Student Basic Needs

Rainy River is committed to providing excellent educational opportunities to the communities it serves. We recognize basic needs — including things like food, housing and transportation — can have a direct impact on the wellbeing and success of our students. To assist our community in meeting these needs, we’ve compiled the resources below. The information will be revised when appropriate and evolve as necessary.

Contact Brad Krasaway if you have any questions at brad.krasaway@minnesotanorth.edu or 218-598-9308. Also, Rainy River Advisors are available to meet with students who need assistance with basic needs issues.

Minnesota North College and Minnesota State have partnered with United Way 211 to establish a statewide basic needs resource hub. The basic needs resource hub provides all students access to basic needs resources and support available on campus and in the community via phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

United Way 211 provides free and confidential health and human services information. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect you with the resources and information you need. If you’re looking for information about services available in your community for you or a loved one, they can help.

Text MNHELP to 898-211(TXT211) or call 211 (toll free at 1-800-543-7709) to speak with one of their highly trained information and referral specialists. Your call is completely confidential, and they have call menus in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Interpreters are also available for any language.

Visit the 211 website to learn more or to explore resources and support that may be available.

To search the 211 database of basic needs resources online, please visit the student basic needs website.

  • Call 211 or text MNHELP to 898-211 for free and confidential health and human services information, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.