Center City
Ask about Center City
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Center City and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Center City
We have not checked Center City on its own yet. Here is what we have for the area around it.
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of Center City first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Food pantry
Merrick Food Shelf
Merrick Community Services
31 miles from the center of Center City1669 Arcade Street N, St. Paul, MN 55106
Hours
- Mon3 PM to 5 PM
- Tue10 AM to 12 PM
- Wed10 AM to 12 PM
- Thu10 AM to 12 PM. Drive-through
Who can come: Anyone who needs food support
What to bring: No ID or proof of address needed. Share basic household information on your first visit.
Listed on merrickcs.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Payne Avenue Salvation Army Lunch
The Salvation Army Twin Cities
32 miles from the center of Center City1019 Payne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55130
Hours
- Mon11:45 AM to 12:45 PM
- Tue11:45 AM to 12:45 PM
- Wed11:45 AM to 12:45 PM
- Thu11:45 AM to 12:45 PM
- Fri11:45 AM to 12:45 PM
Who can come: Anyone in need
Listed on centralusa.salvationarmy.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
St. Paul, Payne Ave. Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Twin Cities
32 miles from the center of Center City1019 Payne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55130
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
First 20 walk-ins Monday, Friday starting at 8 a.m.; Youth hours: Thursday, 3 to 5 p.m.
Who can come: Anyone in need
Listed on centralusa.salvationarmy.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Mobile pantry
St. Paul, Payne Ave. Salvation Army Fresh Food Distribution
The Salvation Army Twin Cities
32 miles from the center of Center City1019 Payne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55130
Hours
- Fri2 PM to 3:30 PM (1st and 2nd and 3rd of the month). First three Fridays of the month
Who can come: Anyone in need
Listed on centralusa.salvationarmy.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
PBC Fishes and Loaves Food Shelf Ministry
Progressive Baptist Church
33 miles from the center of Center City1505 Burns Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55106
Hours
- Sat10:30 AM to 12 PM. Weather permitting
Who can come: Everyone
Listed on pbcmn.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities Men’s Campus
Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities
33 miles from the center of Center City435 University Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55130
Hours
- Mon6:15 AM to 8 AM; 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM; 5:15 PM to 7 PM
- Tue6:15 AM to 8 AM; 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM; 5:15 PM to 7 PM
- Wed6:15 AM to 8 AM; 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM; 5:15 PM to 7 PM
- Thu6:15 AM to 8 AM; 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM; 5:15 PM to 7 PM
- Fri6:15 AM to 8 AM; 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM; 5:15 PM to 7 PM
- Sat6:15 AM to 8 AM; 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM; 5:15 PM to 7 PM
- Sun6:15 AM to 8 AM; 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM; 5:15 PM to 7 PM
Who can come: Anyone in need
Listed on volunteers.ugmtc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Center City
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
Second Harvest Heartland
7101 Winnetka Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
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
Central Minnesota 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
Lakes and Pines Community Action Council
1700 Maple Ave E, Mora, MN 55051-1227
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Chisago County
Center City is in Chisago County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Chisago County Health & Human Services
313 N Main St, Room 230, Center City, MN 55012
Help here
- Benefits and social servicesGet help with financial assistance, food support, medical assistance, and other county services.Read more
- Behavioral health and substance use supportGet help finding assessment and treatment services for mental health and substance use needs.Read more
- Child supportGet help establishing, changing, or enforcing child support and paternity orders.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on chisagocountymn.gov
Public health · County office
Chisago County Public Health
6133 402nd St, North Branch, MN 55056
Help here
- Public health clinics and immunizationsGet public health information, immunization services, and other county health services.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)WIC provides nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and children.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on chisagocountymn.gov
Courts and legal help · State office
Chisago County Court Self-Help Center and Law Library
Chisago County Courthouse, 313 N Main St, Center City, MN 55012
Help here
- Court self-helpGet information and resources for handling a court case without a lawyer.Read more
- Law libraryAccess legal research materials and Westlaw at the county law library.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mn.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Central Minnesota Council on Aging
3333 W Division St, Suite 217, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Help here
- Information and support for older adults and caregiversFind information and referrals to services for older adults and caregivers in Chisago County.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cmcoa.org
Veterans · County office
Chisago County Veterans Services
313 N Main St, Room 230, Center City, MN 55012
Help here
- Veterans benefits and referralsGet help applying for veterans benefits and referrals to public and private programs.
- Veterans transportationEligible veterans can arrange rides to VA health care facilities.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on chisagocountymn.gov
Emergency help · County office
Chisago County Emergency Management and Homeland Security
15230 Per Rd, Center City, MN 55012
Help here
- Emergency preparedness and disaster recovery coordinationGet information about preparing for emergencies and county disaster response and recovery.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on chisagocountymn.gov
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