COVID-19 Community Resources
Community Resources - Updated October 11, 2020
Our community is coming together to help Scott County residents in need. Select from one of the tabs below to find resources from state and local organizations, including links to important applications. If you are a community nonprofit, business, or faith-based organization wishing to offering community assistance, please contact cmadsen@co.scott.mn.us.
For additional information, please see Metro-wide resources from Carver County, Dakota County, and Hennepin County.
Looking for work? (October 11, 2020)
Get hired faster and easier! A special six-week series for Scott County residents. Are you unemployed, underemployed, or worried about a future lay-off? This series is for you! Job hunting is hard. Scott County is here for you. In response to the challenges of today, we’ve partnered with Cat Breet and ARBEZ to bring you this special offer:
LIVE WEBINAR SERIES
Sign up for one or all six of the webinars plus her $499 online course – for free!
10/14: Four Biggest Barriers to Success & How to avoid them
10/21: Transferrable Skills: Target Jobs + Resumes that Work
10/28: Get Past the Gatekeepers! Online Applications & Recruiters
11/04: Video interviews: How to prep, show up & follow up
11/11: Money: Get a better offer & Negotiate for what you want!
11/18: Ageism & other ugly stuff: The truth & what to do about it
STEP by STEP JOB SEARCH SUCCESS | 24/7 ANSWERS & INSPIRATION
Series begins Wednesday October 14 at 3:00 PM
Doors are open from 10/2 – 11/18. Sign up for one or all.
Learn more and save your spot now! https://www.arbez.com/scottcounty
P.S. Don’t forget to spread the word! Invite your Scott County friends & neighbors.
About the speaker and course creator:
A 22-year recruiting & gig economy/consulting pro, Cat Breet (Catherine Byers Breet – ARBEZ) has been getting people hired – fast! – since 1997. Since launching ARBEZ in 2006, she’s helped over 167,000 people get more money, freedom & fun out of work. She is a best-selling author, highly-sought international speaker + creator of the Get Hired Faster & Easier online course and the Ultimate Consulting Coaching Program online. She’s reviewed over 50,000 resumes, and hired hundreds for some of the biggest brand on the planet. Active in the Twin Cities community, she is a founding member of the Easter Job Transitions Group in Eagan and is a frequent guest with the media. Let her give YOU the tools, confidence & inspiration you need to make your dreams a reality!
Check out the entire course flyer at https://www.scottcountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14529/Scott-County-Get-hired-Faster-with-Cat-Breet-6-Week-Webinar-Course-Series-Details.
CARES funding available for qualifying renters, homeowners (September 30, 2020)
Do you know of any homeowners or renters in your community who could use some financial help due to the COVID-19 crisis? Scott County, the Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA), and CAP Agency know that people throughout our community are financially hurting. Virtually every sector of the American economy is reeling from the continued fallout from the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, not the least of which are those who matter most to us: Our residents. People should not have to choose between food and a place to sleep, between critically needed medication and a roof over their heads.
As such, to help ease these financial burdens, the Scott County Board of Commissioners has allocated federal CARES Act funding dollars to support local homeowners and renters that have experienced financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board has targeted $2.95 million to housing assistance for mortgage and rental support to Scott County residents that have experienced financial hardship do the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent foreclosures and evictions.
Renters
The rental assistance program is specifically targeted to renters earning up to $118,900 annually who have become delinquent on their rent after March 1, 2020 due to pandemic-related job loss or reduced work hours and wages. More details, including eligibility criteria and other program guidelines, can be found at https://www.scottcountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14453/Scott-County-CARES---COVID-Rental-Assistance-Guidelines-.
Homeowners
The mortgage assistance program will specifically target homeowners with an annual income up to $118,900 who have become delinquent on their mortgage, HOA dues or manufactured home lot rent after March 1, 2020 due to job loss or reduced work hours and wages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. More details, including eligibility criteria and other program guidelines, can be found at https://www.scottcountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14452/Scott-County-CARES---COVID-Mortgage-Assistance-Guidelines.
While the deadline to apply for either/both of these grants is November 15, 2020, don’t delay! Eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, as funding for the program is limited and may be subject to a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit https://scott-cares.paperform.co/ to access the application.
- Learn about COVID-19
- Addiction & Substance Abuse Recovery Support
- Child Care
- Donations
- Economic Assistance
- Employment
- Family Activities
- Food Access
- Healthcare & Mental Health
- Housing
- Internet Access
- Masks & Protective Equipment
- Transportation
- Volunteer Opportunities
What to Do if You Feel Sick / Lo que debe hacer en caso de enfermarse
If you feel sick, please follow these guidelines.
- MDH COVID-19 Hotlines (Interpreters available)
- CDC Guide - What to Do if You Are Sick (in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean)
- CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker can help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. This tool is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or other conditions, including COVID-19.
- CDC Guide - 10 Ways to Manage Respiratory Symptoms at Home
Public Information Sources about COVID-19
- Governor Walz’s Official COVID-19 in Minnesota site. Provides latest data on ventilators, ICU beds, PPE and testing.
- MN Dept. of Health (MDH) Situation Update - Updated daily at 11:00AM by MDH.
- U-MN CIDRAP
- Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Situation Summary
Make a Plan, Minnesota
How to Stay Healthy and Safe
Addiction & Substance Abuse Recovery Support
Child Care Resources
- List of childcare providers for emergency workers
- MN.gov - Child Care for Critical Sectors
- For best practices regarding COVID-19, see the Summary of COVID-19 Guidance for Child Care Settings from the MN Dept. of Health.
- Scott County HHS Guide: What You Need to Know
- Scott County Licensed Family Child Care Association
- Family Activity Ideas
- Sesame Street in Communities: Activities for children, as well as free professional development
- To apply for Child Care Assistance, use the MN DHS electronic application.
- Your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may have other helpful resources.
CAP Agency
The Scott-Carver-Dakota CAP Agency is seeking donations of hand sanitizer, toilet paper, diapers, and wipes for the families in our community they serve. They are especially in need of hand sanitizer to provide to their volunteer drivers when delivering meals to seniors.
CAP is also asking for donations of emergency kits for local families in need. These bags would include the following items: dish soap, tissues/Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels. Other item suggestions: coloring books, puzzle books, puzzles, blank greeting cards/notecards, gift cards for grocery stores or pharmacies.
Donations can be dropped off at CAP Agency (712 Canterbury Rd South, Shakopee). The donation door is open Monday-Friday from 8 AM - 3:30 PM. Note: The Thrift Shop is currently closed, so they are not accepting Thrift Shop donations at this time. Visit the CAP Agency’s website here.
Food Shelf Donations
Click here to see a list of local food shelves operating in Scott County, their needs, and donation instructions.
Cash and Emergency Assistance
- To apply for Cash or Emergency Assistance, use the electronic application from the MN Dept. of Human Services.
Energy Assistance Program
Looking for work?
Get hired faster and easier! A special six-week series for Scott County residents. Are you unemployed, underemployed, or worried about a future lay-off? This series is for you! Job hunting is hard. Scott County is here for you. In response to the challenges of today, we’ve partnered with Cat Breet and ARBEZ to bring you this special offer:
LIVE WEBINAR SERIES
Sign up for one or all six of the webinars plus her $499 online course – for FREE!
10/14: Four Biggest Barriers to Success & How to avoid them
10/21: Transferrable Skills: Target Jobs + Resumes that Work
10/28: Get Past the Gatekeepers! Online Applications & Recruiters
11/04: Video interviews: How to prep, show up & follow up
11/11: Money: Get a better offer & Negotiate for what you want!
11/18 : Ageism & other ugly stuff: The truth & what to do about it
STEP by STEP JOB SEARCH SUCCESS | 24/7 ANSWERS & INSPIRATION
Series begins Wednesday October 14 at 3:00 PM
Doors are open from 10/2 – 11/18. Sign up for one or all.
Learn more and save your spot now! https://www.arbez.com/scottcounty
P.S. Don’t forget to spread the word! Invite your Scott County friends & neighbors.
About the speaker and course creator:
A 22-year recruiting & gig economy/consulting pro, Cat Breet (Catherine Byers Breet – ARBEZ) has been getting people hired – fast! – since 1997. Since launching ARBEZ in 2006, she’s helped over 167,000 people get more money, freedom & fun out of work. She is a best-selling author, highly-sought international speaker + creator of the Get Hired Faster & Easier online course and the Ultimate Consulting Coaching Program online. She’s reviewed over 50,000 resumes, and hired hundreds for some of the biggest brand on the planet. Active in the Twin Cities community, she is a founding member of the Easter Job Transitions Group in Eagan and is a frequent guest with the media. Let her give YOU the tools, confidence & inspiration you need to make your dreams a reality!
Check out the entire course flyer at https://www.scottcountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14529/Scott-County-Get-hired-Faster-with-Cat-Breet-6-Week-Webinar-Course-Series-Details.
Unemployment
If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment benefits.
- Apply for Unemployment in Minnesota
- MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development:
- Information for Workers
- Information for Employers and Small Businesses (small business loans, sales tax, and more)
- Veteran’s Services
- Please know that your Scott County Veteran Service Office is ready to help and respond to your needs via telephone – contact them at (952) 496-8176, Monday through Friday, any time between 8 AM and 4:30 PM, and they will do everything they can to make sure you get what you need. You were there for all of us in our time of need, and we’ll be here for you when you need us.
- Employment and Training Service Changes, effective August 4, 2020
The Career Lab is open on a limited basis, by appointment only. Current hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30 AM -12:30 PM. Please call the Career Lab Help Desk at 952-496-8310 to schedule an appointment. Appointments must be scheduled at least one day in advance.
All onsite hiring events and workshops are currently suspended. To view a list of virtual hiring events and workshops, go to CareerForcemn.com. We will continue to work during this time and all appointments and orientations will be done over the phone. All paperwork will be processed per usual and as it is received. You can drop off paperwork in our secure 24-hour drop off box located right outside our main office door at 752 Canterbury Road South in Shakopee. Items in the drop off box will be collected every hour during our normal business hours.
You can also use our fax at 952-496-8675 . If you call your Employment Counselor direct or call 952-496-8310, please leave your full name, case number (if applicable), and a detailed message. All calls will be returned within 24-48 hours. Thank you for your patience during this time.
Scott County Employment and Training is a division of Health and Human Services Department and a Dakota/Scott CareerForce partner.
Are you unemployed or underemployed? Are you looking to update your current skill set? You can complete and return a Contact Record to our office and call us to discuss your options at 952-496-8310.
Family Activities
- Sesame Street in Communities: Activities for children, as well as free professional development
- CDC Recommendations: Protect Yourself While Visiting Parks & Playgrounds (Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese)
- Check the Parks tab on our COVID-19 Response page to see the status of Scott County regional parks and city playgrounds.
Family Mental Health
- Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 (Available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other languages.
- Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect in Scott County: During this time of isolation, friends, family members and neighbors need to actively engage in preventing child abuse and neglect. Learn how to recognize the signs.
Scott County Restaurant Openings and Services
- Scott County Restaurant Updates
- Restaurant Openings (updates daily at noon)
WIC & SNAP
- CAP Agency - WIC: Scott & Carver CAP Agency WIC staff are taking calls, doing certification appointments over the phone, and issuing benefits as usual electronically.
- The food shelf continues to operate with a curbside model to administer boxes of food.
- For questions about WIC services, contact CAP Agency.
- To apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), use the MN DHS electronic application.
Food Access Locations
- Fresh Food Distribution at the River Valley YMCA in Prior Lake
- Scott County COVID19 Food Resources
- Scott County COVID19 Recursos Alimenticios (Espanol)
- Food Resources for Families (MDH)
- Scott Carver Dakota CAP Agency - Food Shelf
- Belle Plaine Area Food Shelf
- Elko New Market Hope for the Community
- Peace Center Food Shelf of New Prague
- Resources for groceries and essential supplies
- Children’s Dental Services: Available to serve any patient with urgent care needs during this time, whether or not it is a current patient of record, and regardless of age. Given the lack of access to urgent and emergency services, CDS providers will serve anyone from birth to 100+. If you know of a patient with active caries/cavities, pain, swelling or any other urgent care need, please have them call (612) 746-1530 or (866) 543-6009.
Health Coverage
- Apply for MNSure Coverage
- Need help navigating the system? Portico Healthnet continues to help clients apply for and renew coverage through MNSure. They are serving clients by phone appointment only. Individuals who were recently laid off or lost income will be newly eligible for MA and MinnesotaCare. Contact Portico at 651-489-2273 (CARE) or visit their website for more info. Help available in English, Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, and Hmong.
- Virtuwell Online Diagnosis and Treatment: Online nurse practitioner provides diagnosis, treatment plan, and prescription in about an hour. Cost is $49 by credit card, or your co-pay. Available 24/7. JavaScript must be enabled on your computer.
- DrSays Online Clinic: Online (audio or video) physician for consultation, prescription refills, and treatment. $35 flat fee. Labs available, some prior to consultation. Hours of availability vary and are limited.
- River Valley Health Services: Free nursing assessment/consultation for the uninsured or underinsured via phone. Spanish interpreters available. Free. See website for staff contact information.
- Shakopee CVS Minute Clinic: Located at 4050 Dean Lakes Blvd, Shakopee. Low-cost care provided by nurse practitioner. See website for conditions they treat and costs. No COVID testing available.
- Resources for groceries and other essential supplies
- Federally Qualified Health Care Facilities: The following neighborhood clinics in the metro area are taking new clients. Most use a sliding fee scale. They will NOT see suspected COVID patients.
Southside Community Clinic - 324 East 35th St, Minneapolis, 55408. Phone: (612) 827-7181
Westside Community Health Services (La Clinica) - 153 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul. Phone: (651) 602-0676
CARES funding available for qualifying renters, homeowners (September 30, 2020)
Do you know of any homeowners or renters in your community who could use some financial help due to the COVID-19 crisis?Scott County, the Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA), and CAP Agency know that people throughout our community are financially hurting. Virtually every sector of the American economy is reeling from the continued fallout from the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, not the least of which are those who matter most to us: Our residents. People should not have to choose between food and a place to sleep, between critically needed medication and a roof over their heads.
As such, to help ease these financial burdens, the Scott County Board of Commissioners has allocated federal CARES Act funding dollars to support local homeowners and renters that have experienced financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board has targeted $2.95 million to housing assistance for mortgage and rental support to Scott County residents that have experienced financial hardship do the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent foreclosures and evictions.
Renters
The rental assistance program is specifically targeted to renters earning up to $118,900 annually who have become delinquent on their rent after March 1, 2020 due to pandemic-related job loss or reduced work hours and wages. More details, including eligibility criteria and other program guidelines, can be found at https://www.scottcountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14453/Scott-County-CARES---COVID-Rental-Assistance-Guidelines-.
Homeowners
The mortgage assistance program will specifically target homeowners with an annual income up to $118,900 who have become delinquent on their mortgage, HOA dues or manufactured home lot rent after March 1, 2020 due to job loss or reduced work hours and wages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. More details, including eligibility criteria and other program guidelines, can be found at https://www.scottcountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14452/Scott-County-CARES---COVID-Mortgage-Assistance-Guidelines.
While the deadline to apply for either/both of these grants is November 15, 2020, don’t delay! Eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, as funding for the program is limited and may be subject to a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit https://scott-cares.paperform.co/ to access the application.
The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program is now accepting applications (August 24, 2020)
Recently, the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) officially launched and is open for applications. This program was created from the $100 million Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the Walz-Flanagan administration to help avoid evictions, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners. Local administrators will review applications from individuals and families requesting assistance, verify eligibility, and process payments for eligible expenses on behalf of households.
Scott County has also invested a portion of its CARES Act funding towards these purposes, and will be working in conjunction with local CHAP Administrators to provide direct assistance opportunities to households that don't otherwise meet the criteria for CHAP.
There are three ways to connect with CHAP:
1. Call 211 or toll free at 1-800-543-7709 or 651-291-0211 (from cell phones)
2. Online at www.211unitedway.org
3. Text “MNRENT” or “MNHOME” to 898-211
There will be multilingual staff available to answer questions about CHAP (8 AM – 8 PM, Monday through Friday).
This application is available in Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. To access this app in one of these languages, contact 211 for assistance (Call: 211 or 651.291-0211 Toll Free: 800.543-7709).
• Daim ntawv kuj muaj yam siv lus Hmoob, Somali thiab Mev. Yog xav siv daim ntawv no yam siv ib hom ntawm cov lus no, hu rau 211 rau txoj kev pab (Hu: 211 los yog 651.291-0211 Hu Dawb: 800.543-7709).
• Foomkan waxaa la heli karaa isagoo ah afafka Hmoonga, Soomaaliga iyo Isbaanishka. Si aad u hesho foomkan isagoo mid afafkaas ah ku qoran, kala xiriir 211 gargaarid (Wac: 211 ama 651.291-0211 Khadka lacag la'aanta ah: 800.543-7709).
• Este formulario está disponible en hmong, somalí y español. Para acceder a este formulario en uno de esos idiomas, llame al 211 para obtener asistencia (Llame al: 211 o 651.291-0211 llame gratis al: 800.543-7709).
Help for Homeowners
The CDA provides foreclosure counseling to homeowners struggling with their mortgage.
Information for Renters & Landlords
Emergency Housing
- Scott Carver Dakota CAP Agency: For those currently experiencing homelessness, or need to discuss resources to retain your current housing.
- Beacon Families Moving Forward: For families with children under 18 who need shelter immediately
- Youth Services Network: For transitional-aged adult (over 18) and youth-specific homeless-dedicated & housing resources.
Internet Access
- Until further notice, all Comcast Xfinity WiFi Public Hotspots are now open to everyone on the “xfinitywifi” network. Public hotspots can be found in small/medium businesses and outdoors in commercial areas. Visit the Xfinity Find-a-Hotspot home page to see a map of locations and learn more.
- You may connect a mobile device to the public WiFi in Scott County Library parking lots as it is available. Click here to see Library locations and hours.
Centers for Disease Control Recommendation - Cloth Face Coverings
Wearing a cloth face covering helps protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms. We recommend the following resources from the CDC:
- CDC - Cloth Face Coverings Frequently Asked Questions
- CDC - Do-It-Yourself Cloth Face Coverings Guide | Guía en Español - Cómo usar cubiertas (tapabocas) de tela para la cara
Donations of Personal Protective Equipment
Scott County sincerely thanks everyone who has expressed their wish to donate PPE (personal protective equipment), and we’ll gratefully accept any unused, sealed donations. We have set up a secure drop box in the entry of the Law Enforcement Center (301 Fuller St S, Shakopee), right next to the “Take It To The Box” receptacle for these donations.
At this time, Scott County cannot accept unsealed, used, or hand-sewn donations, including handcrafted masks. However, Allina Health is accepting such donations.
Again, thank you all for your selfless and thoughtful contributions. With your help, we’ll get through this difficult time together.
Transportation - SmartLink/TransitLink
- Door to Door bus service is still operating. At this time, there is availability on the buses.
- We will also do pick-ups and deliveries of food and goods, if available. Visit the Smartlink/TransitLink page for more information about engaging this service.
Metropolitan Council
- Metro Mobility is providing free door-to-door service from home to work and work to home for any person who works at a healthcare facility, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here to schedule a trip.
Scott County Volunteers
Scott County is coordinating with partners county-wide to help residents safely support each other and ensure needs are met. We seek volunteers willing to do the following:
- Make phone calls to isolated residents.
- Drive food from food shelves to families, or help at food shelves to package food.
- Shop for and deliver groceries to residents with transportation needs.
- Sew masks and deliver to areas in Scott County.
More opportunities are posted at www.scottvolunteers.com. Sign up and choose areas where you’d like to help. Our Volunteer Coordinator will match you to requests that come to the County, or with requests from cities and areas throughout the County.
Jordan Errands to Reduce Risk Program
- The City of Jordan is coordinating a volunteer program intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among Jordan residents that are at higher risk (including the elderly or immunocompromised) by connecting them with volunteers that are willing to run errands in their stead. Click here to learn more.
Allina Health
- Support Allina Health workers through the Caring for Caregivers program.