In response to the pandemic, STEP has shifted to a no-contact order pick-up. Clients call 952-925-4899 during STEP’s open hours to make their personalized order and arrange the time to pick up the groceries at the back of the building. When picking up groceries, a face mask must be worn. Up to two weeks worth of groceries are provided per visit.
STEP will resume in person shopping where clients may pick out their own groceries once pandemic conditions allow it to be done safely.
STEP also provides product that is kosher. In addition, for those households who keep kosher, a grocery store gift card for meat for Shabbat is provided.
Households may come up to twice a month, except for November and December when visits are limited to once a month. (Additional food provided during those visits.)
Emergency food (1 bag of nonperishable goods, bread, meat, and shelf stable milk) is available to those who walk in or to those who cannot make an appointment.
Homeless youth who drop in will be given emergency food. The individual is encouraged to meet with a STEP social worker to address any service needs not currently being met by other community providers.
STEP social workers welcome calls from school district personnel to address an emergency food need of students even if the student resides outside of St. Louis Park.
A homebound individual or someone recovering from a medical procedure may request STEP provide a food delivery. Those requesting this service must be assessed by a STEP social worker. An exception will be made for those referred by an emergency responder or hospital social worker. STEP can only provide this service one time each month. Please call 952-925-4899 and ask to speak to a STEP social worker.
STEP’s four professional social workers deliver services to clients. Social workers abide by a set of values and a code of ethics when delivering services. Social work relationships are built with regard for individual worth and dignity, the rights for clients to make decisions, assisting clients with resources, working to make institutions responsive to human needs and a respect for diversity. Social workers are trained to work with general populations with an array of issues. Clients come to STEP with concerns of domestic violence, chemical health, mental health, family and parenting, grief and loss, employment, financial needs, housing and access to community resources.
Julie Lapointe, LISW Julie@stepslp.org
Diane Forest, LISW Diane@stepslp.org
Karen Clara, LSW Karen@stepslp.org
Jackie Mracek, LSW Jackiem@stepslp.org
STEP is providing rent assistance for residents of St. Louis Park who have an unexpected crisis and cannot pay rent. The crisis must be resolvable with the ability to pay next month’s rent. Documentation will be requested at the time of application. For questions, please contact 952-925-4899 and ask to speak to a social worker.
Priority is given to those with gross incomes at or below 50% area medium income. Please see below chart.
STEP is providing rent assistance for those households whose inability to pay rent is a result of the pandemic. Priority is given to those households whose income is at or below 80% area medium income. Please see below chart. For questions, please contact 952-925-4899 and ask to speak to a social worker.
FY 2020
Income Limits |
1
Person |
2
Person |
3
Person |
4
Person |
5
Person |
6
Person |
7
Person |
8
Person |
30% AMI (Extremely Low) | $21,700 | $24,800 | $27,900 | $31,000 | $33,500 | $36,000 | $38,450 | $40,950 |
50% AMI
(Very Low) |
$36,200 | $41,400 | $46,550 | $51,700 | $55,850 | $60,000 | $64,150 | $68,250 |
80% AMI (Low) | $54,950 | $62,800 | $70,650 | $78,500 | $84,800 | $91,100 | $97,350 | $103,650 |
Application & Instructions:
STEP may have limited resources to help with mortgages or to refer to other mortgage assistance programs. St. Louis Park residents can inquire at 952-234-4323 or ea@stepslp.org.
STEP provides bus passes or fuel cards on a limited basis for employment purposes to those who are experiencing a transportation crisis.
STEP’s four professional social workers deliver services to clients. Social workers abide by a set of values and a code of ethics when delivering services. Social work relationships are built with regard for individual worth and dignity, the rights for clients to make decisions, assisting clients with resources, working to make institutions responsive to human needs and a respect for diversity. Social workers are trained to work with general populations with an array of issues. Clients come to STEP with concerns of domestic violence, chemical health, mental health, family and parenting, grief and loss, employment, financial needs, housing and access to community resources.
Julie Lapointe, LISW Julie@stepslp.org
Diane Forest, LISW Diane@stepslp.org
Karen Clara, LSW Karen@stepslp.org
Jackie Mracek, LSW Jackiem@stepslp.org
2-1-1 United Way (free and confidential health and human services information) 211 or 651-291-0211 or https://www.211unitedway.org/ or Text your zip code to 898-211 (M-F 8am-7pm)
The State of Minnesota has set up a hotline for general questions about coronavirus at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through MDH .
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS AND IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES CAN HELP:
STEP provides new school supplies and backpacks to St. Louis Park children whose guardians cannot afford school supplies.
STEP accesses school supply lists from the local school district and packs bags accordingly. If children attend schools outside of St. Louis Park, parents are encouraged to provide a list at the time of registration and STEP will make every attempt to accommodate this list.
Registration information for school supplies and backpacks is typically provided in June. Registration closes in mid-August. Qualified recipients are St. Louis Park children entering grades K thru 12 in need of school supplies.
STEP provides holiday food during the month of November as part of our food shelf experience. Interested parties must make a food shelf appointment for curbside pickup during the month of November.
St. Louis Park families with children can access STEP’s Holiday Toy Program. Registration information will be provided by November. Registration typically closes in early December.
Families outside of St. Louis Park can call the United Way 211 (651-291-0211) for information on Holiday Programs in the area.
Families living at Perspectives and Wayside will be served through their programs.
Copyright 2020 STEP - St. Louis Park Emergency Program