Rochester Local Assistance Programs

This page lists local organizations in Rochester, Minnesota that provide free legal help, food and social services. Statewide programs are described on the Minnesota page.

Legal aid

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County provides free civil legal services to low-income people in Olmsted County, including family law, housing, and eviction matters. Its free legal clinics give one-time advice by phone or video call.¹

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services provides free civil legal help to low-income people, including family law, housing, government benefits, and immigration cases.²

Food

Channel One Regional Food Bank runs the main food shelf for southeast Minnesota. The food shelf is open to anyone in Minnesota with household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. It also offers free grocery delivery in Rochester.³

The Salvation Army runs a food shelf and a free weekday lunch at its Social Services Center in downtown Rochester. Its bread pantry is stocked Monday through Friday.⁴

Social services

Family Promise Rochester helps families with children stay housed through eviction prevention, rental help, landlord mediation, and case management. It also runs Promise House, a shelter for families in southeast Rochester.⁵

Three Rivers Community Action offers short-term help for households in crisis, including help with rent, deposits, car repairs, medical and dental needs, and utilities. Call the toll-free number to complete an intake by phone.⁶