​Many Americans are one economic trauma away from facing a financial crisis like eviction, utility disconnect and foreclosure. If economic trauma such as sudden loss in income, illness, and volatile shifts in the financial markets are affecting your well-being, these resources are here to help.

Financial Assistance

• 360 Communities
• Neighbors
• Hastings Family Service

Food Supports

• Dakota County Public Assistance: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a county-run federal program that issues electronic food support benefits that can be used like a check or debit card in most food stores. The amount you receive is dependent upon your income and household expenses.  Learn more about other food resources accessible through Dakota County.
• Food Shelves and Community Meals: Find information on food shelves and free community meals in Dakota County.

Stretching Your Food Dollar

• WIC (Women, Infants & Children):  WIC provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.
• Fare for All: Low-cost food purchasing programs open to everyone.
• Minnesota Grown: Find the location and details of farmers' markets in your area. Some markets accept EBT.

• Dakota County Housing Assistance: Dakota County residents who are homeless or at risk of losing your housing may call the Housing Crisis Line at 651-554-5751.
• Home Ownership Center: Know all your options to stay out of foreclosure.
• Dakota County and Scott County Community Development Agencies: Free counseling assistance to help homeowners who are in or nearing foreclosure.
• Making Home Affordable: Federal program that helps in mortgage refinancing or loan modification. 
• HousingLink: Find affordable housing in your area.
• Office of the Minnesota Attorney General: Know your rights as a tenant or landlord. Also includes resources for settling a dispute.
• HOME Line: Free legal advice for tenants.

Utility Supports

• CAP Agency: This Agency’s Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households maintain affordable, continuous and safe home energy. Their services include bill payment assistance, home energy crisis intervention, outreach, energy advocacy, information about utility consumer rights, and referrals.
• The Salvation Army: Offers HeatShare program that provides emergency utility assistance for people with no place left to turn. Funds are typically used to pay for natural gas, oil, propane and electricity.
• Energy CENTS Coalition: Promotes affordable utility service for low and fixed income people, to ensure the basic necessity of energy to all citizens, and to encourage the participation of low and fixed income citizens in energy issues and energy related decision-making.
• Public Utilities Commission:  This agency’s Consumer Affairs Office helps resolve disputes between customers and utility companies.
• Checklist to Avoid Utility Disconnection: If you are behind in your bills, these steps may help you avoid disconnection.