Families

United Way of Steele County 

2-1-1 Information and Referral 

Try calling 2-1-1 (1-800- 543-7709) for information on senior childcare, legal help, transportation, housing, employment, food, counseling, volunteering, and much more! United Way of Steele County helps fund this service for our area. 2-1-1 is a free, multilingual, and confidential phone service that is available 24/7/365. 

Location:

1850 Austin Road, Suite 103

Owatonna

(507) 455-1180

Steele County Food Shelf 

The Steele County Food Shelf can provide up to a 10-day supply of a variety of nutritious foods.

Location:

155 Oakdale Street, Suite A

Owatonna

(507) 455-2991

Owatonna Public Schools Free and Reduced Lunch Program

Families may apply for the Free and Reduced Lunch program by applying online at or by stopping or calling 515 West Bridge Street. Qualifying students receive free breakfast and free/reduced lunches.  

(507) 444-8616

Meal of Hope

When:  Every Sunday

Time:  5:00 - 6:15 p.m.

Where:  Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Lincoln Avenue Owatonna 

Room: Fellowship Hall

For more information or transportation needs call: (507) 451-4520

Community Supper

When: Every Wednesday 

Time: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. 

Where:  Bethel Church,  1611 Hemlock Ave Owatonna

Room: Multipurpose Room, downstairs, across from the kitchen. 

For more information call: (507) 451-8548 

St. Vincent de Paul Society

When: Every Tuesday

Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Where: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 S Elm Ave, Owatonna 

For more information call: (507) 451-4845

Steele County Clothesline 

The Steele County Clothesline can provide free clothing and small household items to Steele County residents in need.

Location:

155 Oakdale Street, Suite A

Owatonna

(507) 451-2550

Steele County Children’s Remedial Fund

The Children's Remedial Fund of Steele County is a program intended to provide financial support to eligible families who have children with medical, dental, vision, hearing, school supplies and winter clothing needs. You can download and print an application on the website or request an application from your community school nurse or school social worker. 

Let’s Smile Inc. Dental Programs

Some of the schools offer dental clinics in partnership with Let’s Smile Inc. These services are for families on state insurance programs or have no dental insurance. Let’s Smile also provides dental cleanings at the Steele County Clothesline on most Wednesdays. Contact your child’s school social worker for more information or contact Holly from Let’s Smile directly at 507-363-3023

FamilyWize Prescription Discount

FamilyWize is a prescription discount drug program that could potentially save you 40% on prescription drugs. The discount cards are free of charge and available through their website

Energy Assistance Program  

SEMCAC is a local community agency that provides energy assistance. You can find their EAP application on their website or by calling 1-800-944-3281. 

Housing

If your family is experiencing or anticipates loss of housing please contact your school social worker. There are protections and services available to you under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. There are also resources within the community to support with eviction prevention. 

Students or families who are experiencing any of the following living situations due to loss of housing or financial difficulties may qualify as a family in transition (FIT): Doubled up with another family Couch hopping or staying with friends Staying in hotels or motels due to lack of housing Displaced due to flooding or other natural disasters Living in residences not meant as permanent housing (car, camper, business, abandoned house or building) What services are available to FIT students?   The ability to stay in their original school, even when moving outside of the school boundaries Free bussing if living outside walking distance Free school meals Support with removing barriers to school attendance and participation Help with school supplies and winter outerwear Preschool opportunities for younger students Help connecting to community resources How will the school social worker determine eligibility? When a school social worker believes that a student may be considered a Family in Transition (FIT student), they will connect with the guardian or speak to the student, if they are in the secondary schools, to have a conversation to better understand the family's situation.  If it is determined that the situation qualifies as a family in transition, the school social worker will complete paperwork to ensure that the family receives all benefits available to them.  Information is shared with the school district's Families in Transition Liaison and is kept private unless otherwise requested by the family.   Please contact your school's social worker for more information. Lincoln Elementary McKinley Elementary Washington Elementary Wilson Elementary Owatonna Middle School Owatonna High School Owatonna Area Learning Center You can also contact the Owatonna school district’s Families in Transition Liaison, Trina Kasper, at 507-444-8081 or pkasper@isd761.org

The school social workers in each building have a supply of school supplies to hand out to students/families in need. Please contact your child’s school social worker if your child is needing school supplies. 

Social Workers
Lincoln Elementary
McKinley Elementary
Washington Elementary
Wilson Elementary
Owatonna Middle School
Owatonna High School
Owatonna Area Learning Center

SEMCAC a local agency is offering car repair funds to support to families facing financial hardship as long as there is a child under the age of 18 in the home. The can be reached by phone at 507-864-7741 or via email at semcac@semcac.org for more information.