211 Minnesota
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Minnesota. Dial 211 or call 800 543 7709.
Official page: 211unitedway.org
Find Help Near You in Minnesota
Free, private help lines for Minnesota, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Minnesota who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your county human services office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Hennepin County, Hennepin County Human Services at 612 348 3000 can tell you about emergency assistance programs. Ask what is open now.
Official page: 211unitedway.org, hennepin.us
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. LawHelpMN connects residents to legal aid offices across Minnesota, such as Mid Minnesota Legal Aid. Statewide legal aid intake is 877 696 6529.
Official page: lawhelpmn.org, mylegalaid.org
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps qualified households pay heating bills. Dial 211 or call 800 657 3710 to start, or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance-program
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: mn.gov/mdhr
What does Minnesota Housing offer renters?
Minnesota Housing provides housing resources across the state. Its renter pages offer tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies for a program? Check the official page below.
Official page: mnhousing.gov
How do I find my county human services office?
Dial 211, or use the county office list on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Minnesota
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Your county human services office
Every Minnesota county has a county human services office. They can tell you about emergency housing programs, cash help, SNAP and other local services.
Official page: mn.gov/dhs/about-us/contact-us/county-and-tribal-nation-offices
Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
Help paying winter home heating bills for qualified households, through local service providers.
Official page: mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance-program
Minnesota Community Action Partnership (MinnCAP)
Local community action agencies across Minnesota help with energy bills, emergency needs, job support and Head Start.
Official page: minncap.org
LawHelpMN and Mid Minnesota Legal Aid
Civil legal help for qualified residents with low incomes across Minnesota, including housing, family and benefits problems. Statewide legal aid intake: 877 696 6529.
Official page: lawhelpmn.org, mylegalaid.org/get-legal-help
Minnesota Department of Human Rights
The state office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints. You can also call 800 657 3704.
Official page: mn.gov/mdhr
Minnesota Housing
Information for renters and homeowners in Minnesota, including affordable rental homes and homebuyer programs. You can also call 800 657 3769.
Official page: mnhousing.gov
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Minneapolis.
Official page: mphaonline.org
Hennepin County Human Services
County programs for Hennepin County residents, including shelter, food, cash assistance and housing support.
Official page: hennepin.us
St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services
County office for SNAP, Medical Assistance, cash programs and other help in St. Louis County.
Official page: stlouiscountymn.gov
Justice North
Civil legal help for qualified residents with low incomes in Duluth and Northeastern Minnesota. It was called Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota. Statewide legal aid intake: 877 696 6529.
Official page: justicenorth.org/contact-us
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Rochester
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency or call 800 657 3710. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Rochester. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your county human services office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact LawHelpMN if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Minnesota
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.