Frequently asked questions

What day and times is Housing Stability staff able to assist?
The staff are generally available by phone and e-mail Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
    Housing Stability staff offer walk-in hours at the Wellstone Center on Mondays 10 a.m.—12 p.m., Wednesdays 3—5 p.m., and Fridays 1—3 p.m.
      Staff are not available on federal holidays or weekends.
      How do I contact Housing Stability at Neighborhood House?
      The best way to contact us is through the Housing Stability number (651-789-2547). You can also send an email to housingstability@neighborhoodhousemn.org.
      How do I apply for assistance through Neighborhood House?
      Please complete the online application by clicking here. The online application is available on our website when we have the capacity to accept additional requests for help.
        If our application is not open when you are seeking assistance, click here to be directed to another Ramsey County Homeless Prevention Assistance Provider.
        What can Neighborhood House Housing Stability Program help with?
        Resources may be available to keep individuals and families in their current housing. Assistance may be available for eligible households who need help paying past due rent, rent deposit, and/or utilities.
          To see if you qualify, staff will work with you and, if needed, your property manager or utility company to collect information about you and your household.
            Financial assistance is not guaranteed even if you qualify, as funding is limited and restrictions may apply.
            Who is eligible for assistance through Neighborhood House?
            To see if you qualify, staff will review your application and work with you and, if needed, your property manager or utility company to collect information about you and your household. Financial assistance is not guaranteed even if you qualify, as funding is limited and restrictions may apply.
              You may qualify for help if:
              • You live in Ramsey County
              • Your household gross income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
              • You are homeless or at risk of losing your housing within 30 days.
              How long does the process take and when will I have an answer on if I am eligible for service?
              Application processing times vary. If your application meets baseline eligibility, you will be required to complete additional documentation and provide verifications as staff process your request. If there are delays providing information, it can impact the time it takes to process your request for help.
              What documentation do I need for a Housing Assistance Application?
              To start, you will need to complete an online application and provide proof of your housing crisis (past due rent, notice to evict, court summons, utility disconnection, lease, rent ledger, etc.).
                If your application meets baseline eligibility and staff begin to process your case, you will need to complete additional forms and releases of information. You will need to provide proof of income for the last 30 days for all adults in the household.
                Once approved for financial assistance, how long does it take for the funds to be received?
                Once approved for financial assistance, you will receive a Letter of Guarantee. Financial assistance will be sent directly to your property manager or utility company within 10-14 days from the Letter of Guarantee.
                  Your property manager will be contacted and given information on how to enroll for ACH payments through Bill.com.
                  Can I apply for assistance if I am receiving a housing subsidy?
                  Yes, you can apply for assistance through Neighborhood House if you are already receiving a housing subsidy. You may be eligible for assistance for the tenant-portion of the rent that you pay.
                  Can I apply for assistance if I’m getting help from another organization for my housing crisis?
                  No, you should not apply for help with multiple agencies. There are several providers in Ramsey County, and you cannot get help from multiple organizations for the same housing crisis. If staff learn that you are requesting duplicative assistance, your application will be denied.
                  What if I am having trouble submitting my application for housing assistance?
                  If you need technical assistance to complete the application, please call Housing Stability at (651-789-2547) to speak with a staff member.
                    Housing Stability staff offer walk-in hours at the Wellstone Center on Mondays 10 a.m.—12 p.m., Wednesdays 3—5 p.m., and Fridays 1—3 p.m. and can provide technical assistance during these times.
                    What if I have received a summons to appear in Ramsey County Eviction or Housing Court?
                    If you have received a summons to appear in Ramsey County Eviction or Housing Court, you must attend your scheduled virtual court hearing. During the hearing, ask for "Financial Clinic Services" to be assessed for possible help.
                      If you are eligible for help, staff at Eviction/Housing Court will give you instructions for the next steps.
                        Neighborhood House Housing Stability staff are in court 3 days a week alongside another provider, House Calls.

                        Please fill out and submit the form below to contact us.

                        Valerie Dorschner | Early Childhood Instructor

                        Valerie has worked at Neighborhood House since 2004.

                        Valerie leads the Skills for School preschool program and is responsible for the curriculum. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood working with parents and children, and has training and experience working with neurodiverse and dual language students.

                        • Valerie is a licensed teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas.
                        • She holds licenses in elementary education and in early childhood education, and has several years of experience
                          teaching elementary school.

                        Valerie enjoys her free time with her five children and one grandchild.

                        Victoria Campoverde

                        Victoria Campoverde is the program manager of Neighborhood House’s Latino Leadership Program. She is originally from Peru and was a licensed high school teacher in her home country.

                        Her extensive experience within the education sector exemplifies her commitment to education and families.

                        • Currently, she serves as the Cultural Liaison between Columbia Heights School District and Anoka-Hennepin School District.
                        • In 2008 Victoria began working with The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s Latino Leadership Program on adapting their curriculum for the Latinx community. Since then, she has continued working in the Latino Leadership Program after its 2020 transition to Neighborhood House.
                        • Coauthor of Education: Our Best Legacy (EOBL), a school success program designed for parents or caregivers with one or more children in middle school. EOBL is part of the Partnering for School Success project (PSS) with the University of Minnesota’s Extension program.
                        • Lead teacher and Program Director at Joyce Preschool.
                        • A 25 on the Rise, Latino Leader recipient from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2006.
                        • Facilitator with different Latino parent programs in the Twin Cities.
                        • President of Kuyayki Peru MN Cultural Association.

                        For Victoria it is important to value ones culture and cultivate ones heritage. She believes in the importance of empowering the community through her work with Neighborhood House and the Latino Leadership Program. During her free time Victoria enjoys dancing.

                        Winter / Spring Fresh Produce Distributions Events*

                        From November–May, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends. Distributions take place at Metro State University in St. Paul.

                        This event is held indoors. Masks are encouraged but not required.

                        During each event, we distribute approximately 3,000 pounds of food to approximately 75-100 families on average.

                        No documentation or identification is required to participate.

                        For additional questions about the Food Markets, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

                        Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!

                        • Requirements: Nothing! You do not need identification to receive food.
                        • Recommendations: You may want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one. On average, visitors will leave with approximately 40 pounds of fresh produce per event. 
                        • Registration: First-time visitors are required to register on site. The registration process will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
                        • Parking: You can park in the Metro State ramp parking for $5. Otherwise, street parking is available along 7th St. and Bates Avenue.

                        Wellstone Center | 179 Robie Street East, St. Paul, MN  55107

                         

                        Location

                        Metropolitan State University

                        (Student Center Room)
                        101 690 E 7th St
                        St. Paul, MN 55106

                        TIME – 2:30–4 P.M.

                        DATES – December 17, 2025 | January 14, 2026 | February 11, 2026 | March 11, 2026 | April 8, 2026 | May 13, 2026

                         

                        * Weather permitting – If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.

                        For any other questions, please call (651)-789-3602.

                        Summer / Fall distributions* (Summer 2026)

                        From July to October, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends at our St. Paul locations. 

                        The distributions are held outdoors and are farmer’s market style. No documentation or identification is required to participate.

                        For additional questions about Food Support, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

                        Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!

                        • Requirements: Nothing! You do not need identification to receive food.
                        • Recommendations: You may want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one. On average, visitors will leave with approximately 40 pounds of fresh produce per event. 
                        • Registration: First-time visitors are required to register on site. The registration process will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
                        • Parking: You may park on the street at most of our locations. 
                         

                        Locations

                        The Wellstone Center

                        179 Robie Street
                        St. Paul, MN 55107

                        Dates

                        Every 2nd and 4th Thursday from July to October
                        Hours: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

                        • 7/9
                        • 7/23
                        • 8/13
                        • 8/27
                        • 9/10
                        • 9/24
                        • 10/8
                        • 10/22

                        Neighborhood HOUSE ON MONTREAL

                        1080  Montreal Ave
                        St. Paul, MN 55116

                        Dates

                        Every 1st and 3rd Thursday from July to October
                        Hours: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

                        • 7/2 – Canceled 
                        • 7/16 – Canceled
                        • 8/6
                        • 8/20
                        • 9/3
                        • 9/17
                        • 10/1
                        • 10/15

                        * Weather permitting. If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.

                        For any other questions, please call (651)-789-3602.

                        Food Market Location

                        Francis Basket

                        1293 East Maynard Drive #410
                        St Paul, MN 55116
                        Phone: (651) 699-0986

                        Building Hours

                        Monday

                        9AM – 11:30AM

                        Tuesday & WEDNESDAYS

                        9AM – 11:30AM
                        1PM – 4PM

                        Highland / Sibley Manor

                        Food Market Location

                        The Wellstone Center

                        179 Robie Street
                        St. Paul, MN 55107
                        Phone: (651) 789-2500
                        Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

                        Appointment Required

                        Make Appointment online: Click Here

                        Appointment Scheduling Hours

                        Monday – Friday

                        9:30AM–4PM

                        Operating Hours

                        Monday

                        TUESDAY–FRIDAY

                        SATURDAY

                        • 1–4PM 
                        • 9:30–11:30AM
                        • 1–3:30PM

                        Closed Saturdays until 2026

                        Wellstone Center Food Market

                        St. Paul Music Academy

                        27 Geranium Avenue East
                        St Paul, MN 55117
                        Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

                        Building Hours

                        Monday – Friday

                        9AM – 4PM

                        St. Paul Music Academy

                        John A. Johnson Elementary

                        740 York Avenue
                        St Paul, MN 55106
                        Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

                        Building Hours

                        Monday – Friday

                        9AM – 4PM

                        John A. Johnson Elementary

                        Neighborhood House on Montreal

                        1080 Montreal Ave
                        St Paul, MN 55116
                        Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

                        Building Hours

                        Monday – Friday

                        9AM – 4PM

                        No appointment necessary

                        Operating Hours​

                        MONDAY–WEDNESDAY

                        • 9:30–11:30AM
                        • 1–4PM
                        Neighborhood House on Montreal

                        Dayton's Bluff Elementary

                        262 Bates Avenue
                        St. Paul, MN 55106
                        Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

                        Building Hours

                        Monday – Friday

                        9AM – 4PM

                        Dayton's Bluff Elementary

                        Bruce Vento Elementary

                        409 Case Avenue East
                        St Paul, MN 55130
                        Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

                        Building Hours

                        Monday – Friday

                        9AM – 4PM

                        Bruce Vento Elementary

                        Main Campus

                        The Wellstone Center

                        179 Robie Street
                        St. Paul, MN 55107
                        Main Phone: (651) 789-2500
                        Service Connect: (651) 789-3602
                        Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

                        Building Hours

                        Monday – Friday

                        8AM – 9PM

                        Saturday

                        8AM – 4PM

                        Sunday

                        NOON – 5PM

                        The Wellstone Center

                        Parking

                        The Wellstone Center Parking Ramp is located on the west side of the main building. The ramp has three levels with one elevator bank. Take the elevator to the first floor and follow the signs towards the information desk.
                        Parking is free.

                        Note: Building hours may be adjusted due to holidays, emergencies, program changes or weather. Check our website homepage and social media for possible building hour changes.