You have all seen what is going on in Minnesota. If there is one thing we have learned, it’s this: WE take care of us.

The needs persist, but the aid is slowing down. So many people across our little suburb are keeping our neighbors safe, sheltered, fed, and informed. The NB Neighbors Fund seeks to remove barriers to financial assistance, with a hyper-local focus in our community.

Nothing is more exhausting for people in crisis than having to comb through a bunch of different referrals links, fill out applications, and potentially be denied.

By focusing on hyper-local direct aid, we hope to remove some of those barriers. Here are some of the barriers that people face in getting what they need from the official channels:

MEANS TESTING

Means testing makes individuals prove that they are "poor enough" to need assistance. Many times this is based on pay stubs or tax returns, which may not reflect current income if people are sheltering in place. Everyone is worthy of having their basic needs met.

HOW IT'S PAID

Most people don't realize that nonprofits cannot give cash to applicants for assistance. They can give gift cards or pay debtors directly. They have to keep a paper trail which means that information about vulnerable individuals must be gathered/ stored. Gift cards and toilet paper don't pay the rent!

In its first week, the NB Neighbors Fund raised over $2400 and distributed nearly all of it to families to cover rent and essential utilities (water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications). We need your help to replenish the fund!