Reentry and transitional housing in Minnesota

SNAP (food stamps)

Apply online, by phone or at a local benefits office in Minnesota. You can usually start the application before or right after release. Bring an ID if you have one; an interview is required.

800-657-3698 · Website (opens in new tab)

Source: USDA SNAP state directory (opens in new tab)

Free USDA food at pantries (TEFAP)

Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families runs Minnesota's TEFAP program, which supplies free USDA food to local food pantries and soup kitchens for people who meet income rules. Contact them for pantry sites near you.

651-539-7871 · Website (opens in new tab)

Source: USDA FNS TEFAP contacts (opens in new tab)

Social Services

We didn't find a statewide clothing voucher program for Minnesota. Ask your parole officer or county social services office about emergency help with clothing and other basics; programs vary by county.

Website (opens in new tab)

Source: USA.gov state directory (opens in new tab)

State ID card

Ask your case manager before release whether the prison can help you get a Minnesota ID. After release, apply at the state motor vehicle agency. You'll usually need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate), your Social Security number and proof of address.

Website (opens in new tab)

Source: USA.gov state directory (opens in new tab)

Minnesota birth certificate

CDC's directory lists Minnesota's vital records office, current fees and how to order. Order from the state where you were born.

Website (opens in new tab)

Source: CDC: Where to Write for Vital Records (opens in new tab)

Medicaid

Apply any time through HealthCare.gov or Minnesota's Medicaid agency. If you qualify, HealthCare.gov sends your information to the state. You also get a 60-day window after release to sign up for a Marketplace plan.

Website (opens in new tab)

Source: HealthCare.gov (opens in new tab)

Lifeline (federal phone/internet discount)

Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service if you're on SNAP or Medicaid or have a low income. Apply through USAC's National Verifier.

(800) 234-9473 · Website (opens in new tab)

Source: USAC Lifeline (FCC program) (opens in new tab)

American Job Centers in Minnesota

Free help with job searches, resumes, training and unemployment claims. Use the finder to see centers, phone numbers and hours near you.

Website (opens in new tab)

Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Dept. of Labor) (opens in new tab)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988, any time, for a mental health or substance use crisis.

988 · Website (opens in new tab)

Source: official (opens in new tab)

SAMHSA National Helpline

Free, confidential treatment referral, 24/7.

1-800-662-4357 · Website (opens in new tab)

Source: official (opens in new tab)

FindTreatment.gov

SAMHSA's locator for state-licensed addiction and mental health treatment near you.

Website (opens in new tab)

Source: official (opens in new tab)