Homeless Assistance in Minnesota

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Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in Minnesota within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Minnesota residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Minnesota. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Minnesota. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Minnesota veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Minnesota residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Minnesota. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Minnesota receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Minnesota Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Minnesota locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Minnesota community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Minnesota residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Minnesota State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Minnesota for residents experiencing homelessness.

Minnesota Homeless Prevention & Rapid Rehousing

State-funded programs providing homeless prevention, rapid re-housing, and emergency shelter grants through local service providers across Minnesota.

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MFIP (Minnesota TANF)

Minnesota Family Investment Program provides cash assistance, employment services, and childcare support to eligible Minnesota families.

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Minnesota Medical Assistance

Minnesota’s Medicaid program offering coverage to low-income adults, families, children, elderly, and disabled Minnesota residents.

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Minnesota Housing Programs

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Minnesota residents.

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Minnesota Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Minnesota’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Minnesota households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Minnesota cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Minneapolis

Hennepin County CoC — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Minneapolis area residents experiencing homelessness.

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St. Paul

Ramsey County CoC — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the St. Paul area.

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Duluth

CHUM — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Duluth area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Minnesota.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds in Minnesota near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org.

No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Minnesota. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Minnesota benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.

Yes. Minnesota has strong programs for homeless veterans including:

HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
Minnesota Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Minnesota veterans

Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.

Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in Minnesota.

Apply at Minnesota’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.

Assistance by State

Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.

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