

Connection to Community Resources
November 2024

April 2025
Newsletter Highlights:
- Housing Choice Voucher Lottery for METRO HRA opens April 6-April 16. first time since 2022
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Training- supports adults working with youth
- Community Clothing Swap Parenting with Less Conflict, Feb 4
- Resources: Free Tax-Prep Clinics, Food Support, Energy Assistance, Climate Action Fund
- Summer Youth Activities 2025
- School Year 2025-26 -KIDS Club Registration, Screening
- Community Events
If you would like to discuss other resources for your situation or if you have a resource to share, please connect with us at 952-848-3936 or email krista.phillips@edinaschools.org.
Opportunities
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Metro HRA is opening the lottery to join the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waitlist for the first time since June 2022. Waitlist applications will be available April 9-16, 2025.
Applications will be entered in lottery for random selection to our housing choice voucher waitlist. Metro HRA will conduct the waitlist lottery on May 1, 2025. You do not need to live in the Metro HRA service area to enter the lottery for selection to the waitlist. The Metro HRA service area includes EDINA.
Learn More: https://metrocouncil.org/Housing/Services/Metro-HRA-Rental-Assistance.aspx
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for Adults
Attention: Youth Workers, Coaches, Mentors and Adults working with youth
Learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges among children and adolescents. This course will give you the tools and resources to better
address the growing needs of youth. Multiple sessions available in April, May & June
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CLOTHING SWAP
Thursday, April 24
4:00 PM- 7:00 PM
Braemer Arena- Backyard Rink,
7501 Ikola Way, Edina
Clothing swap is open to everyone, including nonresidents and families. Participants are encouraged to bring clothing to swap with other people (April 22 & 23), but no clothing or monetary donation is required to join in and everything is free to take home.
Donation Drop-off
April 22 & 23; 9 AM-3 PM
Braemer Arena- Backyard Rink
Clothing donations for all ages are accepted, including Halloween costumes (human and pet), used running shoes.
Volunteers are needed for the event. Register by April 4: https://bit.ly/2025swapvolunteer
COMMUTER SERVICES
I-494 Construction Projects Updates
Tuesday, April 15
11:30 AM- 12:30 PM
What to expect with the I-494 Edina, Bloomington, Richfield project from Hwy. 77/Cedar Avenue to Hwy. 169, and he’ll give an update on what to expect with the I-494: Bridge over Minnesota River project, from 34th Avenue in Bloomington to Pilot Knob Road in Eagan.
Principles of Bike Safety
Friday, May 9
11:30AM Webinar
Principles of Bike Safety will help you and your family have a successful – and safe – biking season. Learn how to choose the right equipment and fit, how to understand lane positioning, how to ride at night, and more
Early Childhood Expo
Saturday, April 26
11 AM - 2 PM
Bloomington Civic Plaza
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Free, fun and resources packed event with breakout session, baby gear swap and performance by Tricia and the Toonies. Learn More
Growing Up! Workshop for Caregivers and Kiddos (ages 9-12)
Climate Action Fund Applications
Edina Residents: Submit applications for reimbursements or cost-shares for sustainable home projects and equipment such as insulation, heat pumps, water heaters, solar systems, induction stoves, e-bikes and outdoor electric equipment. Businesses and multi-unit owners are also eligible. Learn More
Resources
Refugee and Immigrant Helpline
1-800-814-4806
Helpline navigators value callers’ privacy and provide guidance people can trust. Navigators can help:
- Connect people with resources and information about jobs, food, health, housing, legal help, English classes and more.
- Provide referrals to Resettlement Network Services.
- Answer any question on a caller’s mind—or help figure out where to start.
Navigators are ready to answer questions in * English *Russian *Spanish *Ukrainian
Interpreters who speak more languages are also available. Callers can say their preferred language, and the navigator will connect an interpreter to the call.
Immigrant Resources
Immigrant Legal Resource Center has created a number of tools and resources to help families plan for possible interactions with immigration. These resources are available in multiple languages and include: Red Cards on Your Rights; https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
Educational Videos on Your Rights; https://www.wehaverights.us/spanish
Law Help MN has information on Delegation of Parental Authority, to assist families if they are unable to return home or remain together. Learn More
When children are afraid of parent's deportation-- This pamphlet contains concrete steps to support children’s sense of safety, positive identity, and healthy relationships during an uncertain time. It can be useful to any adult who is involved in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Available in in English, Spanish, Korean
TAXES DUE APRIL 15
PREPARE + PROSPER
Appointment Scheduling now open:
https://prepareandprosper.org/
free tax prep assistance:
Individuals: $40,000 or less
Families: $70,000 or less
Do It Yourself: $85,000 or less
*New in 2025: Renters Credit filing is now part of state funds*
Energy Assistance
Applications for Energy Assistance are now available. Renters and home owners who are needing assistance paying their energy bills (gas, electric) can complete an application between October 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Eligible applicants may receive a grant paid directly to their utility provider to reduce utility expenses. Applications are available in multiple languages and formats including: online, paper, and by mail. Learn More
FOOD RESOURCES
FARE FOR ALL
Fare For All is open to everyone. They offer meat packs or $25 for $11 (no pork) and produce pack ($10). For a local pick-up location. date & time check out the Fare For All Schedule.
Bloomington: April 18/May 16
Richfield: Apr 22/May 20/June 24/July 29
St Louis Park: Apr 16/May 14/June 18/July 23
LOAVES & FISHES
Free Community Meals. Some locations offer To Go and other sites offer Dining In options. No registration needed. Open to all Locations and hours. Nearby locations:
- Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mon-Fri 5:00-6:00pm To Go/In-Person
- Hope Presbyterian Church, Mon-Fri 5:00-6:00pm To Go
- Woodlake Lutheran Church, Sat/Sun 5:30-6:30pm To Go
VEAP Food Pantry
Everyone welcome, No income requirements. Visitors are welcome twice a month. Call 952-888-9616 for an appointment
VEAP's Mobile Pantry is open to all. Fridays: 12-2pm, Dar Al Farooq, 8201 Park Avenue South, Bloomington.
Saturdays:1-3pm St Nicks 7227 Penn Ave S, Richfield
*VEAP's Social Services Team may be able to assist with rent, security deposit or utility bill.
Summer EBT is now SUN BUCKS
If you will not be auto enrolled, complete the 2024-25 Educational Benefits Application with your school district. You will be notified by your school district if you are eligible.
Edina Schools Hopkins Schools Richfield Schools
SUMMER 2025
Edina Community Ed
Summer Registration now open. Choose from over 500 camps & classes for youth. Adult Registration opens on April 22 at 8 AM.
Scholarships:
- Summer Go Time Scholarships available for incoming K-12 (Forma de Registro 2025)
- Preschool Summer Scholarship
- KIDS Club Financial Assistance
Edina Parks & Recreation
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Find all of the dates and registrations links for summer youth programs in one place
- Athletic Associations in Edina (soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball & more)
- Day Camps / Youth Programs
- All-Day Care Programs
- Overnight Camps/ Outdoor Day Camps
- Adaptive Sports/Inclusive Rec
- Scholarships - Edina Give and Go, Connect Card,
School Year 2025-26
Early Learning Center
Registration for 2025-26 Early Learning Center is now open
- Full-Day & Half Day Preschool (3 & 4 year old)
- Early Childhood Family Education* (ECFE) (ages 0-5)
- Parent Education
View a PDF of the 2025-26 Catalog
Scholarships available for qualifying families participating in non-ECFE component classes.
*sliding scale fee tuition
KIDS Club 2025-26
2025-26 KIDS Club- before/after school care program contract request window is March 25, 8 AM to April 14, 11:59 PM. Contract requests will be accepted during this two-week window. If more contracts are requested than available at a specific site, a random computerized lottery will be held. Learn More
Early Childhood Screening
Do you have a child starting Kindergartner starting in the fall? All incoming Kindergartners are required by the State of Minnesota to have a screening before the start of Kindergarten. Screening is FREE and take about an hour. Screening is open to children starting at age 3. Schedule your appointment today. Screening early (age 3) can help provide your child early access to additional supports to prepare for Kindergarten. Learn More
Community Events
Galleria Floral Experience 2025
March 23 - April 6
Edina Galleria
50th & France Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 19
10 AM -12 PM
Community Clothing Swap
Thursday, April 24
4:00 PM- 7:00 PM
Braemer Arena- Backyard Rink,
7501 Ikola Way, Edina
Edina Give and Go Gala
Vehicle Day
Saturday, May 3
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Southdale Center Parking Lot
Free for all
Edina Rides
Saturday, May 17
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Southdale YMCA
Gear up to ride and support educational non-profit organizations. $10 Adults & Kids 12+; Kids under 12 free.
75th Anniversary Celebration for Senior Community Services
Edina Senior Center Health and Wellness Fair
Wednesday, May 21
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Edina Senior Center
Edina Art Fair
Friday, June 6
3:00 PM - 8:00PM
Saturday, June 7
10:00AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, June 8
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Common Resources
Bloomington Public Health, 952-563-8900, WIC, immunizations
City of Edina, 952-927-8861
Edina Community Ed, 952-848-3952
Edina Senior Center, 952-833-9570
Family Response, 612-979-9511, immediate in-person support & stabilization for families
Mental Health Crisis Services, call or text 988, 24/7
Normandale Center for Healing, 952-929-1698, caregiver support, education, resources
Senior Community Services,952-541-1019 caregiver support, household & outdoor maintenance,
VEAP, 952-888-9616, food pantry, social services
Your connection to community information, services and resources
Connect with us!
952-848-3936
contact@edinaresourcenter.com5701 Normandale Rd, Edina MN 55424