Resources
This is a working list of community resources that are available throughout South Minneapolis.
From regular food pantries, a series of classes, or a free or low-cost clinic, we want to highlight the resources that are there to support you on a more consistent basis.
For pop-ups or one-off events, check out our Community Calendar on our Event page. Please email admin@bancroftneighborhood.org if you have a resource to add.
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Clothing & Goods
Buy Nothing Facebook Group - can post anonymously, find your neighborhood’s group here.
The People’s Closet - mutual aid closet at George Floyd Square. Instagram
The People’s Laundry MPLS - volunteer-run free laundry service. Learn more and request services here.
Minnesota Cloth Diaper Bank - apply for cloth diapers here.
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Community
Local block chat - many blocks in our neighborhood have a group chat. Join yours to stay in touch with neighbors.
Weekly potluck - an event where anyone can bring a dish to share, and no one has to. Sundays from 12-2pm at Bancroft Meadows. Instagram.
Events + community calendar - check out our community calendar to see what’s going on in our neighborhood and beyond. Anyone can submit free events.
Neighborhood connector group on Facebook - learn more here.
Market at 38th & Chicago - On the first Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm. May - October. Instagram | Website
Ward 8 Newsletters - access the archive here, or sign up for email updates here.
CANDO’s South Minneapolis Community Events - access the calendar here.
One South - collaborative of South Minneapolis neighborhood associations. Learn more here.
National night out - city-sponsored block parties on the 1st Tuesday every August. Learn more here.
Last updated July 27, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Computers & Technology
Hosmer Library tech drop-in hours - weekly on Tuesdays from 3-5pm. Learn more here.
Repair clinics:
Free Geek (in the Seward neighborhood) offers free tech troubleshooting and a fix-it clinic for computers, phones, and some other electronics every Thursday from 6-8pm. More info here.
There are Fix-it clinics at Richfield Town Hall every second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 4 to 7 p.m., with the last items accepted at 6:30 p.m. No pre-registration required. Learn more here.
Digital Privacy - protect your digital identity and privacy and defend against being tracked or targeted by following the guidelines in Digital Privacy Recommendations
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Emergency Preparedness
Local block chat - many blocks in our neighborhood have a group chat. Join yours to stay in touch with neighbors.
City emergency alerts alerts - Sign up for news and emergency alerts for the City of Minneapolis here.
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Employment
Primero de Mayo Workers’ Center - learn more here.
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Food access & gardens
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Bancroft Community Garden plots - 41st block of 16th Ave S, on Bethel Lutheran Church’s grounds. Plot sign up in early spring. Learn more here.
Meridian Community Food Garden - 38th St & 12th Ave - food grown at the Meridian Garden is for everyone! Learn more here.
The Plant-Grow-Share Collective - community seed library, resources for growers, and food access info. Learn more here.
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Financial Assistance
For rental assistance resources, scroll down to the “Housing” section.
Yesod Mutual Aid Fund - direct support to individuals and families navigating instability and harm. Learn more here.
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Housing
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First-time home owners city resources - take classes about home ownership or learn about down. Learn more here.
Home improvement financing options through the city - learn more here.
Thinking about renovating? Old homes often contain asbestos. Learn more about about exposure risks and safe removal here.
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Last updated Aug 3, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Immigration
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota - learn more here.
Defend the 612 - information and resources for getting equipped, connected, and organized for resistance against federal agent actions
Sahan Journal - nonprofit newsroom reporting on issues impacting immigrants and communities of color in Minnesota.
People Over Papers (iceout.org) - real-time(ish) map of reported ICE activity (support/donate to them here)
Immigrant-Owned Restaurants - a list originally compiled by Minnesota Monthly in Jan 2026
Midwest Immigration Bond Fund - pays bonds for detainees so that the person can live at home instead of jail during their immigration case
_ _TBD_ _? - support for those that have been released from ICE detention
Project Back-to-Work - fill out this form if you’d like to hire someone in the meantime as they seek post-surge employment
North STAR Alliance / STAR Act - "Protecting Minnesota from Lawless Immigration Enforcement"
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Kids & Families
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Esperanza United - confidential 24-hour bilingual crisis line at 651-772-1611.
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Language classes & practice
Minneapolis Community Education - Learn more here.
Last updated Aug 3, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Legal services
Volunteer Lawyers Network - free legal services to those who qualify. Learn more here.
HOME Line - tenant advocacy services. Learn more here.
LawHelpMN - learn more here.
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota - learn more here.
National Lawyers Guild Minnesota - learn more here.
ICE Watch Legal - NLG’s legal guidance regarding constitutional observing, being an upstander, protesting, and legal risks
Reporting federal agents violence and abuse
Hennepin County Attorney’s Office's "Transparency and Accountability Project" (TAP) - mission is to identify, investigate, and account for incidents between federal agents and residents in Hennepin County
MN ACLU form for reporting rights violations by ICE/Federal Agent
Notary Public
North STAR Alliance / STAR Act - "Protecting Minnesota from Lawless Immigration Enforcement"
Last updated Aug 3, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Mental Health
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - find a support group here.
Mental health as related to activism
The Hidden Burden: Creating a Social Justice Practice While Avoiding Burnout, by Saybrook University
How Self-Compassion Can Help Activists Avoid Burnout, by Sophie Hanson
A Collective-care Guide for Activists and Organizers, by Sinam Ward of ASWR
How to Avoid Burnout While Keeping Up the Fight for Social Justice, by Marisa Cohen
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Pets
Local block chat - many blocks in our neighborhood have a group chat. Join yours to stay in touch with neighbors.
Lost pets - learn about what to do here
Found pets - learn about what to do here
Neighborhood connector group on Facebook - learn more here.
Last updated Aug 3, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Shopping & Restaurants
Immigrant-Owned Restaurants - a list originally compiled by Minnesota Monthly in Jan 2026
Strike-supporting businesses - a list of Minnesota businesses that closed for the 1/23/2026 anti-ICE strike
Shop Local Minnesota - find local businesses, supporting local economic resilience instead of corporations that are often at odds with social values
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Veterans
Hennepin County guide to access your veteran benefits - learn more here.
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Voting
Voting information from the city of Minneapolis - learn more here.
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Women
Isuroon - a women-led organization empowering Somali women in Minnesota. Learn more here.
Last updated July 21, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Youth & Teens
Industrial Arts Mentorship for All (IAMA) - Industrial Arts training programs for youth with marginalized identities. Learn more here.
Last updated Aug 3, 2026 | Back to Resources list
Other general resource lists
MPLS Resource Database - volunteer-run searchable list of free or low cost resources in Minneapolis, accessible here.
Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL) - provides trusted support and connections to essential resources, helping families access housing, food, healthcare, legal assistance, and opportunities for long-term stability and community empowerment. Access their resource list here. Contact COPAL’s Navigators at (612) 255‑3112, opt 3.
Immigrant Defense Network (IDN) - A COPAL-created network of over 90 immigrant, labor, legal, faith, and community organizations across Minnesota dedicated to protecting and advancing the constitutional rights of immigrants. See their resource list here.
Stand With Minnesota - access their giving directory here.
MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee - access their resource list here.
Defend the 612 - access their list of community defense resources here.
Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES) - see their broad range of programs and services here.
Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP) - see their resource list here.
Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) - see their resource list here.
Hennepin Waypoint - a map-powered way to find free and low cost community resources near you