COVID-19 Resources for military members and families
Financial Resources
We Care for America Foundation COVID Financial Relief. Grant funds are available to current and former members of the National Guard, enlisted or officer, who demonstrate the loss of their primary income or employment, or a financial emergency directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attached is the formal announcement for and application of a resource available to assist National Guard Soldiers/Airmen who have a financial emergency due to COVID-19.
MDVA COVID relief grant. On March 26, 2020, the Minnesota State Legislature voted to fund a special appropriation to assist Veterans who may be financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 Specific Programs have been activated specifically in response to mitigate the economic effects COVID-19 is having on our Veterans and their families. These programs can close at any time without notice due to the exhaustion of approved funding. All of the grants are awarded on a first come, first serve basis, and the amount of grants awarded is limited to the length of existing funding. Visit https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/?id=1066-425565 for more information and to apply.
Army Emergency Relief - For Active, Retired and Reserve Army and Families. No interest loans and grants for emergency financial aid and scholarships. NOW ACCEPTING NON-ACTIVATED GUARD AND RESERVE EXPERIENCING HARDSHIP DUE TO CANCELLED DEPLOYMENT ORDER OR TRAVEL BAN.
Minnesota Unemployment - Available to assist those who have been laid off, had reduced hours, or have had their employment otherwise impacted due to COVID-19.
Minnesota Military Family Foundation - Offers service members emergency financial grants.
Mortgage and Auto Payment Help - Many lenders are working with those that are impacted to help them with their monthly mortgage and auto payments. Please call your creditor if you are unable to make your payment due to loss of hours due to COVID-19. The President has ordered foreclosures and evictions to cease for 60 days across the U.S. and the Governor has suspended all evictions in the state.
USA Cares - For Post 9/11 service members, veterans and families. Emergency expenses and immediate bills.
Small Business Assistance Loans - MN small businesses are now eligible for SBA disaster loans.
The Salvation Army - Social services offices will remain open to provide emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and transportation, as resources allow. Emergency assistance is offered by appointment only.
IRS and MN Coronavirus Tax Relief - Taxpayers, businesses and others affected by COVID-19. US and MN tax deadline extension for 90 days.
Minnesota National Guard Personal Financial Counselors - PFCs can provide financial counseling for service members and families. To connect with a PFC, call 612-297-0295, 218-341-3617 or 612-849-3657.
Childcare/School Assistance
YMCA - Emergency and essential personnel who need childcare can look to the YMCA.
2020 Parents' Guide to Google Classroom - Guide on how to use Google Classroom
Minnesota restaurants offering free lunches to students while K-12 schools are closed.
Many school districts in Minnesota are also providing lunches. For more information, reach out to your child's school.
Minnesota Childcare providers able and willing to provide care to essential employees
Wellness Resources
Minnesota National Guard Psychological Health Coordinators - Provide crisis response 24/7 to Soldiers and Family members, connect to community resources, short-term counseling. To connect with a PHC, call 651-282-4029.
Behavioral Health Officers - Provide prevention, remediation and support services to Soldiers and family members. To connect with a BHO, call 320-616-3182 (Camp Ripley) or 651-282-4282 (Metro).
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor - Provide service members with Rule 25 Chemical Health Assessments, referrals to and follow-up treatment, case management and consultation. To connect with an LADC, call 651-268-8909.
Transition Assistance Advisors - Help navigate benefits, pre and post deployment transition, retirement planning, VA disability and pension. To connect with a TAA, call 651-282-4234 or 651-282-4667.
Mental Health
Counseling - If stress about any situation is getting the better of you, eligible service members can call to schedule a non-medical counseling appointment or live chat through Military OneSource.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Disaster Distress Hotline: provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
Religious Support
Unit Chaplain - Chaplains provide confidential counseling to Soldiers, Airmen, and family members at no cost. For Chaplain contact information, please contact your unit or call 651-282-4617.
Physical Health
Military OneSource Health & Wellness Coaching - Call 1-800-342-9647 for support to stick to your goals and stay active and healthy.
Stay Busy
MWR Digital Libraries - Interactive science, school curriculum, hobbies and interests, learn a language, read a digital newspaper or magazine, read or listen to a book, prep for a test, build a business plan, resume and so much more.
Complete taxes with MilTax - Free tax services that address military life. Self-paced tax software including tax-prep, e-filing and personalized support.
Register to vote absentee - Request an absentee ballot at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/ABRegistration/ABRegistrationStep1.aspx
Educational Resources
Scholastic - offering free online courses so your kids can keep learning while schools are closed.
Khan Academy - remote learning during school closures; resources for teachers and parents to include a daily schedule for children to follow.
ABC Mouse Early Learning Academy - offers ages 2-8 more than 850 lessons across 10 levels of learning, use code SCHOOL7771.
The Learning Network - Teach and learn with the Times: Resources for bringing the world into your classroom.
Tools and Resources for Remote Instruction curated by The New Jersey Association of School Librarians