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Meals on Wheels Resource Update March 2025

NEW!

Public Health in Public Places

A pilot project from Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health placing public health nurses and community health workers on-site at the Ramsey County Library in Maplewood, Frogtown Community Center and Rice Street Library to help individuals and communities with health information, screenings, referrals and scheduling appointments. Learn more about services, dates and times.


MnCHOICES Information: New Intake Phone Number

As part of efforts to streamline communication and improve access to services, Ramsey County is transitioning from using a direct MnCHOICES Intake number, 651-266-3613, to a centralized Social Services number, 651-266-4500. 


Starting Friday, February 21st, Aging and Disability Services and MnCHOICES will have a new call menu structure that will include:


  • New language explaining the programs each area supports on the main Social Services line: 651-266-4500.

  • A clear, direct path for community members to reach the right team without needing to be transferred or given contact information.

  • All recorded call greetings and messaging will be available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and Karen.


Healthy Aging Initiative at St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health

The Initiative convenes, connects, and coordinates efforts in Ramsey County to maintain and increase the health and well-being of Ramsey County residents as they age. It is based in partnership with older adults, organizations, and governments to enable healthy aging in equitable and culturally relevant ways. The Healthy Aging Initiative offers information through:


  • Weekly resources newsletters: Tools and Information for Healthy Aging includes grants available, events and other resources.

  • Monthly digests: Includes links to articles, upcoming conferences and non-urgent information.



REMINDERS!

Income eligible renters and homeowners can still apply to receive assistance for energy costs. Contact Community Action of Ramsey and Washington County to see if you may be eligible for energy assistance and two additional programs to help with heating costs, repair or replacement:


Energy Conservation & Weatherization Assistance

Call us today at 651-482-8260 to discuss if an energy audit and insulation, or water heater evaluation are right for you. Click here for more information and to see if you are eligible for weatherization services.


Emergency Furnace and Boiler Services

If you are without heat or have an unsafe heating system during the coldest months of the year we can assist. All homeowners who qualify for Energy Assistance support also qualify for a free system evaluation by a trained technician to determine if repair or replacement is necessary. In some cases, we make referrals to other agencies who may be able to help. 

To discuss Emergency Furnace and Boiler Services, please call 651-645-6470.

Click here for more information about Emergency Furnace and Boiler Services.



DATA AND PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT OUR WORK!

Minnesota Housing Partnership Publishes 2024 State Profile with Key Findings and Trends

MHP’s statewide housing research shows that more than a quarter of Minnesota families, including half of all families who rent, pay more than they can afford for housing—and that number is growing. First produced in 2017, MHP's State of the State’s Housing bi-yearly report contains statewide housing data providing an important baseline of the housing climate and its impacts on everyday Minnesotans. Today’s release includes the 2024 State of the State’s Housing Profile with Key Minnesota Findings and Trends, and will be followed by profiles of the state’s legislative districts and regions. Read the Report Here



ACTION ITEM!

As you are likely aware, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget plan that significantly reduces spending – likely targeting programs including SNAP, Medicaid, and funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA). Over the next few weeks, legislators will be negotiating the specifics about which programs will be cut. It is important that they hear from constituents about the devastating impacts of cutting crucial services that millions of the most vulnerable depend on.


Medicaid provides critical health coverage for 1 in 5 people living in America, including millions of low-income families and individuals, including older adults, people with disabilities, pregnant women and more. SNAP provides life-saving access to nutrition for more than 40 million people across the country, 40% of whom are under the age of 18. The Older Americans Act (OAA) provides $21 million in funding across Minnesota for services that support older adults and caregivers.


Now is the time to contact Minnesota’s congressional delegation (at their Washington DC offices) to urge them to maintain funding for these important programs. It is vital that members of Congress hear how a reduction in funding will impact you, people you know and love and our community.  



Sample Script: Hello, my name is [your name] and I am a constituent from [your city] writing/calling to urge you to protect funding for the Medicaid, SNAP and the Older Americans Act. [If you have a specific personal example to share about a program or service that you or someone you care about receives, please share that as well.]


Thank you for your support of the most vulnerable, including older adults, children, people with disabilities and more in our community.


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