Will Heller

LEAD Minneapolis to Host Resource Fair On East Lake Street

Connect with community resources at the upcoming Resource Fair, hosted by LEAD Minneapolis!

This event is designed to bring together housing support, health services, and other valuable community resources into one welcoming space. It is open to all, and we hope to create an environment where everyone feels supported and connected.

We truly believe that everyone deserves support, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.

🗓️ Thursday, April 30th
🕐 11am – 2pm
📍 Chicago Ave and Lake Street
740 E Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55407

Click Here to learn more about Lead Minneapolis

Will Heller

2026 Women’s Night Out, Hosted by the Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project

Mark your Calendars for the 2026 Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project Women’s Night Out!

Join us for an evening of good food, traditional dancing, and more as we celebrate women’s health & wellness!

  • Massages
  • Awards Ceremony for the Sewing Class
  • Activities for Kids!

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
5pm – 7pm
Doors open at 4:30pm

Brian Coyle Center
20 15th Ave. S,
Minneapolis, MN 55454

Click Here to RSVP

Will Heller

Waite House Now Offers Legal Aid Services Over the Phone

Provided by Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid at Waite House, appointments are available in person and over the phone.

Who can get Legal Aid?

  • Low income people who live in Central Minnesota
  • Anyone aged 60+

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s services are completely confidential. We do not report the immigration status of people who contact us for advice or services.

For more information, call the Waite House front desk: 621-721-1681
Monday – Thursday, 9am – 4pm

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Ofrecido por Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, las citas están disponibles en persona y por teléfono.

¿Quiénes pueden recibir asistencia legal?

  • Personas de bajos ingresos que viven en el centro de Minnesota
  • Cualquier persona mayor de 60 años

Los servicios de Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid son completamente confidenciales. No divulgamos el estatus migratorio de las personas que nos contactan para solicitar asesoría o servicios.

Para más información, llame a la recepción: 621-721-1681
Lunes a Jueves, 9am – 4pm

Will Heller

News & Updates from Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s Community Clinics: March 2026

A graphic with the text that says "Community Clinic Updates, March 2026." The background is a stylized collage that depict Waite House and Brian Coyle Center. The Pillsbury United Communities and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Logos are included on the bottom of the graphic.

This is the first monthly letter coming out of the Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) supported legal clinics! Mid Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) partners with the Brian Coyle Center and Waite House to provide a host of free legal services to low-income and elderly clients. Each month we will share the work we are doing, some numbers, and helpful resources for the community.

Brian Coyle Center Legal Clinic

Legal Aid’s Legal Clinic at the Brian Coyle Center (420 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454) has grown to offer nearly every service that Legal Aid has to offer. Here is how that breaks down every week:

Monday and Tuesday 9 AM – 3 PM (General)

  • Guardianship
  • Divorce
  • Custody
  • Public Benefits
  • Consumer Issues
  • Criminal Expungement
  • Landlord / Tenant
  • And More!

Wednesday 9 AM – 3 PM (Housing)

  • Evictions
  • Eviction Expungements
  • Damaged or Unsafe Housing
  • Housing subsidy problems
  • Lost security deposits

Thursday 9 AM – 3 PM (Immigration)

  • Naturalization
  • Green Cards
  • Derivative Citizenship
  • Adjustment of Status
  • U/T Visa
  • VAWA

 Waite House Legal Clinic

MMLA’s immigration legal clinic at Waite House (2323 11th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404) provides much needed brief services and advice for immigration matters including: pro se asylum applications, pro se work card applications, and brief advice and consultations. It is open every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, appointments can be made with the front desk staff at Waite House, walk-ins are also welcomed.

A Story and a Lesson

Ahmed was facing a collection action, and sought our help at the Brian Coyle Center. We carefully reviewed his financial situation and saw he was receiving Medical Assistance—a “needs-based” public benefit. Fortunately for Ahmed, Minnesota exempts anyone receiving needs-based assistance from collection. We informed Ahmed of his rights and offered to help assert these exemptions. If you (or someone you know) cannot afford to pay a debt and is facing collection, come into the Brian Coyle Center Legal Clinic to see if your income is protected. You can learn more here: https://www.lawhelpmn.org/

A Look at the Numbers

In February the Brian Coyle Center Legal Clinic opened 22 new cases and closed 25 cases. During that same time, Waite House opened 7 new cases and closed 15 cases. It is normal for the Brian Coyle Clinic to have more cases each month because it is open more days a week.

Here are some graphs with each clinic’s monthly new and closed cases. New cases opened in the month are in blue. Cases closed in the month are in orange.

Will Heller

Park Avenue United Methodist Church to Host Food Giveaway

A graphic that shares information about the Park Avenue United Methodist Church Food Giveaway. The event was held on Friday, March 20th from 2:30 to 4pm.

Another fantastic opportunity to help bring some relief to our struggling neighbors! Thank you so much to Park Avenue United Methodist Church for arranging this food giveaway!

🗓️ Friday, March 20
🕐 2:30 – 4:00 PM
📍 Park Ave Church
3400 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis
Lower level, Dining Room

Additionally, their Cornerstone Thrift Store is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons and the 3rd Friday of the month. The Free Legal Clinic is open on Thursdays, 2:30 – 5:00pm and the 3rd Friday of the month.  St. Mary’s Clinic offers free healthcare services for the uninsured Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:45-4:35 PM at Park Ave Church. For eligibility and to schedule a clinic appointment, contact 651-287-7777 or [email protected].

Elizabeth Brisbin

Join WorkWell MN Day at the Capitol on Feb.12

All workforce development organization staff and stakeholders are invited to participate in advocating for employment programs and resources in person at the capitol at WorkWell MN Day at the Capitol on Feb.12.

2025 legislative priorities include 1) workforce program continuity, 2) flexibility in programming to meet job seekers’ needs, and 3) training incentives for job seekers.

The event will meet at 1 p.m. to create small groups and organize talking points before legislative visits.

  • 1 p.m. – Meet to organize, review talking points, and hear from speakers. Meet at the Veterans Service Building (across the mall from the Capitol).
  • 2– 4 p.m. – Legislative visits to House and Senate offices in small groups

Register by Feb. 5 at www.workwellmn.org/day-at-the-capitol

You can also sign up for Advocacy Training, which will take place on Feb. 5 from 12-1 p.m. The training covers policy priorities and how to hold an effective legislative visit. Join this virtual training on Wednesday, Feb 5. Register for Advocacy Training here.

For more questions, contact Deanna Gulliford at [email protected] or 612-799-2902 or go to www.WorkWellMN.org.

Elizabeth Brisbin

Severe cold warming spaces in the Twin Cities

As Minnesota continues to experience fluctuating winter temperatures from mild to frigid, Hennepin County is encouraging those in need to utilize warming spaces during the bitter cold snaps. When temperatures or wind chills reach dangerously low levels, the warming centers listed below will be open during designated hours to provide a safe refuge. All are welcome to seek shelter. For more info, call the Hennepin Shelter Hotline at 612-204-8200.

Daytime

 

Catholic Charities Opportunity Center
Walk-in at 740 E 17th St, Minneapolis
Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Services:  meals, showers, laundry, mail, computer lab,  and storage lockers

Hope Avenue Twin Cities
Walk-in at 1229 Logan Ave, Minneapolis
Open every day, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Services:  meals, showers, clothing closet, haircuts,  AA group, mats

Hennepin County Government Center
300 6th Street South Minneapolis, 612-348-3000
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding certain holidays.
*The skyway is open until 8 p.m.
No services offered

Minneapolis Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-543-8000
Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Providing indoor heated space and time-limited computer access. No services offered
All Hennepin County libraries are available as warming centers.
Visit hclib.org/locations for hours and locations.

Peace House Community
1816 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, 612-870-7263
Weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hot lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day

Steps of Strategy
1803 Bryant Avenue N, Minneapolis
Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Lunch 12:30 p.m., Dinner 9 p.m.
Case management, laundry, showers, clothing closet

Youthlink (ages 16-24 only)
41 12th Street North, Minneapolis, 612-252-1200
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Metro Transit bus routes 4, 6, 9, 12

Nighttime

 

American Indian Community Development Center (AICDC) KOLA and A3 drop-in centers
Walk-in at 1600 E 19th St, Minneapolis
Open every day, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
50 spots on a first-come, first-served basis
Services: meals, showers, hygiene supplies

Winter overnight shelter beds
Call the Hennepin Shelter Hotline at 612-204-8200 to reserve a shelter bed. During the severe cold, 85 additional shelter beds are made available.
Services: Meals, showers, hygiene supplies

 

Find clothing, food, public restrooms, and other resources at hennepin.us/waypoint.

 

Elizabeth Brisbin

Free flu & COVID-19 vaccine clinic 1-17-25

Community members are encouraged to strengthen their defenses against illnesses this winter at this free flu & COVID-19 vaccine clinic, which is made possible through a partnership with PUC and M Health Fairview! The clinic occurs on Friday, January 17, from 12-4 pm at the Brian Coyle Center, 420 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis (Community Room 1).
Flu vaccines are available for anyone ages 6 months and older; COVID-19 vaccines are available for people aged 5 or older. Interpreters will be available.
This is a free vaccine clinic; no incentives or gift cards will be provided. For more info, contact Fowzia at 612-302-3438 or Aliazar at 612-876-9326.

Elizabeth Brisbin

Make your voice heard at Pizza & Parks

Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) is hosting Pizza & Parks, a community gathering aimed at helping inform Devin Brown, community programs director, and proud Northsider, about the types of adult and family-centered activities community members would like to see and participate in at North Mississippi Regional Park.

As the philanthropic partner to the National Park Service, MPC is dedicated to more than just fundraising—the organization seeks to strengthen the community’s lasting connection to the Mississippi River.

The event occurs on January 28 at 5:30 pm, at 4900 N. Mississippi Dr., Minneapolis. For planning purposes, please RSVP. If you have any questions or cannot attend but still have suggestions, email Devin Brown directly at [email protected].

Elizabeth Brisbin

Creating Together: A free family art workshop

The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery offers this free event for children (ages 2-8) and their guardians to explore creativity, practice early development skills, and strengthen their bonds through collaborative art activities.

Guardians will gain valuable techniques to support their child’s growth, while children will have the opportunity to build confidence and express themselves through art. Led by youth programmer Sabrina Ford, this event promises a fun and enriching experience for both children and their caregivers.

The event takes place on January 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, located at 1256 N. Penn Ave., Minneapolis, fourth floor. There’s free parking on the ramp. For more info, visit maahmg.org.

Elizabeth Brisbin

Weekends at Wirth: Snowboarding lessons for youth and families

Melanin in Motion invites community members to come out and explore the joys of winter by snowboarding at Theodore Wirth Park. Every weekend from January 11 to March 1, Melanin in Motion offers accessible and affordable lessons for small groups of up to six participants.

Each lesson lasts 90 minutes, and families can join for as little as $0-$15 per child. Pay what you can, with a maximum fee of $15 per participant. Attendees who complete three lessons will earn a lift ticket for their family at Trollhaugen Ski Resort. Register now to secure your spot.

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