Helping Organizations

Often when you are trying to find information it seems that you are either on hold, you are being transferred, or you are trying to figure out which button to push in order to talk to a real, live person who can answer your question. The following agencies provide free information and referrals and you will get assistance from a real person. You may have to leave a message during peak call time, but they return calls within 24 hours.

More Resources in , “Staying in Your Home –Services and Programs to Help You Remain in Your Home”

You may want to review, “Staying in Your Home –Services and Programs to Help You Remain in Your Home”. While many of these services are for homeowners, some can be used by those who live elsewhere.

National Eldercare Locater Line: 1-800-677-1116 www.eldercare.gov This nationwide number is particularly beneficial if you are trying to help someone in another state. When you call the number they will ask for the zip code of the person whom you are trying to assist; they will then direct you to a “help line” that serves the area.

Senior Linkage Line (MN only): 1-800-333-2433 & TTY 1-800- 627-3529, www.mnaging.org By calling this toll free number you will be connected with a help line that serves your area. Information is available on all services and programs; Medicare, transportation, legal, financial assistance, caregiver support, chore and minor home repair, home health care, meal delivery and nutrition. You may have to leave a message, but they will return your call within 24 hours.

United Way 2-1-1, Dial 211, or 651-291-0211, www.unitedwaytwincities.org and www.211unitedway.org United Way 211 assists people of all ages find help and community based resources. Information is also available in Hmong, Spanish, and Somali at this number; there is a separate phone number for those who speak Russian 651-698-9167.

Housing Sense: 651-690-3141 www.seniorhousingguide.us Assists people with housing information and related services.

Other Help Lines

Catholic Charities: 651-222-3001, www.ccspm.org
Indian Family Services: 612-724-6499
Jewish Family Services: St. Paul 651-698-0767,
www.jfssp.org
Jewish Family & Children Services:
Minneapolis 952-542-4843, www.jfcsmpls.org
Lutheran Social Services: 612-879-5200. www.lssmn.org

Help Lines Serving Specific Areas:

Anoka County: 763-783-4707
Dakota County: 651-455-1560
Burnsville (City of), Senior Services Specialist: 952-895-4575

County Human Service Agencies:

Agencies are helpful in directing people to county programs.

Anoka: 763-422-7070
Carver: 952-361-1600
Chisago: 651-213-0324
Dakota: 651-554-5611
Hennepin: 612-348-4500
Isanti: 763-689-1711
Ramsey: 651-266-4444
Scott: 952-445-7751
Washington: 651-430-6459
Wright: 763-682-7400

MN Office of Health Facilities Complaints: 651-215-8702 or 1-800-369-7994 /TTY 651-215-8980 Helps people living in health care facilities to enforce their legal rights. Complaints are investigated.

Ombudsman for Older Adults, Statewide Service: 651-296-0382 / 1-800-657-3591 Provides information about assisted living services, home care, and nursing homes. Assistance in choosing a nursing home. Handle complaints about nursing homes and home health service providers. Brochures are available on a variety of topics: assisted living, home care, subsidies to pay for services and more.

Financial Assistance Programs

General Assistance, GA & Minnesota Supplemental Aid, MSA: Contact the Human Service Agency of your county. Phone numbers listed above.

Supplemental Security Income: 1- 800-772-1213 Additional monthly income to eligible persons over age 65 or physically challenged.