Help in Minnesota
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 22 places in Minnesota, most of them in Duluth, St. Paul and Minneapolis, plus 12 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (11) and leaving an abuser (11).
Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center
Duluth's domestic violence shelter and resource center. Advocates on the 24/7 crisis line arrange safe shelter and support toward independence. Address withheld for safety.
Justice North
Legal aid for northern Minnesota, formed from the merger of Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota and Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, covering Duluth and St. Louis County. Handles civil matters for low-income and vulnerable residents; apply online or through the statewide intake line.
Breaking Free
St. Paul nonprofit serving women leaving prostitution and sex trafficking, offering safety, housing, and a path out of exploitation. Call the main line to ask about services; location details are not published for safety.
PAVSA (Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault)
Duluth and St. Louis County center for survivors of sexual assault and sexual exploitation or trafficking, and the Safe Harbor navigator for northeast Minnesota. A 24-hour helpline backs up advocacy, forensic exams, legal representation, therapy, and support groups.
Day One Crisis Hotline
Minnesota's 24-hour statewide line for anyone experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, or trafficking. Advocates find open shelter beds and connect callers to the nearest member program anywhere in the state. Call or text to start.
United Way 211 Minnesota
Free, confidential referral line staffed by Community Resource Specialists who point Minnesotans to shelter, food, benefits, and health programs. Dial 211, call the toll-free number, or text your ZIP code.
MNbenefits
Online application for SNAP food assistance, cash assistance, child care assistance, emergency assistance, and Emergency General Assistance for adults without children. One form covers multiple programs and routes to your county or tribal agency.
Office of Vital Records
Issues certified Minnesota birth certificates by mail or fax; MDH itself has no walk-in counter. For same-day service, go to any county vital records office with photo ID. Mail requests need a notarized signature, or a witness can complete the Statement to Identify form if you lack ID.
Minnesota ID Card
State ID cards are issued at DVS exam stations and deputy registrar offices. Bring documents proving full name and date of birth; if you cannot, you may request a variance. Reduced-cost or free cards exist for youth experiencing homelessness.
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Free civil legal help for low-income people in 20 central Minnesota counties including Hennepin, seniors 60+ in 26 counties, and people with disabilities statewide. Cases include housing, public benefits, family, consumer, and immigration. Apply by phone or online intake.
Women's Advocates
The nation's first domestic violence shelter, in St. Paul. The crisis line connects survivors to shelter and advocacy; pop-up advocacy sessions at public libraries and community centers offer in-person help without an appointment. Shelter address is confidential.
National lines that work in Minnesota
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.