Housing & Food Assistance in the Twin Cities: How We Support Families
March 19, 2025, Charmaine Bell
At Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, we believe in the combined power of mentorship, community, and connection. Every day, we witness the strength and resilience of the families, Littles, and Bigs we serve. When challenges arise, we step up to ensure that families know where to turn for help. We are committed to walking alongside them through every challenge, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.
As we moved through 2024 together, we saw firsthand the growing difficulties Twin Cities communities faced in accessing stable housing and nutritious food. During April, June, and July, the need for housing assistance, rental support, and food resources was greater than ever. While Minnesota has taken steps to expand access to these critical resources, there are still challenges that we must face together as a community.
As the Manager of Participant Resources and a parent in the mentorship program at Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, I’ve pulled together the following resources to support any family looking for housing and/or food assistance.
Housing Assistance: Trusted Resources for Stability
While there have been efforts in the past that have provided housing support, we know that challenges remain. That’s why it’s so important that we all have trusted resources and a strong support system to help navigate these changes.
We connect participants to essential housing resources, including:
- Minnesota Housing – A state agency providing affordable housing programs and rental assistance.
- HOME Line – A tenant advocacy organization offering free legal advice for renters.
- Housing Link – A resource for finding affordable housing options in Minnesota.
- Emergency Assistance Programs – Local county programs that provide rental assistance to prevent eviction.
- United Way 211 – A 24/7 helpline offering housing, financial, and other essential services.
- Unite Us – A coordinated care network that connects families to housing and social services. A system we use internally for those participants that opt in.
These resources help people stay in their homes, find stable housing, and access financial support during difficult times.
Food Assistance: Expanding Access to Nutritious Food
We recognize that food insecurity remains a significant concern. Rising costs and increased demand have made it harder for some to put food on the table. To support food access, we connect participants with:
- Hunger Solutions – A statewide resource for food shelves and nutrition programs.
- Fare For All – A program offering affordable groceries at discounted prices.
By connecting families, mentors, and youth to these essential partners and services that address food insecurity, we help ensure reliable access to fresh, nutritious food so no one in our community has to go hungry.
Policy Changes: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities Collectively
Local and federal policies and executive orders shape how communities access resources, sometimes easing barriers and other times creating new challenges. At Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, we understand that real change doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when families, mentors, volunteers, and community partners come together to support one another. That’s why we remain committed to connecting participants to housing assistance programs, food shelves, and other critical resources—ensuring that no one has to face these obstacles alone.
We also stay informed about legislative changes, advocating for the needs of our youth and the support systems that uplift them. By engaging in these conversations, we help amplify the voices of youth and their families in our community and work toward solutions that create lasting impact.
Moving Forward: Bigger Together with Families and Communities
Every day, we witness the courage, determination, and resilience of our participants. Through mentorship, advocacy, and community support, we will continue to uplift one another. Whether it’s helping youth build confidence, guiding a family to vital resources, or standing together to push for meaningful change, we are stronger when we face challenges as one.
As we look ahead, let’s continue to foster hope, opportunity, and connection—because every child, every family, and every volunteer plays a crucial role in building a brighter tomorrow. We are in this together, and together, we are unstoppable.
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Charmaine Bell, Manager of Participant Resources (She/Her/Hers) futures@bigstwincities.org |
