Austin
Ask about Austin
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Austin and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Austin
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Housing help · City office
Austin Housing and Redevelopment Authority
308 Second Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912
Help here
- Housing Choice VoucherAsk the housing authority about applying for rental help through its voucher program.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on austinhra.org
Local office · Nonprofit
United Way 211 Minnesota
Help here
- Community resource information and referralCall 211 for free information about local health and human services.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211unitedway.org
Local office · City office
City of Austin City Hall
500 4th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912
Help here
- City information and helpCall City Hall with questions about city services or to send a concern to the right department.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ci.austin.mn.us
Jobs and training · State office
Austin Workforce Center
Riverland Community College, 1900 8th Avenue NW, Austin, MN 55912
Help here
- Job search and employment helpVisit the center for help with job searches, training, and employment services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dhs.state.mn.us
Library · City office
Austin Public Library
323 4th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912
Help here
- Library servicesVisit the library for books, online resources, and library events.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ci.austin.mn.us
Parks and recreation · City office
Parks, Recreation & Forestry
500 4th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912
Help here
- Parks and recreation programsFind city recreation programs, activities, and facility rentals.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ci.austin.mn.us
City of Austin, Minnesota website
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Austin
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Channel One Regional Food Bank
131 35th Street, SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Semcac
204 S Elm St, Rushford, MN 55971-8812
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Mower County
Austin is in Mower County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Mower County Health & Human Services
201 1st Street NE, 2nd Floor, Suite 18, Austin, MN 55912
Help here
- Social and financial assistanceContact the county to ask about financial, food, health care, and other social service programs.
- Child supportGet help with child support services and questions.
- Public health and WICAsk about public health services and WIC food and nutrition support for eligible families.
- Behavioral healthFind mental health crisis response and substance use support through the county.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mowercountymn.gov
Housing help · County office
Mower County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
59039 220th Street, Austin, MN 55912
Help here
- Housing Choice VouchersApply to the housing authority for a voucher that can help pay rent if you qualify.
- Senior and disabled housingAsk about affordable housing options for older adults and people with disabilities.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mowerhra.org
Local office · Regional office
2-1-1 United Way of Minnesota
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall for free, confidential help finding local food, housing, health, and other community resources.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211unitedway.org
Older adults · Regional office
Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging
Help here
- Aging information and referralsGet connected to local programs and support for older adults and caregivers.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on semaaa.org
Veterans · County office
Mower County Veterans Services Office
201 1st Street NE, Suite 6, Austin, MN 55912
Help here
- Veterans benefits helpGet help applying for veterans benefits and finding military service records.
- VA medical benefitsGet help completing an application for VA health care benefits.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mowercountymn.gov
Jobs and training · Regional office
Workforce Development, Inc. Austin
1600 8th Avenue NW, Austin, MN 55912
Help here
- Job search and career servicesGet help with job searches, career planning, resumes, and job training.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on workforcedevelopmentinc.org
Minnesota programs by kind of help
These are run by Minnesota and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- United Way 211 Minnesota
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 800-543-7709 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988