We are so moved by the amount of calls & messages coming in from folks around the globe- all asking "How can I help?".  In this moment, when the needs are so great, and the will to help is so strong, we want to make sure that you are connected to organizations that we see doing amazing work here in MN, and nationally. Please take a moment to visit their websites, and if the work they do moves you, we encourage you to donate to their effort either financially or by volunteering time. 

Legal Assistance 

Minnesota American Civil Liberties Union- Working to preserve and defend our civil liberties - https://www.aclu-mn.org/

Conversations With Friends - A wonderful organization that works with folks in detainment, helping find resources for them and making sure they are connected to a person who cares about their wellbeing -  https://conversationswithfriendsmn.org/

Mid Minnesota Legal Aid - Legal aid and advocacy for low income Central Minnesotans - at the forefront of legal assistance for those locally detained by ICE - https://mylegalaid.org/

Immigrant Law Center of MN - Legal assistance for immigrants and Refugees in MN - https://www.ilcm.org/

Small Business/Workers Support 

Visit Lake Street - Offers meaninful assistance to small businesses in our area that have been impacted by closures due to threats to workers and customers - https://www.visitlakestreet.com/donate

Open For Tomorrow Fund - Direct funding for small businesses across MN impacted by closures due to threats to workers and customers - https://mainstreetalliance.org/oftfund

CTUL - Advocacy for Immigrant worker's rights and protections - https://ctul.net/

Local Organizations providing direct support to families- 

Sabathani Community Center - https://sabathani.org/

Waite House & Pillsbury United https://pillsburyunited.org/site/waite-house/

Open Arms MN - Cooks and delivers hot nutritious meals to critically ill Minnesotans and their families- https://www.openarmsmn.org/

Isuroon - Supportive services for women and families in the East African community through food, housing, mental health and more.  https://isuroon.org/

Family Partnership - Provides support to low income families in child care, mental health and more. https://www.thefamilypartnership.org/

Stand With MN Rent Support https://www.standwithminnesota.com/rent

Critical Environmental Advocacy - 

Save The Boundary Waters - Protecting Minnesota’s most valuable watershed, which is under threat as well right now -  https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/

MN Land Trust - Working to protect and restore land and water in MN for native habitats - https://mnland.org/

Food for thought

The effects of this moment are felt not just by immigrants, and not just in Minnesota. Support networks for food and housing assistance, environmental preservation, early child care and small business support are all feeling the strain. The good news is, there are many of us willing to help, and every action matters. 

These are some of the questions we’ve been asking ourselves when choosing where to direct our energy- 

• What am I naturally best at giving? For example, are you a good organizer? Perhaps volunteering at a food bank or a clothing drive is for you. Is your mobility limited but you have funds to offer? Find an organization to support financially. Are you good company? Contact a local hospital and see if you can help brighten someone’s hospital stay or volunteer to transport folks to their appointments. Are you great at writing letters? Reach out to your elected officials and make sure they know that the values you hold are important to you! Are you not sure what to do but need groceries? See if there is an immigrant owned grocery shop near you and start shopping there!  Every single contribution is a good one if it's open hearted. Steer towards action that fits with your lifestyle and what you’re best at, and you’re sure to enjoy it. 

• Feeling shy about volunteering? Chances are a friend is feeling the same. Reach out to a few and see if a buddy wants to come with you! 

• Do you know folks who work at local organizations? Chat them up and see what they might need help with. 

• What’s needed in my community? Can you see a particular need that is not being fulfilled? Perhaps you're the one to solve the problem, or can help another community member with the same concern. Start the conversation! 

• Can I be more friendly, welcoming and curious? All of us can. This is a great time to try to connect with your neighbors, even if you've known them for years! Ask them what they're concerned about these days- the answers might surprise you. If you see a neighbor you've never met- try introducing yourself. It's simple! 

If you live outside of MN, 

There are low income folks in nearly every community. Ask around about rental assistance programs in your area. Many neighborhood organizations and local municipalities have these programs and welcome support! If one doesn’t exist in your immediate area, reach out to your local representative and ask if they can connect you with one nearby. If they can’t, ask why! 

Find a food bank to support near you - https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

And THANK YOU, for helping make a better, kinder, more connected world. Near or far, we are so glad you are part of our extended family!