In moments like this, Minnesota tends to reveal who it really is. What began as a single, devastating incident has widened into something much larger—bringing long-simmering conversations about immigration enforcement, public safety, and civil rights into sharper focus. As federal activity continues across the Twin Cities, many Minnesotans are grappling with fear, grief, and uncertainty—not only for those directly impacted, but for the fabric of community itself.
Courtesy of MPR
State and local leaders have called for calm and unity. Advocates are asking for accountability, transparency, and protection of constitutional rights. And in neighborhoods across Minneapolis and St. Paul, something quieter—but just as powerful—is unfolding: people are taking care of each other.
This moment has become an invitation not only to mourn, but to engage. To show up. To help where we can.
Stand With Minnesota is a community resource hub aimed at supporting neighbors, sharing information, and directing people to ways they can help immigrant families and impacted communities in Minnesota. The organization’s site connects visitors with opportunities to give, stay informed, read testimonies from local residents, and find actions they can take to support people facing immigration enforcement and related challenges. Many of the listings and fundraisers on the site have been shared by organizers working directly with affected families and neighborhoods.
Unidos Minnesota is a grassroots group working for social, racial, and economic justice in the state; they provide planning resources, “know your rights” guidance, and other support services for immigrant families and working communities. Affiliated with Unidos, the Monarca rapid response network maintains a hotline to help document and track federal activity, connecting volunteers and observers with real-time information.
Sol of the Cities has launched a Rapid Relief Fund to provide emergency groceries, rent assistance, and safe-access resources. If you’re able, consider donating—or sharing this fund—to support neighbors in need.
For those needing legal support and civil-rights advocacy, the Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota (CAIR-MN) offers outreach, legal guidance, and support for Muslim and other marginalized communities in navigating complex situations.
Ayada Leads is coordinating food drives tailored to particular dietary needs in the Somali Muslim community and efforts to center and empower diaspora voices through mentorship and civic participation.
TakeAction Minnesota, a multiracial grassroots membership group, is adapting its organizing infrastructure to support response efforts while continuing broader work around equity and civic engagement.
Several Minneapolis literary and arts institutions have opened their doors as places of reprieve. Wild Rumpus Books has affirmed its longtime role as a welcoming space for children and families, while The Loft Literary Center and Birchbark Books have emphasize community, dialogue, and care through literature and gathering.
The Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul has also spoken out, reiterating its commitment to being a learning and discovery center for everyone—a place where curiosity, inclusion, and shared humanity remain central.
Smart North has reaffirmed its commitment to community care, offering its Tech Hub inside Sabathani Community Center as a safe, welcoming space for youth ages 12-25—providing support and meals weekday afternoons in South Minneapolis.
Local businesses are responding, too. St. Paul’s Backstory Coffee Roasters has publicly offered support to community members, providing space, conversation, and safety tools—including whistles—for those who may feel vulnerable.
Curious Crow Co. in Circle Pines has opened its space—including its event room—as a safe place to rest, decompress, organize, and gather in solidarity during a deeply painful moment for Minnesotans.
Mirac is also conducting its grocery card fundraiser, helping provide food and essential supplies to families who are unable to safely leave their homes, parents who have lost access to work, and children missing school.
Community members are invited to support neighbors in need at a donation drive hosted by Twin Cities Pride Cultural Arts Center, collecting shelf-stable food, cold-weather gear, diapers, formula, and personal care items for immediate distribution. The drive runs Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1201 Harmon Place, Suite 104, Minneapolis (enter on 12th between Harmon & Yale), and anyone is welcome to donate—or take what they need.
Joyce Uptown Food Shelf, Pow Wow Grounds, Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association, and Surly Brewing, among others, are accepting donations including food, blankets, and other necessities.
Hail Mary Piercing in St. Paul maintains a food, hygiene, and clothing shelf for community members in need and also delivers essential items on a scheduled basis; donations are accepted via Venmo, with updates shared on Instagram @hailmarypiercing.
The Real Minneapolis is a local nonprofit accepting Costco ground beef or gift cards to help prepare and distribute 500 meals each week, while also delivering groceries and essential items to neighbors in need (valerie@realmpls.org, 612-695-8811).
Here are more businesses accepting food donations:
Anoka County
ACBC Food Shelf
2615 Ninth Ave. N., Anoka
North Anoka County Emergency (NACE) Food Shelf
18511 Hwy. 65 NE, Suite 100/200, East Bethel
Salvation Army Anoka County Food Shelf
1201 89th Ave. NE, Blaine
SACA Food Shelf
627 38th Ave. NE, Columbia Heights
Dakota & Scott Counties
360 Communities – Apple Valley Food Shelf
12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley
360 Communities – Rosemount Food Shelf
14521 Cimarron Ave. W., Rosemount
Lock and Dam Eatery
101 Second St. E., Hastings
Messiah Community Food Shelf
16725 Highview Ave., Lakeville
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church – Mission Outpost Food Shelf
13801 Fairview Drive, Burnsville
Shakopee Bowl
3020 133rd St. W., Shakopee
The Open Door Pantry
3000 Ames Crossing Road, Suite 100, Eagan
Whiskey Creek BBQ
8690 E. Point Douglas Road S., Cottage Grove
Hennepin County
A Bar of Their Own
2207 Franklin Ave. E., Minneapolis
Calvary Lutheran Church Food Shelf
3901 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis
Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP) Food Shelf
7051 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center
Glendale Food Shelf (East Side Neighborhood Services)
92 St. Mary’s Ave. SE, Minneapolis
Groveland Food Shelf
1900 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis
Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners Food Shelf
1605 County Road 101 N., Plymouth
Joyce Uptown Food Shelf
3041 Fremont Ave. S., Minneapolis
Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association Food Share
100 W. 15th St., Minneapolis
Milly’s Wine Bar
1129 Washington Ave. S. Minneapolis
NEAR Food Shelf
5209 W. Broadway Ave., Crystal
NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center Food Shelf
2220 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis
Pillsbury United Communities – Brian Coyle Center Food Shelf
420 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis
Surly Brewing
520 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis
Ramsey County
Egg Roll Queen
85 County Road B E., Little Canada
Hope Breakfast Bar
1 S. Leech St., St. Paul
Keystone Community Food Center
1800 University Ave. W., St. Paul
Merrick Community Services Food Shelf
1669 Arcade St. N. (Door 3), St. Paul
North St. Paul Area Food Shelf
2266 Second St. N., North St. Paul
Ralph Reeder Food Shelf & Community Resource Center
2544 Mounds View Blvd., Mounds View
Randy’s Gluten Free Pizza
6030 50th St. N., #3, St. Paul
Shamrocks
995 7th St. W., St. Paul
White Bear Area Food Shelf
1884 Whitaker St., White Bear Lake
Washington County
Friends In Need Food Shelf
535 Fourth St., St. Paul Park
Hugo Community Food Shelf
15106 Francesca Ave. N., Hugo
Open Cupboard
8264 Fourth St. N., Oakdale
Scandia Marine Food Shelf (Elim Church)
20971 Olinda Trail N., Scandia
Valley Outreach
1901 Curve Crest Blvd. W., Stillwater
Multiple Locations
Loaves & Fishes
Multiple locations across Minnesota
Taco John’s (Participating Locations)
Various locations throughout the Twin Cities
Updated Jan. 16, 2026. To be included as a resource, please email Editor-in-Chief Alesha Taylor.
