Spartans Basic Needs Support
M State recognizes that you may experience challenges that create stress and anxiety in your life outside the classroom and might impact 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 M State social workers Tyler Strand or Lori Hinrichs 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
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.
- 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 call menus are available in English, Spanish and Hmong. Interpreters are also available for any language.
- Learn more
Visit the United Way 211 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, also known as 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 SNAP to learn more and find out if you qualify.
OPEN ARMS of Minnesota (Food Assistance)
Open Arms of Minnesota is a nonprofit that prepares and delivers nutritious meals to Minnesota residents living with life-threatening illnesses. If you’re living with HIV/AIDS, Cancer, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), and/or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and would benefit from food assistance, Open Arms may be able to provide you delicious, convenient, healthy meals — all free of charge. Check out Open Arms for more information and to apply!
M State Resources by campus
Detroit Lakes Campus
- 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
Parent Aware - Offering free tools and resources to help families find the quality child care and early education programs their children need to succeed in school and life.
MAHUBE-OTWA helps students reach their full potential.
An Early Learning Scholarship can help pay for childcare or early childcare 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 childcare. 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
- MAHUBE-OTWA helps students reach their full potential.
- Becker County Social Services financial support programs
- 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
PCs for People - A nonprofit that sells refurbished laptop/desktop computers to households in need. See if you're eligible and apply at PCs for People.
M State Laptop loan program
Provides laptop computers on a temporary basis to help students stay connected with their course work. Students are encouraged to complete the M State Laptop/Technology Program User Agreement.
- 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 Minnesota residents toward rewarding careers, connects individuals to opportunities and provides valuable economic and employment development information for employers. Phone: 507.292.5152
NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOLING? The Work Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is available in Minnesota and may be able to help pay for things like tuition, books, fees, and equipment needed for your program. Call 218.846.7377 and ask to speak with a WIOA advisor today!
Fergus Falls Campus
- 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
Parent Aware - Offering free tools and resources to help families find the quality childcare and early education programs their children need to succeed in school and life.
An Early Learning Scholarship can help pay for childcare or early childcare 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 childcare. 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
- MAHUBE-OTWA supports students in their efforts to reach their full potential.
- Otter Tail County Social Services
- 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 218.739.9692Fergus 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
PCs for People - A Non-Profit that sells refurbished laptop/desktop computers to households in need. Students can learn more about eligibility requirements and steps to apply by clicking here.
M State Laptop loan program
Provides laptop computers on a temporary basis to help students stay connected with their course work. Students are encouraged to complete the M State Laptop/Technology Program User Agreement.
- Transportation
- 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
NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOLING? Work Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is available in Minnesota and may be able to help pay for things like tuition, books, fees, and equipment needed for your program. Call 218.739.7560 and ask to speak with a WIOA advisor today!
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.
- 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. Meet the M State Counselors.
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 Resources
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.
Childcare Aware (ND Residents) - Child Care Aware® of North Dakota is an information hub for childcare providers and offers parents customized referrals to licensed childcare options. We work to build the capacity of childcare in North Dakota and ensure that children have the opportunity to play and learn in a safe and healthy environment.
Parent Aware - Offering free tools and resources to help families find the quality childcare and early education programs their children need to succeed in school and life.
Post Secondary Childcare Assistance MN - helps low-income students, who live in Minnesota and have young children, pay for childcare while the student attends classes. Contact M State Financial Aid department to learn more.
- Financial and employment resources
- MN Residents - Clay County Financial Assistance Programs
- ND Residents - Cass County Financial Assistance Programs
- MN residents - Community Action Lakes & Prairies (CAPLP)
- ND residents - Southeast North Dakota Community Action (SENDCAA)
- Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program - NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOLING? Work Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is available in Minnesota and may be able to help pay for things like tuition, books, fees, and equipment needed for your program. Call 218.287.5060 and ask to speak with a WIOA advisor today!
- ND Job Service - NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOLING? Work Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is available in North Dakota and may be able to help pay for things like tuition, books, fees, and equipment needed for your program. Call 701.239.7300 and ask to speak with a WIOA advisor today!
- Food assistance
See a list of Fargo Moorhead food pantries at Great Plains Food Bank Partner Food Pantries. Please note days and times of locations may be subject to change. Holidays may also impact hours of operation:
- 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 their 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
Community Health Services INC (CHSI) - is a network of federally qualified health centers in Minnesota and North Dakota, including clinics in Moorhead, Rochester, Willmar, and Grafton and a victim advocacy services office in Crookston. Community Health Service Inc. provides quality, comprehensive health care at an affordable price — accepting Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and sliding fee payments.
- 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 people 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 nonprofit 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 - A Non-Profit that sells refurbished laptop/desktop computers to households in need. Students can learn more about eligibility requirements and steps to apply by clicking here.
M State Laptop loan program
Provides laptop computers on a temporary basis to help students stay connected with their course work. Students are encouraged to complete the M State Laptop/Technology Program User Agreement.
- 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
ELLIS Transit LLC - is based in the Fargo-Moorhead area but is also available for travel outside of this region upon request. Schedule with your trusted private car service for ALL and let us make your journey comfortable and stress-free! Visit Ride With the Ellis to schedule.
Doyle Cab - Services the entire Fargo, North Dakota Metro and surrounding areas and have a very fast response time once your ride is booked. Visit Doyles Cab Web Booker to schedule.
- Work and employment
CareerForce is Minnesota's career development and talent matching resource dedicated to success. The agency guides Minnesota residents toward rewarding careers, connects individuals to opportunities and provides valuable economic and employment development information for employers. Phone: 507.292.5152
NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOLING? Work Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is available in Minnesota and may be able to help pay for things like tuition, books, fees, and equipment needed for your program. Call 218.287.5060 and ask to speak with a WIOA advisor today!
ND Job Service is North Dakota's career development and talent matching resource dedicated to success. This agency guides North Dakota residents toward careers, connects individuals to opportunities and provides valuable economic and employment development information for employers. Phone - 701.239.7300.
NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOLING? Work Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is available in North Dakota and may be able to help pay for things like tuition, books, fees, and equipment needed for your program. Call 701.239.7300 and ask to speak with a WIOA advisor today!
- 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
Wadena Campus
- 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. Meet the M State counselors.
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
Parent Aware - Offering free tools and resources to help families find the quality child care and early education programs their children need to succeed in school and life.
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.
Post Secondary Childcare Assistance MN - helps low income students, who live in Minnesota and have young children, pay for child care while the student attends classes. Contact M State Financial Aid department to learn more.
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
NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOLING? Work Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is available in Minnesota and may be able to help pay for things like tuition, books, fees, and equipment needed for your program. Call 218-631-7660 and ask to speak with a WIOA advisor today!
- 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, WadenaBy 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
PCs for People - A nonprofit that sells refurbished laptop/desktop computers to households in need. Learn more about eligibility requirements and steps to apply at PCs for People - Are You Eligible.
M State Laptop loan program
Provides laptop computers on a temporary basis to help students stay connected with their course work. Students are encouraged to complete the M State Laptop/Technology Program User Agreement.
- Transportation
- 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
NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR SCHOOLING? Work Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is available in Minnesota and may be able to help pay for things like tuition, books, fees, and equipment needed for your program. Call 218-631-7660 and ask to speak with a WIOA advisor today!
M State social workers can help!
M State social workers can connect you with community agencies, resources and programs. Reach out to your campus social worker any time to learn about all the ways M State can support you. If ever in doubt about an issue, just ask!
