In response to COVID-19 and circumstances surrounding the death of George Floyd, we have made the difficult decision to close our neighborhood centers until further notice. However, many of our programs and services are still available to the community.
Please read below for more information about our ongoing programs and services, and contact your local neighborhood center if you have any questions.
Child care
Pillsbury Early Education Center (PEEC) and our crisis nursery daycares are still operating. Short- and long-term child care services are available for essential services workers. Contact us for availability at 612-787-3648.
Employment (& Unemployment benefit) services
Adult employment services are offered via phone, email, and virtual meetings. We can also assist you with applying for unemployment benefits. Contact Raquel to make an appointment at 612-234-5067 or RaquelV@pillsburyunited.org. Services provided between 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Paid internships and industry credentialing for young adults (including the WIOA program) are also offered via phone, email, and virtual meetings. Contact Autumn to make an appointment at 612-405-4261 or AutumnM@pillsburyunited.org. Services provided between 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Food distribution
Our food shelves and produce days at Waite House and Brian Coyle Center are offering pre-packed pantry bags and fresh fruits and vegetables, while take-out meals are available at our community cafés at Waite House and Oak Park Center. Locations and hours remain the same.
Our food programs are open to all, with no income or ZIP code restrictions. First-time food shelf visitors will be asked to complete a short registration.
Click here for food shelf hours, click here for produce distribution hours, and click here for community café hours. This information is also available in Spanish, Somali, and Oromo on our Facebook page.
In Cedar Riverside, food deliveries are available for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and other high-risk groups. We are able to deliver pre-packaged pantry bags, as well as meals from select local restaurants. If you live in Cedar Riverside and need help accessing food resources, call 612-405-8905.
Full Cycle
Full Cycle Bike Shop is open by appointment only. To schedule an appointment for bicycle sales or repairs, call 612-824-7581. More info on the Full Cycle website.
Health and wellness programs
Our community health workers are working with the Minnesota Department of Health to assist in translating and disseminating vital health information, and many of our community health programs are continuing in modified form. If you are a participant in a community health program, a program facilitator will reach out to discuss next steps and ensure you are well. Contact your local neighborhood center if you have any questions.
Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Program (IWAP)
IWAP services are still available by phone, email, and virtual meeting. If you (or someone you know) are facing an unsafe situation or is at risk of domestic violence during this period of social distancing, you can call 612-876-9307 to speak with a member of our IWAP team.
KRSM Radio
KRSM’s studios are closed, and we have switched to an automated playlist temporarily. You can still listen in at 98.9 FM (in South Minneapolis) and krsmradio.org worldwide.
KRSM listeners are encouraged to call in and share a brief message to be broadcast over the air. You can leave a message at 612-208-3808. Click here for more information.
Legal Services
Though our in-person legal clinics have been temporarily suspended, you can still contact our partners at the Volunteer Lawyers Network if you are experiencing legal issues pertaining to housing/landlord, work, family, immigration, or more. Their intake line is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am-1 pm. Call 612-752-6677.
North Market
North Market is still open, and our team is taking important steps to ensure the health and safety of shoppers. We are requesting that shoppers reserve the hours of 8-9 a.m. for our neighbors who are in one or more high-risk categories (seniors, the immunocompromised, and those with other underlying conditions). Click here for more information about North Market’s response to COVID-19.
North News
North News continues to report on the impact of COVID-19 and the community’s response in North Minneapolis. Follow our continuing coverage at mynorthnews.org.
Senior programs
Many of our programs for seniors are continuing in modified form. If you are a participant in our senior programs, a program facilitator will reach out regarding next steps. Contact your local neighborhood center if you have any questions.
Urban agriculture
Preparations are well underway for this summer’s growing season. When possible, we will shift our youth agricultural education programs to a remote learning model. We are also developing new policies to ensure the safety of our staff and volunteers in the planting and upkeep of our urban agriculture sites.
Youth programs and internships
Many of our youth programs and internships are continuing remotely. Program participants and interns can expect to hear from their program facilitators with next steps.
The Chicago Avenue Project (CAP), based out of Pillsbury House + Theatre, is offering a free, seven-week playwriting course online. The course is open to all but is especially recommended for young people between 3rd-6th grade. Click here for more information about CAP online.
Our teaching artists at Pillsbury House + Theatre are also offering online crafting guides, story readings, and other activities for children and families. You can view these activities for free by visiting PHT’s YouTube channel.
In these uncertain times, we know that the challenges facing our communities have never been greater. But rest assured, Pillsbury United Communities will continue to show up.
If you are able, please consider making a contribution of any size to help us continue our efforts and support the vital needs of our friends and neighbors. Click here to donate today.