Contact Us
- Phone: (651) 464-3323
- Mailing Address: 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025
Response from Faith
The Be Well Faith committee continues to meet and support Faith Council and Staff.
Please contact Deacon Nina ( ) to talk through ways that your ministry can remain vibrant during this time.
#distanceNOTdisconnect
Health
- Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 7am-7pm
- School and child care questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 7am – 7pm
- If you are sick & testing Information
- Cleaning and disinfecting advice
Considerations for Wearing a Mask
Learn general recommendations for the use of face cloth coverings and how face cloth coverings are different from other mask types.
How to Safely Wear and Take Off a Cloth Face Covering (PDF)
Resource on the proper use of cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
How to Select, Wear, and Clean your Mask
Abuse and Violence Protection
Child Abuse Prevention
With school closures, experts are warning of a potential increase in child abuse. Stay-at-home orders have kept teachers from being able to observe and report signs of abuse. And stressors from the pandemic (think: job loss, bills) could put kids further at risk, without a safe way to escape or call for help. Some states have seen hotline calls decrease as much as 70% – a figure that raises concern abuse is going unreported and undetected.
If you believe a child is being abused, neglected, or in immediate danger of being harmed, call 911 or your local police department. You can also contact The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
Sexual and Domestic Violence or Human Trafficking
Staying home, especially if you are sick, can reduce the spread of COVID-19. But it can make it more difficult for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence or human trafficking to get help. For any victims and survivors who need support, contact the Minnesota DayOne Hotline by calling 1-866-223-1111 or texting 612-399-9995. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by texting LOVEIS to 22522.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
There are many local and online resources and support for those struggling with alcohol or substance abuse during pandemic.
- Hazelden Betty Ford is a great resource in our area. Click the link or call 1-800-257-7810.
- Alcoholics Anonymous St Paul, MN area Online Intergroup or call 651-227-5502.
- Find resources or help from Minnesota Recovery or call 612-584-4158.
- The e-AA Group has email recovery meetings and discussion forums.
- AA Online Meeting is a Skype-based (voice only), English-language AA meeting in three different time zones in Europe and Asia.
- Recovering Lutheran Clergy meetings. Online meeting every Sunday night at 7 p.m. The meeting is open to anyone in 12-setp recovery of any kind and for those interested in learning more about 12-step recovery. Join the meeting.
Energy Assistance
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills or behind on payments, there are several entities that are offering assistance. Some providers are also offering forgiveness and payment plan options.
Minnesota Commerce Department Energy Assistance: 800-657-3710 or mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance
Energy Cents Coalition: 651-774-9010 or www.energycents.org
Xcel Energy Customer Service: 800-895-4999
CenterPoint Energy Customer Service: 800-245-2377
Food
Emergency Food Support
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is increasing benefits by 15% through June 30, 2021. More information about SNAP and other hunger resources is available on the department’s COVID-19 emergency food support webpage, or via the Minnesota Food HelpLine, 1-888-711-1151 or www.mnfoodhelpline.org. Minnesotans can apply for SNAP online at ApplyMN or by phone, mail, fax or drop boxes at county and tribal human service offices.
Information to find support or apply for income-based assistance available here
Washington County food delivery - Washington County and local food shelves are partnering to deliver free emergency food packs directly to residents’ homes. Sign up online or call 651-430-6688 for assistance.
Metro Mobility Grocery/Supply Delivery: Metro Mobility customers can now schedule the service to pick up and deliver grocery or essential household supply orders for free. More information here or call 651-602-1111, TTY: 651-221-9886
A new program called P-EBT, is for students who are normally able to get free or reduced price school meals. Apply and get up to $325 per child to spend on groceries.
Food Pantries & Meals Available
Community Helping Hand, 408 – 15th Street SW, Forest Lake 55025, 651-464-0061
Offers food packs to families in the Forest Lake Area School District that receive reduced or free lunch. Call 651-464-0061 or text 651-505-1493.
*Now providing food delivery to seniors without transportation. Call 651-464-0061.
Elim Lutheran Church, 20971 Olinda Trail N, Scandia, MN, 651-433-2723
Food available by appointment only. Call the church number between 9 am – 4 pm for more information or visit on-line.
Family Pathways Food Shelf Forest Lake, 935 Lake St S., Forest Lake 55025, 651-464-2098
Operate normal hours, but is shifting to a drive-up pre-packaged model
Family Pathways Food Shelf Chisago City, 10586 Liberty Ln, Chisago City 55013, 651-257-1308
Linwood Covenant Church, 6565 Viking Blvd NE, Wyoming 55092, 651-462-3780
Second Thursday of the month beginning at 5PM, LCC is happy to put on a drive-up Manna Market — a service providing free food for those in the area in need. If you'd like a box of food for your family, please contact Judy at 651-464-1986 to schedule your pickup time slot!
Meals for kids
This is an interactive map that has all school locations to get meals from.
Free Meals for Kids app is now available in the GooglePlay store or Apple Store for FREE. The app uses GPS to find food distribution locations, hours, days, and more near you. More information
USDA Free Breakfast and Lunch for all students through June 2021
Forest Lakes Area Schools (and LILA)
Minnesota Food Resources for Families
Mental Health
Note: If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911.
MDH Supporting Mental Well-being during COVID-19 (PDF)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Phone Line: 1-800-273-8255 - 24/7 Free & Confidential Support
Mental Health Minnesota: Get Help in a Crisis
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Resources for Youth
Dr. Barbara Stroud VIDEO: Managing Emotions COVID-10 Tips for Parents
National Alliance on Mental Health Illness Minnesota: General COVID-19 Information
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Talking with Children About the Coronavirus Disease
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Managing Stress & Anxiety
Mental Health Minnesota Apps: Manage Your Mental Health, Get Support, Find Resources
Mental Health Minnesota: COVID-19 Social Isolation
Mental Health Minnesota: Minnesota Warmline - Open Monday-Saturday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 651-288-0400 or 1-877-404-3190 or Text ‘Support’ to 85511
Housing
If you have experienced loss of income due to COVID-19, Washington County has financial relief available for homeowners and for renters.
Parents with Young Children
Back to School Sleep Tips During COVID. Review some easy steps parents can take to get their child back into a routine to wake up early for school.
The University of Minnesota’s Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing has developed unique resources for the pandemic, including a downloadable Tip Sheet for Parenting through COVID-19. The Tip Sheet includes strategies for talking to children about the pandemic, self-care ideas for parents and caregivers and additional resources to support parents, families, and children.
Practice a self-compassion exercise designed specifically for care-givers. Or learn more about self-compassion.
Technology Support
Reduced price Chromebooks for distance learning
Washington County Libraries now have Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks are now available to check out, for free! You must have a library card registered with Washington County Library. Hotspots can connect up to 10 devices to the internet at your home or small business.
Unemployment
Veterans
Veterans Relief Grants
Veterans can apply for new Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs relief grants during this difficult time. Learn more and apply here.
Voting
If you are concerned about the spread of COVID-10 while voting, you can apply for an absentee ballot here or Vote Early In Person
County Specific Information
Washington County
City of Forest Lake specific COVID-19 website
Chisago County
*Resources are found on the Facebook Page: “Chisago County Public Health”
WAYS TO HELP
Financial Assistance for Neighbors – Friends and neighbors are coming to us to get help for things like groceries, gas money, and making sure their rent is paid. If you are able, you can make a special gift to this fund to help those who are struggling financially during this time of Covid-19. Checks can be sent to Faith for “Direct Assistance Fund.” You may also give online and put your contribution amount in the box next to “Direct Assistance.”
Give Blood - Blood supplies are short right now and there are actually several blood drives in our area. Please make sure you have permission from your medical provider or know you are not at risk to donate.
Mask-Making – We are collecting homemade masks for MaskUpMN. Check out the MaskUPMN website for instructions on masks. These can be dropped off at Faith, while the office is open. Please use Door 1.
Pray. Pray for those you know who are affected by this. Pray for your friends and neighbors laid off or furloughed from work. Pray for parents at home trying to be teachers. Pray for those who must choose between their health and a paycheck. Pray for those who are isolated and alone. AND pray with thanksgiving for those things that you get to experience (like family time) or let go of in these days. Check out our prayer calendar for more prayer suggestions or join our prayer chain by emailing
Reach Out! – Make phone calls (or use another way of connecting) with people you know who live alone, are isolated, far from family, or could use a listening ear, personal story, or word of hope.
Stay home. Our bishop has reminded our synod’s clergy that this is how we love our neighbor. So many people are vulnerable to this illness – and we don’t necessarily know who might have an underlying health condition or a weakened immune system. Stay home out of love and care for many people in our church and community who may be vulnerable.
Volunteer – We are coordinating volunteers for various kinds of work. Email
to be added to our volunteer list. Volunteers can say yes to opportunities that they are able to complete. Options have included delivering items, sending kids artwork to shut-ins, phone calls, writing cards/letters