eliminated data caps for mobile devices, please verify with your carrier if unsure before using a mobile device to set a wifi hotspot (Comcast, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Cox, Verizon, etc.).

Minnesota Office of Broadband Development:
- For assistance identifying broadband service options or connecting with broadband providers, please call 651-259-7610 or email Deed.broadband@state.mn.us
- K12 Connect Forward Program 

Minnesota Afterschool Advance:
Assists qualifying families with obtaining a Chromebook for 75% off to assist with accessing distance learning materials. Apply at www.mnafterschool.org/apply

allconnect:
Allows residents to view providers in their area and compare options based on their needs. Learn more at  https://www.allconnect.com/internet/cheap.

CABLETV.com:
Free and low-income internet plans for families, and students. Learn more at https://www.cabletv.com/blog/low-income-internet.

T-Mobile:
Offers students free internet for five years through a hotspot device. Families who qualify for educational benefits are eligible and do not need to be T-Mobile customers. Families can apply through the T-Mobile website.

(This list was updated on 8/17/2023; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)

CHILDCARE:

• Minnesota State Hotline for School & Childcare Phone: 651-297-1304.
• Child Care Aware of MN: 651-290-9704
• Parent Aware: 888-291-9811

TRANSPORTATION:

• Salvation Army: Bus cards and gas cards
• Transit Assistance Program (TAP): $1 dollar bus fare.
• The Lift Garage: Very low cost auto repair.

MULTI-SUPPORT AGENCIES:

• Bridge to Benefits
  By answering a few simple questions, you will be able to see if you are eligible for public work support programs. Also find the nearest food shelf by entering your zip code.
• Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County
  952-933-9639. Provides services to individuals through outreach; energy assistance programs, housing, food support, free tax assistance, legal services, employment counseling, and financial counseling. The Community Resource tab has a guide to other resources. 
• WIC (Women Infants and Children)
  612-348-6100 Hennepin County WIC office helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy. Provides nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and referrals to health and other social services. Income requirements apply.
• Low/No Cost Healthcare Information (MN Dept. of Health)
• Prism
  763-529-1350. Provides food, clothing and housing stability resources.
• United Way COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund
  800-543-7709 or 651-291-0211. Provides free and confidential health and human services resources. 
• Coalition of Asian American Leaders
  Partners with Asian Minnesotan Organizations to support vulnerable segments of our communities. In addition, you have the ability to report discrimination to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights through this site. 
• Apply MN
  This website application can connect you with state and county services to help meet your family's basic needs. Use it to apply for cash assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, child care assistance, and Emergency Assistance. Call 651-431-4000 for questions. 
• ACER
  Providing mini emergency funds for individuals, call 612-314-5586. They can also assist with completing unemployment applications, please call 612-217-0282. 

LEGAL SUPPORT:

• FormsPal provides free high-quality legal templates and information online

(This list was updated on 10/17/2023; Robbinsdale Area Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)

Joseph’s Coat: Serves All. Located atv1107 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102. Phone number is 651-291-2472. Hours: Mon/Wed 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. by appointment only.

Reach and Restore: Serves Hennepin County, by referral. Located at 4737 County Road 101, #220, Minnetonka, MN 55345. The phone number is 952-933-1393.

Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis: Serves all. Located at 333 S 12th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404. The phone number is 612-870-4416. Hours: Mondays, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. No ID needed. Numbers to enter the Free Store are handed out at 8:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Monday; and 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.  If you have an emergency, call the church office at (612)870-4416 regarding scheduling a Tuesday appointment. Provides free clothing, gifts, small appliances, with winter gear as donated.

Franciscan Brothers of Peace: Serves all. Located at 1289 Lafond Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104. The phone number is 651-646-8586. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free clothing closet with winter gear as donated.

Grace Church: Serves all. Located at 9301 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347. The phone number is 952-926-1884. Hours: 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of every month, 6-7 p.m. No appointment or proof of need required. Also offer a limited amount of diapers, some household items, and donated surplus food and pantry items. Has winter gear as donated.

NorthPoint Health & Wellness/People Incorporated/Phyllis Wheatley Community Center: Located at the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10^th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN. Provides coats, scarves, hats, gloves, and blankets on a first come, first served basis

STEP: Residents of St Louis Park Only. Located at 6812 West Lake St., St. Louis Park, MN 55426. Contact at  952-925-4899 x.1800 or info@stepslp.org. Hours: Beginning Oct through the winter months, please call for an appointment.

Closet of Hope  - Bloomington Covenant Church: Residents of Bloomington or Richfield. Located at 10150 Xerxes Avenue South, Bloomington, MN‎. Phone number is 952-831-8339. Events: Monthly; Next event October 28, at 8:30am, 9:05 a.m., 9:35 a.m. and 10:05 a.m. Registration is online and runs the 1^st-10^th of each month, or until full. Contact closetofhope2012@gmail.com for the link and to request your timeslot.  Offer in person shopping once per month.  Bring photo ID, proof of residency for all adults, and birth certificates or passports for each child. Full details here: Closet Of Hope - Free Clothing Store - Bloomington Covenant Church (bcov.org)

WeCan: Residents of far-western Hennepin County, income limits. Address is 5213 Shoreline Drive Mound, MN 55364. The phone number is 952-2472-0742. Hours: Nov. 7: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 8.: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No Pre-registration needed. Winter coat and other cold weather gear for each member of their family.

Wakota Life Center: Serves young children only. Provides winter gear for babies size 0 to 3T. The phone number is 651-457-1195.

Salvation Army: Open to kids up to 18 years old, by location. Call your local Salvation Army for details.

Salvation Army Minneapolis Central Corp (Coats for Kids): Located at 2727 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis. The phone number is 612-789-2858. Serves zip codes: 55413, 55414, 55418, 55421.

Salvation Army Noble Corp (Coats for Kids): Located at 10011 Noble Parkway, Brooklyn Park. The phone number is 763-425-0517. Serves zip codes: 55005, 55011, 55014, 55025, 55038, 55070, 55079,55092, 55303, 55304, 55311, 55316, 55323, 55327, 55340, 55341, 55357, 55369, 55373, 55374, 55416, 55421, 55422,  55426, 55427, 55428, 55429, 55430, 55432,55433, 55434, 55441, 55442, 55443, 55444, 55445, 55446, 55447, 55448, 55449, 55456, 55457, 55569, 55572

Salvation Army St. Paul Citadel (Coats for Kids): Located at 401 West 7th Street, Saint Paul. The phone number is 651-224.4316. Serves zip codes:  55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55107, 55116.

Salvation Army St. Paul Eastside Corp (Coats for Kids): Located at 1019 Payne Ave, Saint Paul. The phone  number is 651-776-8169. Available throughout season, while supplies last. Serves zip codes : 55101, 55106, 55108, 55112, 55113, 55114, 55117, 55130.

Salvation Army Lakewood Corp (Coats for Kids): Located at 2080 Woodlynn Ave, Saint Paul. The phone number is 651-779-9177. Available throughout season, while supplies last. Serves zip codes: 55001, 55003, 55005, 55011, 55012, 55013, 55016, 55025, 55032,  55038, 55042, 55043, 55045,55047, 55055, 55056, 55067, 55069, 55071, 55073, 55074, 55078, 55079, 55082, 55083, 55084,  55090, 55092, 55109, 55110, 55115, 55119,  55125, 55126, 55127 55128, 55129.

Salvation Army Parkview Corps North Minneapolis (Coats for Kids): Located at 2024 Lyndale Ave. N.,  Minneapolis. The phone number is 612-588-5863. Serves zip codes: 55401, 55402, 55403, 55405,55411, 55412,55430.

Salvation Army Temple Corps South Minneapolis (Coats for Kids): Located at 1604 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.  The phone number is  612-767-2700. Throughout the season, while supplies last, call location for details. Serves zip codes: 55111, 55305, 55315, 55323, 55331, 55343, 55344, 55345, 55346, 55347, 55355, 55356, 55359, 55361, 55364, 55375, 55384, 55387, 55388, 55391, 55404, 55405, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55414, 55415, 55416, 55417, 55419, 55420, 55423, 55424, 55425, 55426, 55431, 55435, 55436, 55437, 55438, 55439, 55440, 55450, 55451, 55452, 55453, 55454, 55455.