With the help of its volunteers, Neighbors, Inc. will strive to reduce poverty,
promote self sufficiency, and build community.

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Emergency Services

Neighbors operates the food shelf for northern Dakota County. It is perhaps the largest and most widely known of any Neighbors’ program. The generous support of people, churches, companies and organizations of all kinds provide food for individuals and families in need of short-term assistance. Each family served through the food shelf receives sufficient food for three meals a day for a week. In 2008, we distributed 324,116 pounds of food to 10,647 people. Auxiliary food shelves are maintained at Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul and at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights.

To apply for food shelf assistance call (651) 455-1508 to schedule an appointment. A picture ID and current address verification are required. Para aplicar para asistencia, llame a (651) 455-1508, los martes o los viernes para hablar con personal hispanohablante.  

 

Emergency Grants

This program is funded by Dakota County, the Federal Emergency Management Act and out of Neighbors’ general operating dollars. These grants allow us to provide assistance to persons who qualify and who are at risk of eviction or utility shutoff. In addition, a limited number of persons who need car repairs to get to work or to deal with a crisis, or who need financial assistance dealing with a medical need such as a co-payment for necessary medicine are assisted each year. In 2008, 364 people received $58,794 in grants to alleviate the immediate need and help them regain self sufficiency.

 

Holiday Programs

 Neighbors’ "Love Your Neighbor" program is designed to help people who are financially unable to provide holiday gifts for their immediate family. The program is entirely dependent on the generosity of our donors, who provide money, new clothes, new toys and nonperishable food items. In 2008, 864 families received food and gifts.

 

 

 

 

MAC (Mothers and Children) &
NAPS (Nutritional Assistance Providing Food for Seniors)

Neighbors serves as the distribution point in northern Dakota County for these federally sponsored supplemental food programs. Based on income eligibility, persons receive a monthly food package with approximately 60 pounds of food. In 2008, 233 pregnant women, new mothers and their children received boxes of food and 1,232 boxes were distributed to eligible seniors. A total of 87,900 pounds of food were distributed in 2008.

   

The Neighbors’ Clothes Closet, sells high-quality, low-priced clothing. It is open over 40 hours a week and makes it possible for us to provide no-cost clothing to those individuals and families who are unable to pay. In 2008, 1,169 individuals received vouchers to shop for free in the Clothes Closet, valued at over $9,392. The Clothes Closet is open to the public, and income generated by the sale of clothing is used to support other Neighbors’ programs.

Furniture
Unfortunately, there is no space available at Neighbors to store furniture so we are unable to take delivery of used furniture or appliances. However, our furniture match program allows us to connect those who have furniture or appliances to donate with those in need of such items. In 2008, arrangements were made to provide persons in need with living room furniture, television sets and stereo systems, bedroom furniture, kitchen and dining room furniture and kitchen appliances.

Bakery Products
Each weekday volunteers stop by the local Cub and Rainbow stores in West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights and pick up their day-old bakery product. Volunteers also collect items from the Target store in West St. Paul twice a week. This bakery product is made available to anyone who wishes to stop in and pick up what they need on a first-come, first-served basis. Folks are just asked to record their first name so we know how many people are served per year. In 2008, around 10,000 people used this service to supplement their food supply.
 

If you are in immediate need of assistance, please call us at 651-455-1508.

Contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
 
 

Neighbors, Inc.

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