News from DHS for November 2020

Minnesota Department of Human Services sent this bulletin at 11/30/2020 03:06 PM CST
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NEWS FROM DHS

November 2020

News from DHS archive

In this issue:

Awards honor excellence in human services

Commissioner Harpstead holds up Circle of Excellence plaque during an online meeting with award recipient CHUM in Duluth

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has announced the winners of its Circle of Excellence awards, which recognize organizations that have partnered with DHS and done an exemplary job of providing food, shelter and other assistance to Minnesotans in need. Commissioner Harpstead (pictured) has presented four of the awards virtually already and will present the last two the week of Nov. 30.

Read more about the 2020 Circle of Excellence winners in the department's news release.

Help is available for hungry Minnesotans

Minnesotans who have recently lost their jobs and watched their incomes drop have less to spend on necessities, including food. As the struggle to put healthy food on the table has increased, there is more help available from state and local sources.

Read more about food benefits and how to apply for them in the department's news release.

Easier curbside pickup with EBT cards coming soon

woman loading two bags of groceries into a trunk

Minnesotans who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will soon find it easier to purchase groceries via curbside pickup or delivery. 

Read more about grants available to eligible grocery stores for mobile equipment that can accept Electronic Benefit Transfer cards in the department's news release.

Grants to help prevent spread of COVID-19

Nearly $15 million in grants is available to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to people with disabilities and staff who support them. The Minnesota Department of Human Services already has distributed about $6.6 million in grants to 35 organizations in Minnesota.

Read more public health grants for disability service providers in the department's news release.

Get email updates

For accessible formats of this publication or assistance with additional equal access to human services, write to dhs.communications@state.mn.us, call 651-431-2911, or use your preferred relay service.

To stay abreast of the State's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on people whom DHS serves and supports, sign up for email updates.
newspaper beside a coffee cup

In the news

Here are links to some additional news articles about DHS during October:

In social media

Two men and two boys sitting on the couch in their home.

Posted Nov. 9 on the DHS Facebook page: Have you ever thought about adopting a child or children currently in foster care? Here's some inspiration for you. The Porters share their story and offer advice in this video chat with MN Adopt staff.

To see more posts like this and for timely updates on DHS news and events, follow DHS on Twitter and Facebook.