Basic Needs

BASIC NEEDS RESOURCES

PTCC recognizes that many students experience challenges outside of the classroom that can increase or create stress and anxiety which can impact academic performance. Challenges may include, but are not limited to; not having access to food, lack of safe and stable housing, lack of childcare, family obligations, physical and mental health, unexpected bills, or lack of access to Wi-Fi and technology.

PTCC has compiled the list below to help connect students to resources and information in order to reduce challenges and allow them to focus on their educational journey.

Resources and Information

United Way 211 Resource Hub

PTCC and Minnesota State have partnered with United Way 211 to establish a statewide basic needs resource hub and free and confidential health and human services information. Text MNHELP to 898-211 (TXT211) or call 211 (toll-free at 1.800.543.7709) 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to speak with a highly trained information and referral specialist. Call menus are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Interpreters are also available for any language. Visit the 211 website to learn more or explore resources and support options available.

Find Health Insurance

Trained Navigators are available to help you enroll through MNsure for health care coverage. Everything may be done in-person, by phone, or virtual. If you do not have a phone, computer, or internet access, staff will be able to assist you.

Pregnancy Resources

Unexpected pregnancy comes with a rush of thoughts and feelings. Contact the free and confidential pregnancy center to empower yourself with the knowledge to make the best decision for you.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, they can help by providing a free pregnancy test and answers to your questions about abortion, parenting, and adoption.

Trained staff is ready to provide you with confidential help at no cost, thanks to generous community support: Call 320-629-2792

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assult Shelter Resources

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Family Pathways (Serving Pine, Kanabec and surrounding areas) This organization provides free and confidential services including a 24-hour crisis phone line, information and referral,support groups and advocacy. Call: 1-800-644-0003

Counseling services are available at PTCC, free of charge, to assist students in attaining their personal and educational goals. Set an appointment here to meet with the PTCC mental health counselor: Kevynn Schumacher. Call 320-629-4537 or email kevynn.schumacher@pine.edu.

If you are a member of the Pine Technical and Community College community and have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, dating/intimate partner or domestic violence, harassment based on gender nonconformity, stalking, cyber-stalking, or retaliation, you have options for support. https://pine.edu/title-ix/

If you feel like you are not safe and need emergency assistance, please call 911.

Legal Assistance

LawHelpMN Guide: Learn about legal issues and find free lawyers. LawHelpMN is a nonprofit focused on helping you solve family, debt, housing, work and other legal problems: find information and a lawyer.

Tax Preparation Assistance

Lakes and Pines Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been providing free tax preparation since 2006. We offer free help to prepare both federal and state tax returns for households with an annual income of $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers and people 60 and over.

Ask your Basic Needs Questions

Search any basic needs topic: Find Help by Aunt Bertha

Search Minnesota Resources by County

Search your county website to find helpful links to find jobs, income tax resources, drivers license info, voting info, etc.

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