Contact Information
Counseling
Counseling@inverhills.edu
651-450-3508
College Center
Counseling
- Home
- Upcoming Career Planning and Exploration (CRDV) classes
- Basic Needs Resources
- Meet the Counselors
- Online Mental Health Screening
- Career Counseling
Related Services
Student Basic Needs Resources
Inver Hills Community College is committed to providing excellent educational opportunities to the communities it serves. We recognize basic needs - including things like food, housing and transportation - can have a direct impact on the well-being and success of our students. To assist our community in meeting these needs, we've compiled the resources below. The information will be revised when appropriate and evolve as necessary.
You don't need to navigate this alone. IHCC Counselors are available to meet with students who need assistance with mental health or basic needs issues.
The United Way's 2-1-1 service provides free and confidential health and human service information 24 hours a day. Call 211, text your ZIP code to 898-211 or Connect with 211 online.
Food and Resource Center
The Food and Resource Center has fresh produce as well as shelf-stable food and other resources available to Inver Hills students who need food for themselves or their dependents. Open to all students. No appointment or income requirements. Visit Food and Resource Center to learn more.
Student Lunch Box
The student lunch box program provides basic meals for students spending long hours on campus who don't have the financial resources to purchase food on campus or bring it from home. The program includes both lunch and breakfast items. Meal offerings vary but can include the following: soup cups, microwavable macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, containers of fruit, and other snacks. To access this service students should visit the Health Services office and staff will assist you in accessing the lunchbox program. No appointment or registration is required.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP (formerly called food stamps) helps you buy food at local grocery stores and farmers markets. If you make less than $1,771 a month (for 1 person household-see chart below for larger family size) and meet additional criteria you may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
To see if you may be eligible please complete this brief online screening.
Off Campus Food Shelves
Food shelves in south metro locations (Burnsville, Apple Valley, Rosemount, Farmington, Lakeville)· Call 651-322-5113
Northern Dakota County communities (S. St. Paul, W. St. Paul, IGH, Mendota Heights & others). Call 651-455-5000
Residents of Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park, Newport and Grey Cloud Island· Call 651-458-0730
The Market Food Shelf-Hastings Family Service
Call 651-437-7134
Neighborhood House - Paul & Sheila Wellstone Center
Call 651-789-2534
Free Community Meals
Loaves & Fishes -variety of locations in Twin Cities metro area
Note: Currently doing Takeaway Meals Only
- River Heights Vineyard Church, Inver Grove Heights
Evening Meal: Monday – Thursday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Easter Lutheran Church, Eagan
Evening Meal: Monday - Thursday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Hope Presbyterian Church, Richfield, MN
Evening Meal: Monday - Friday 5 - 6 p.m. - Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, MN
Evening Meal: Monday - Friday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Dorthy Day Center (Higher Ground), St. Paul, MN
Evening Meal: Every day Sunday - Saturday 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. - St Matthew's Church, St. Paul, MN
Evening Meal: Monday - Friday 5 - 6 p.m.
For additional sites and detailed information please visit www.loavesandfishesmn.org
Fare for All- Low Cost Meat & Produce
Fare For All is a low-cost, mobile grocery purchase program. Shopping with Fare for All is a great way to save money on quality, nutritious food. Save up to 40% of typical prices. Open to everyone - there are no qualifications to participate and no pre-registration. Multiple sites and dates around metro. See website for details.
General Housing & Shelter Resources
United Way 211 (First Call for Help)
Comprehensive, multilingual access to community resources across Minnesota
- Landlines Dial 2-1-1; Cell phones: 1-800-543-7709 OR 651-291-0211
- http://www.211unitedway.org/
Metro Shelter Hotline
24/7 access to automated voicemail and information about housing in specific area. Call 1-888-234-1329
County Housing Assistance Resources
- Dakota County Housing Assistance. Housing Crisis Phone: 651-554-5751
- Ramsey County Housing Assistance
- Washington County Housing Assistance
Catholic Charities-Twin Cities
Housing services including emergency shelter as well as affordable housing and transitional housing resources as well as other supportive services. Visit website for more info.
Youth Services Network
Resource directory to search for shelters, basic needs drop in centers and other resources for youth up to 24 years old including up to date information on beds available in shelters based on age, gender, and location. Visit website for more info.
MAC-V (Minnesota Assistance Council For Veterans)
Emergency and transitional housing assistance for veterans call 651-291-8756 or visit website for more info.
Jeremiah Program
Housing and supportive services including childcare for low income, single mothers with children under 5 years old who are enrolled in college. Visit website for more info.
C.O.R.E.
Drop In Center provides a place for youth who are at-risk of or are currently experiencing homelessness to get help with basic needs (food, clothes, shower, laundry, etc.) and connections to case management and longer term services such as housing. Visit website for more info.
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Shelters
Tubman
Offers help finding emergency shelter and connection to additional community resources for victims of domestic violence. Call 24 hour crisis line 612-825-000 for help finding safe shelter. Visit website for more info.
360 Communities Lewis House (Eagan & Hastings)
Provides emergency housing and shelter to individuals escaping domestic or sexual violence. Also offers outreach and support groups. Visit website for more info.
- Sexual Assault Hotline: 651-405-1500
- Lewis House in Eagan: 651-452-7288
- Lewis House in Hastings: 651-437-1291
Furniture or household Goods
Bridging
Bridging provides a basic home setup to those who need most items necessary to create a comfortable and functioning home. Generally includes gently-used upholstered furniture, a kitchen table and chairs, a mattress and box spring, linens, dishes, etc. Referral required. See website for more info.
Mission Outpost-Prince of Peace
Mission Outpost provides food, clothing, linens, household items, hygiene items, and community resources. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 952-898-9311. Visit website for more info.
College Pass from Metro Transit
$165 or per semester
Unlimited rides
Available for purchase at Inver Hills Bookstore
New Gate Cars: Wheels for Women Program
Provides cars and vans to single moms who meet eligibility criteria
Online application
www.newgateschool.org
Neighbors Inc.
Must live in service area (South St Paul, West St Paul, IGH, Mendota Heights, Lillydale, Sunfish Lake)
Valid Driver's License & Proof of Auto Insurance
Car must be required for work
Maximum amount $350
222 Grand Avenue West South St. Paul, MN 55075
Call 651-455-1508 or stop visit in person https://www.neighborsmn.org/
Hastings Family Services
Emergency grants available to help with car repairs. Grants require a demonstrated emergency need and for the situation to be resolved if the grant is approved. Call emergency service worker to determine eligibility. Call 651-437-7134 or https://hastingsfamilyservice.org
The Lift Garage
Low cost car repairs $15 an hour plus cost of parts (typically less than half cost of market rate) Must meet income requirement (150% of federal poverty guidelines) Call 612-866-5840 or www.theliftgarage.org
Postsecondary Childcare Grant
The Postsecondary Child Care Grant Program provides funding to low income parents of young children (12 years and younger). The maximum available to a full-time student is $5,200 for each eligible child per academic year. Assistance may cover up to 40 hours of child care per week for each eligible child. The application for this grant can be found on the Financial Aid website under "Forms and Policies".
County Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) Links
- Dakota County Childcare Assistance
- Ramsey County Childcare Assistance
- Washington County Childcare Assistance
- Hennepin County Childcare Assistance
Head Start Programs-Free Preschool for eligible families
- CAP Agency Head Start - Serving Dakota, Scott & Carver Counties
- Community Action Head Start - Ramsey County
Gail's Fund-Single Parent Emergency Assistance
Gail's Fund provides emergency help to single parents who find themselves in a financial crisis that may prevent or delay their continued enrollment at IHCC. Eligible students can receive up to $1,000 in emergency assistance to help them stay enrolled and making progress towards their academic goals. To get more information and/or apply for this grant please contact counseling at counseling@inverhills.edu or 651-450-3508 or schedule an appointment with a counselor online.
CRRSAA Financial Assistance
Provides emergency grants to assist students experiencing financial need as a result of public health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Students can complete the Emergency Financial Assistance Grant form (login with StarID@go.minnstate.edu and use your associated StarID password) or contact a counselor for additional assistance. Eligible expenses are related to a student's cost of attendance including: Food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare.
Acts of Kindness Emergency Assistance
The Acts of Kindness (AoK) grant provides assistance to students at risk of dropping out of college due to unexpected financial emergencies. AoK assistance was created to help students stay in college and meet their educational goals, ultimately, securing a better financial future. For more information or to apply for the emergency grant click here.
For assistance with the application please contact counseling at counseling@inverhills.edu or 651-450-3508 or schedule an appointment with a counselor online.
Gail's Fund-Single Parent Emergency Assistance
Gail's Fund provides emergency help to single parents who find themselves in a financial crisis that may prevent or delay their continued enrollment at IHCC. Eligible students can receive up to $1,000 in emergency assistance to help them stay enrolled and making progress towards their academic goals. To get more information and/or apply for this grant please contact counseling at counseling@inverhills.edu or 651-450-3508 or schedule an appointment with a counselor online.
Financial Aid Office
Financial aid staff help students with many aspects of financing their education such as completing the FAFSA, understanding the different types of aid available, or interpreting letters. For details including a "frequently asked questions" list please visit Financial Aid.
Childcare Grant
The Postsecondary Child Care Grant Program provides funding to low income parents of young children (12 years and younger). The maximum available to a full-time student is $5,200 for each eligible child per academic year. Assistance may cover up to 40 hours of child care per week for each eligible child. The application for this grant can be found on the Financial Aid website under "Forms and Policies".
Inver Hills Foundation Scholarships
The Inver Hills Community College Foundation provides numerous scholarship opportunities for both new and current students. Scholarships are awarded for both Fall and Spring semesters. For the current list of scholarships, complete descriptions, frequently asked questions, and tips for preparing your application, visit the foundation website.
Chomebook, Laptop & HotSpot Lending Program
Students who don't have access to a computer or device with internet capability at home can request a Chromebook, laptop, or Hotspot. Click here to request a Chromebook, laptop, or Hotspot. For questions or more information please contact IHCC Technology Services at 651-450-3444.
Additional Technology resources via IHCC IT Department Website
- Student resources for reduced-rate data access and WiFi
- Reduced-rate equipment and data access
- Microsoft Office 365 applications free for students: Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive and more
- Free & discounted software
Inver Hills Community College Counselors
Mental health is essential to your success as a student. You don't need to navigate this alone. IHCC Counselors are available to meet with students who are struggling with mental health or basic needs.
Counselors meet with students in person, via phone or zoom video conference. Please see information below on scheduling appointments.
- Email: counseling@inverhills.edu
- To Make Appt Via Phone: 651-450-3508 (please call to request in person appointment)
- Schedule Phone or Zoom appointment online
Free Online Mental Health Screening
The IHCC Counseling Department is offering an Online Mental Health Screening, which can be accessed by students who may have questions or concerns about whether to seek support for common, treatable mental health issues such as depression, alcohol, eating disorders and more. This online screening is free and confidential. It is offered so that you may find out – in a few minutes – whether or not professional consultation would be helpful to you. Results are not shared with campus professionals.
Please visit www.mentalhealthmn.org for more information and to take a free, anonymous screening.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Learn more online or call 1-800-273-8255.
Crisis Text Line
www.crisistextline.org
Text HOME to 741741
Additional Crisis Lines
- Veteran's Crisis Link: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1 for Veteran's
- Trevor Project Lifeline (focuses on LGBTQ youth and young adults): 1-866-488-7386
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
- Steve Fund Crisis Text Line for Young People of Color: Text STEVE to 741741
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Local crisis lines by county
- Anoka: 763-755-3801
- Carver/Scott: 952-442-7601
- Dakota: 952-891-7171
- Hennepin: 612-596-1223
- Washington: 651-777-5222
- Ramsey: 651-266-7900
Walk-In Counseling Center
Free and accessible mental health counseling offered via Zoom. Counseling services are completely free and anonymous, with no appointment needed. All professional counselors volunteer their time. See website for detailed contact information and instructions.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI works to improve the lives of those with mental illness. It provides education/awareness, advocacy and support.
Contact NAMI helpline at (651) 645-2948, ext. 117 or 1-888-NAMI-HELPS or via email at namihelps@namimn.org. Note: This is not a crisis line. NAMI helps callers be the best advocates they can be and provides guidance on navigating the system. Learn more online: Minnesota Chapter Wisconsin Chapter.
Mental Health Minnesota
Mental Health MN is a mental health advocacy and education organization that provides crisis resources, peer support, screening tool and more. Visit their website to learn more.
Therapist Directories
Listing of Black mental health professionals in Minnesota
MN Dept of Health Resources Directory for Diverse Cultural Communities
MESF Directory of Black Psychotherapists
