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Student Support and Well-being

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Student safety, health and well-being are a primary concern at M State. You might encounter challenges that impact academic performance, like 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. M State is invested in your success and ready to assist!

Sections

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.

SNAP

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.

See if you Qualify

211 Basic Needs Resource Hub

A partnership between M State, Minnesota State and United Way 211, this service provides M State students 24/7 access to free and confidential health and human services information.

Text or call to get help

Trained specialists will 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 MNHELP to 898211 (TXT211) or call 211 toll free at 1.800.543.7709 to speak with a specialist. Your call is confidential, and call menus are available in English, Spanish and Hmong. Interpreters are available for any language.

Visit the United Way 211 to learn more.

Open Arms of Minnesota

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, multiple sclerosis, end stage renal disease, congestive heart failure, and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and would benefit from food assistance, Open Arms may be able to provide you delicious, convenient, healthy meals — all free of charge.

Visit Open Arms for more information and to apply.

First Link

FirstLink is a free, confidential service offering listening and support, referrals to resources/help, and crisis intervention 24 hours a day. FirstLink answers the 211 Information & Referral Helpline, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and several contract lines providing support to other human service agencies. FirstLink provides these services across the entire state of North Dakota and parts of Minnesota. To reach support, connect with FirstLink via phone, text, or chat:

211 Information & Referral Helpline
Dial 2-1-1 or (701) 235-7335
Text zip code to 898-211

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial or text 9-8-8
Visit 988lifeline.org/chat

FirstLink offers the Care and Support Program, a program that receives referrals from hospitals and clinics across North Dakota as well as the 211 Helpline and the 988 Lifeline. The program offers resources and coping strategies, encourages mental health treatment, and provides non-judgmental listening and support. Calls are offered weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly and work around your schedule. The Care and Support Program is confidential, free, and voluntary.

Hunger Solutions

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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.