VISTA LIVING GUIDE
Thank you for your commitment to a year of service to help alleviate poverty in America and specifically Minnesota.
While starting as a VISTA you received a lot of information on policies and procedures, capacity building, and poverty in the United States. All very helpful tools in getting you started with service, but how will you support yourself during this year?
This document is to support your life as a VISTA: how to make the most out of your living allowance, what free resources or discounts are available to you, what is there to do around Minnesota on a VISTA stipend, and much more!
I ndex BUDGETING 2
HOUSING 3 USEFUL TIPS 3 RECOMMENDED AFFORDABLE HOUSING 3
TRANSPORTATION 4
WINTER TRANSIT 5
FOOD ASSISTANCE 6
EATING AFFORDABLY 7
HEALTH AND WELLNESS 8 GENERAL HEALTH 8 MENTAL HEALTH 8 PET WELLNESS 8
SAVINGS AND DEALS 9
ENTERTAINMENT 10 ATHLETICS, PARKS AND RECREATIONS 10 MALLS AND SHOPPING CENTERS 10 MUSEUMS 10 PUBLIC LIBRARIES 11 THEATERS 11 OTHER ENTERTAINMENT 12 THRIFT STORES 12 FINDING THRIFTY THINGS TO DO 13
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 14 VISTA CAMPUS 14 ONLINE COURSES 14 NEWSLETTERS 14 FUNDRAISING & GRANT WRITING 16 OTHER RESOURCES 16
This is not a comprehensive list. If you know of something that is not on this list or needs editing, please inform your Minnesota VISTA Leader via email or this Google Form. All information you can provide will be added to the Guide.
BUDGETING
Explore some free resources for budgeting tools, tips, and assistance:
● VISTA Campus: “Managing Your Living Allowance” ○ Everyday savings ○ Budgeting ○ Financial literacy ● Prepare + Prosper provides free tax prep to low- and moderate-income individuals ● The Simple Dollar is a resource to learn real-life money management ● Ramsey County Financial Assistance Services ● LSS Financial Counseling offers a variety of financial health, debt counseling, and budgeting services ● FamilyMeans Financial Solutions offers free budget and debt counseling ● Budgeting apps: ○ Mint ○ PocketGuard ○ Wally ○ You Need a Budget (free trial)
Return to Index 2 HOUSING
If you’re serving in the Twin Cities, each year a Google Sheet is created to connect AmeriCorps members to potential housemates. There is a Facebook group for both Twin Cities Metro and N orthland AmeriCorps (Duluth) members.
Multiple housing resources exist to help you find a safe, enjoyable, and affordable place to live. Here are some useful steps to consult and complete before you find a place:
USEFUL TIPS ● Identify your Price Range ○ Identify your expenses and living allowance to prepare a monthly budget using the Budget Calculator at VISTA Campus. ○ If possible, your rent should be less than 50% of your monthly income. ○ Consider living with roommates for price reduction if you need/want to ● Find the Right Neighborhood For You ○ Read up on the ins-and-outs of moving to the Twin Cities at Live MSP ○ Explore different neighborhoods on Nextdoor, the neighborhood social media platform ○ Determine your commute to work with MetroTransit’s Trip Planner ○ Learn what’s in your area: Walk Score ● Search for a Place to Live ○ Things to Know When Touring a New Apartment: Tips & Checklist ○ 31 Apartment Hunting Tips Everyone Needs To Know ○ Apartment Search Engines: ■ Apartment Guide ■ PadMapper ■ Rent ■ Zillow ■ Nextdoor ■ Queer Housing Resource (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
RECOMMENDED AFFORDABLE HOUSING Please note that some of these options are faith-based locations ● Twin Cities Houses of Hospitality is an intentional community in Minneapolis/St. Paul, rooted in Christian hospitality, that engages young adults (age 21-30) around connections between a life of faith, service, justice, and vocation. ● Urban Homeworks focuses the combined resources of public, private and faith sectors to transform vacant, condemned, or underutilized properties and vacant lots into quality, attainable places to live for low to moderate income households. ● Project for Pride in Living has affordable housing options and support services across the Twin Cities ● US Department of Housing & Urban Development Resources ● HousingLink works to provide information to expand affordable rental choices
Return to Index 3 TRANSPORTATION
Every VISTA program provides different transportation support. Please check with your VISTA Leader or VISTA Program Manager around reimbursement/support.
Here are some general resources that may be useful:
● Metro Transit can be used to plan with routes and schedules, stops and stations, and find information on passes. Try the app! ● Here’s a video about how to take your bike on the bus (with bike racks on front) or inside the light rail ● Ridesharing ○ HourCar ○ Rideshare through MetroTransit ● Scooter Rentals ○ Lime ○ Spin ○ Lyft
BIKING ● Nice Ride ● Spokes, Cycles for Change, and Grease Rag offer free space, tools and workshops for repairing your bike ○ Cycles also sells used bikes for affordable prices, has volunteer opportunities and Learn to Ride classes for new riders ● Midtown Greenway is a protected, cross-city path ● Driver Etiquette to be aware of. Cyclists face many dangers when biking, so if you’re a driver learn more about what measures you should take when approaching or passing a cyclist ● Our Streets Minneapolis inspires people to bike and advocates for a city where everyone feels comfortable riding ● MapMyRide app will help calculate the length of your ride ● Check out Minneapolis Police Department’s Bike Auction to purchase a bicycle
Return to Index 4 WINTER TRANSIT
Winter travel can be intimidating, even for those of us who are familiar with Minnesota weather.
Look over the following resources for tips and tricks to get through the winter:
WINTER BIKING ● Winter Bicycle Maintenance and Cleaning keeping your bike clean is the key to ensuring your ride doesn’t fall apart ● Surviving the cold on two wheels: 10 tips to winter biking in Minnesota ● What do you wear in winter? Our Streets Minneapolis asked just that question
WINTER DRIVING ● View these 9 Winter Car Maintenance Tips to prepare your car for winter before the snow hits ● How to Make a Winter Survival Kit will help you prepare for the snow and if you get stuck ● If you are living or serving in St. Paul or Minneapolis sign up for their Snow Emergency Alerts so you don’t get towed ○ Familiarize yourself with the Snow Emergency Parking rules in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Return to Index 5 FOOD ASSISTANCE
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals. The program provides support to help stretch your household food budget. SNAP is not intended to meet all of your household’s food needs — it is a supplement.
The amount of benefits you might get is based on your income, expenses, and the number of people in your household. If approved for the program, you will get an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card which is like a debit card. Each month, your benefits will be credited to your EBT account.
● View the VISTA Handbook to understand the rules of the Food Stamps Program and how it applies to VISTAs. Please read the rules and regulations carefully ● To learn more about applying for and utilizing SNAP, visit the M innesota Department of Human Resources ● Bridge to Benefits is a resource created by the Children's Defense Fund. It helps identify what a member may be eligible for ○ Individuals enter information about their income, household, and expenses. The website links to applications for public support (SNAP, energy assistance, child care assistance, etc.) that may be available
Return to Index 6 EATING AFFORDABLY
FARMERS’ MARKETS Farmers’ markets are a cheap and healthy way to stock up on fresh produce. Many farmers’ markets also have a Double Dollars program, in which SNAP recipients receive double the amount of “dollars” at the farmers’ market! ● St. Paul Farmers’ Market ● Minneapolis Farmers Market ● Minnesota Grown is a search engine for farmers’ markets across the state
CO-OPS Co-ops are another option for getting healthy food. Prices are higher because of the local, organic, and fair trade goods, but it can be affordable to buy bulk. Many co-ops have needs-based memberships for SNAP program participants! ● Minnesota Co-op Directory List
CHAIN STORES For everyday groceries and pantry essentials, chain stores usually offer the best price and selection ● Aldi Foods ● Cub Foods ● Trader Joe’s ● Econo Foods ● Target ● Mike’s Discount Foods
OTHER RESOURCES ● Fare For All offers affordable groceries and packages of produce and meat for up to 40% off retail prices ● Imperfect Foods delivers imperfect produce, pantry items, and quality eggs and dairy. They offer up to a 30% discount compared to grocery store prices ● Good Grocer operates with community volunteers who operate the store and in turn receive a discount on groceries. They are relaunching at a new location soon ● Provision Community Restaurant is a give-as-you-can community cafe serving healthy, family-style meals
INEXPENSIVE RECIPES ● Budget Bytes focuses on food that is quick and satisfying and breaks down each meal with the cost of individual ingredients and servings ● $5 Dinners offers recipes for meals costing approximately $5.00. The site also contains information on kitchen tips, coupons, and gardening ● BrokeAss Gourmet breaks down the price of each ingredient and highlights meals for less than $20.00. Great for potlucks and entertaining
Return to Index 7 HEALTH AND WELLNESS
GENERAL HEALTH ● MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace ● MN Low-Cost Healthcare Directory via Bridge to Benefits ● Individual and Family Health Resources ● Health Care Facilities, Providers, and Insurance ● Family Tree Clinic ○ Reproductive and sexual health services ● Meditation apps: Calm, Headspace, and Insight Timer
MENTAL HEALTH ● Compiled Mental Health and Wellness Resources ● Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ Mental Health Providers’ Professional Network ● National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network ● Walk in Counseling Center
PET WELLNESS ● Animal Humane Society Kindest Cut welcomes individuals with limited incomes who are otherwise unable to afford basic spay/neuter, preventative care, and dental services for their cats, dogs, and rabbits ● Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program (MNSNAP) provides high-quality, affordable, and accessible spay and neuter services to those in need ● People and Pets Together provides pet food shelves, veterinary care resources, and housing resources for family pets during times of economic crises ○ People and Pets Food Shelf ● The Pet Fund ○ Financial assistance in the form of one-time grants ● Mission Animal Hospital provides high quality veterinary care to low income groups, the unemployed, and the elderly ● Animal Humane Society
Return to Index 8 SAVINGS AND DEALS
VISTAs are notorious for discovering deals, coming up with creative ways to save, and making the most out of their living stipend.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
● Thrifty Hipster run by locals that know the scene, they update the site with the most complete and up-to-date happy hours, bar listings, music, art and other fun ● City Pages Best of explore the best that the Twin Cities have to offer ● If you take advantage of online marketplaces, some cities/counties offer Swap Spots — public places to trade goods that provide an alternative to going to someone’s private address ○ Facebook Marketplace ○ Craigslist — Minneapolis Free Stuff ● Amazon Prime is $5.99 a month for qualifying customers with an EBT card
Return to Index 9 ENTERTAINMENT
There are lots of fun and cheap ways to stay busy in Minnesota all year long!
ATHLETICS, PARKS AND RECREATIONS ● Minnesota State Parks free public hiking trails, wilderness areas, recreation sports areas, and camping facilities; $7 daily permit or $35 for a yearly permit ● Afton Alps try your hand at skiing ● If you’re looking to join a team, start with the Parks and Recreation leagues in either Minneapolis or St. Paul. You can also look up team openings and options at Cities Sports Connection ● The Ramsey County indoor rinks are free during open skate; you can rent skates or bring your own ● Centennial Lakes in Edina is great for ice skating ● YMCA offers special deals and assistance to those who qualify ● Spectator sports ○ MLB Twins ○ NFL Vikings ○ WNBA Lynx ○ NBA Timberwolves ○ NHL Wild ○ MN United FC Soccer ○ St. Paul Saints Baseball ○ Derby MN Roller ○ North Star Roller Derby
MALLS and SHOPPING CENTERS ● Mall of America boasts an amusement park, movie theatre, aquarium, and 400+ stores. It is also on the light rail line ● Southdale Shopping Center ● Rosedale Shopping Center is also attached to the Roseville AMC theatre ● Burnsville Center s outh of Minneapolis, this is the nearest full shopping mall to Northfield, Faribault, and Mankato ● IKEA is known for inexpensive housewares ● Ridgedale Center ● Twin Cities Premium Outlets is located in Eagan (just south of St. Paul) and has over 100 outlet stores
MUSEUMS ● Mill City Museum is a scenic museum built amid mill ruins along the Mississippi. Adult tickets are $12, or $10 with a college ID ● American Swedish Institute is a beautifully restored mansion, gallery, and new Swedish café. Adult tickets are $12 or $6 with a student ID ● Museum of Russian Art is North America’s only museum devoted to exploring the art and culture of Muscovite Russia, the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, its former republics, and post-Soviet Russia. Adult tickets are $13 or $5 with a student ID ● Bell Museum Minnesota’s official natural history museum and planetarium. Adult tickets are $12 or free with a UMN ID
Return to Index 10 ● Weisman Art Museum a renowned piece of architecture that holds early 20th century and contemporary art. Admission is free ● Minneapolis Institute of Arts tours, lectures, films, exhibits, a museum shop and frequent events. Admission is free ● Bakken Museum a space dedicated to science and located on Bde Maka Ska, it is also home to the Florence Bakken Medicinal Gardens. Adult tickets are $5 ● Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden free admission Thursday nights from 5-9pm and on the first Saturday of every month. Adult tickets are $15 or $10 with student ID. The sculpture garden is always free ● Science Museum of Minnesota has an omnitheater and great exhibits; discounts available for limited income individuals ● James J. Hill House Minnesotan art gallery and mansion on historic Summit Avenue. Adult tickets are $10 or $8 with a student ID ● Landmark Center is a cultural center that celebrates cultural diversity, collective history of the community, and provides a gathering place. Free Sundays at Landmark events and free self-guided tours ● Minnesota Children's Museum see if you qualify for All Play using the enrollment form ● Minnesota History Center you can apply for the Limited Income Program for $4 tickets if you have appropriate documentation (listed)
PUBLIC LIBRARIES Libraries are a wonderful source in each community for books, movies, and classes. Libraries sometimes offer free or discounted tickets to events, museums, classes, etc. Check out what your local library has to offer ● To find your local library view the Minnesota Public Libraries directory ● Hennepin County Library ● Ramsey County Libraries ● St. Paul Public Library
THEATERS ● Riverview Theater movies for $3 and only $2 on Tuesdays ● St. Anthony Main historic theater with $5 tickets on Tuesdays ● Woodbury 10 Theatre locally owned theatre with $5 tickets before 6pm and $7 tickets after 6pm ● Hopkins Cinema 6 general admission $3, $2.50 all day Tuesday ● Guthrie Theater concerts, live events and shows in a renowned river-side building ○ Rush tickets are $15-30 ○ Gateway tickets are available for $5 to low-income individuals (requirements listed) for certain shows ● Minnesota Orchestra offers free community events, student discounts, and rush tickets ● Minnesota Opera ● ACME Comedy Company $5 tickets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays with a college ID; free for you and three guests during your birthday month. Every Monday there’s a free Open Mic night ● Ordway Center for the Performing Arts cash-only rush tickets at a discount with school ID (students & educators) ● History Theatre award-winning historic theatre. Patrons under the age of 30 receive up to a 30% discount on regular ticket prices
Return to Index 11 OTHER ENTERTAINMENT ● Como Zoo & Conservatory visit the zoo, amusement park, conservatory, gardens, and Lake Como. Admission is free ● Padelford Riverboats docked at Harriet Island, these riverboats offer sightseeing tours along the Mississippi River. Monday tickets discounted at $10 ● Wabasha Street Caves offers historic cave tours, lost souls tours, ghosts & graves tours, winter lights tours, and bus tours ● Minnesota Landscape Arboretum admission is $15, free the third Monday every month ● Games (Lodestone; Fantasy Flight; The Source) ● Comedy Sportz $12-15 admission, $10 for 10:30pm shows ● Gaming centers are community spaces to gather with friends and play board, card, and tabletop games. Many host free and learn-to-play events as well! ○ Fantasy Flight Games Center ○ Lodestone Coffee and Games ○ Source Comics & Games ● Breweries and Tours: ○ August Schell Brewing Company New Ulm, MN ○ Indeed Minneapolis, MN ○ Utepils Minneapolis, MN ○ Summit Brewing Company St. Paul, MN ○ Surly Brewing Co. Minneapolis, MN ○ Saint Paul Brewing St. Paul, MN ○ Fulton Beer Minneapolis, MN ○ Grain Belt New Ulm, MN ○ Bauhaus Brew Labs Minneapolis, MN ○ Bent Paddle Brewing Duluth, MN ○ BlackStack Brewing St. Paul, MN ○ Dual Citizen Brewing St. Paul, MN ○ Lake Monster Brewing St. Paul, MN ○ Urban Growler Brewing Co. St. Paul, MN ○ Bang Brewing St. Paul, MN ○ Burning Brothers Brewing St. Paul, MN ○ Insight Brewing Minneapolis, MN ○ Bad Weather Brewing Company St. Paul, MN ○ Eastlake Craft Brewery Minneapolis, MN ○ Modist Brewing Co. Minneapolis, MN ○ Inbound BrewCo Minneapolis, MN ○ Pryes Brewing Company Minneapolis, MN
THRIFT STORES ● Arc’s Value Village each day there’s a tag color at 50% off and every Sunday they have 80% off tag sale final clearance ● Hidden Treasures Thrift Store ● Goodwill ● Salvation Army ● Savers ● ThredUp the largest online consignment shop
Return to Index 12 FINDING THRIFTY THINGS TO DO ● City Pages Twin Cities event calendar for art, music, festivals, literary events, comedy, sports, dance, theatre and happy hours ● Online deal programs let you search for daily discounts on events, restaurants, activities, and more ○ 365 Twin Cities ○ Groupon ○ LivingSocial ○ Pocket Your Dollars ● Twitters for thrifty entertainment ○ MSP Magazine @mspmag ○ City Pages @citypages ○ Thrifty Hipster MN @thriftyhip
Return to Index 13 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
VISTA service is a full year you can invest in your personal and professional development. Below are some resources to do so.
This is not a comprehensive list. If you know of something that is not on this list or needs editing, please inform your Minnesota VISTA Leader via email or this Google Form.
VISTA CAMPUS The VISTA Campus provides a wide range of relevant learning resources online ● Capacity Building ● Communication ● Fundraising ● Poverty in America ● Volunteers ● Working with Partners ● Outreach to Community ● VISTA in Action showcases examples from VISTA projects ● Project Management VISTA Campus also provides free webinar trainings for members on select subjects including VISTA Benefits, Volunteer Engagement, Resource Development, Serving Effectively, Outreach and Communications, Poverty, Life After VISTA and Tools for VISTA Service
ONLINE COURSES ● Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online ● Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos and a personalized learning dashboard to empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom ● NovoEd provides courses for all work settings including corporate learning, professional education and university programs ● University of Minnesota: Office for Equity and Diversity offers educational opportunities for individuals, departments, colleges and units. Workshops focus on a wide range of equity and diversity issues in higher education
NEWSLETTERS ● Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receive news updates tailored to your interest ● Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization advancing policy solutions for low-income people ● Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) keep updated with CNCS’ Newsroom ● Community-Campus Partnerships for Health distributes a monthly newsletter to keep stakeholders informed about events, activities, and opportunities for involvement
Return to Index 14 ● Community Health and Advocacy Talk Engaging a community in the social determinants of health ● Governance Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) GARE is a national network of governments working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all ● HandsOn Twin Cities Is a full service volunteer center that both promotes and facilitates volunteerism while improving the community’s ability to create more impact with the time generously given by volunteers ● Minnesota Department of Health Subscribe to receive news releases ● Minnesota Grown: Pick of the Month Letting you know what’s in season and how you can find fresh Minnesota grown products (sign-up on bottom of page) ● Minnesota International NGO Network (MINN) MINNS’ bi-monthly newsletter keeps subscribers up-to-date on relevant events and news within the international NGO community in Minnesota, new MINN networking or educational events and programming, and career development tips and information ● Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) Subscribe to email newsletters from MPR to receive the latest news, events, and programming notes ● Minnesota Rising Minnesota Rising is a network of emerging leaders in Minnesota ● National Institutes of Health (NIH) seeks fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability ● National Public Radio (NPR) works in partnership with Member Stations to create a more informed public ● Negstad Consulting Is an unconventional strategy and employee development firm for nonprofits ● Nonprofit Tech for Good provides easy-to-understand information, news, and resources related to nonprofit technology, online communications, and mobile and social fundraising ● U.S. Department of Health and Human Services subscribe to receive news and updates ● University of Minnesota ○ Engaging U Newsletter engagement-related updates and events, resources, calls for papers and proposals, funding awards and other opportunities ○ Program in Health Disparities promotes health equity through collaborative research, education, and trusted partnerships
Return to Index 15 FUNDRAISING & GRANT WRITING ● How to Ask for Money ○ The Elevator Pitch ○ How to Craft Your Belief Message ● Building Online Campaigns ○ Ways Social Media has Transformed Online Fundraising and How to Adapt ○ How to Launch a Successful Fundraising Campaign ● Creating Fundraising Events ○ Fundraising Ideas ● Writing Grants ○ Sample Documents ○ Letters of Inquiry ● The Fundraising Authority Webinars ● The Fundraising Authority Podcast
OTHER RESOURCES ● Amherst H. Wilder Foundation research and data ● Center for Urban and Regional Affairs research and resources ● Center for Youth Development researches and delivers non-formal, out-of-school time youth development programs ● Ecolibrium3 leads and inspires change towards an equitable and sustainable future ● HandsOn Twin Cities increases nonprofits’ ability to provide meaningful opportunities and add to their impact ● Heading Home Minnesota a statewide initiative to end homelessness ● Idealist a listing of opportunities for volunteering, internships and partnerships ● Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact supports different member campuses with capacity building, events, initiatives and publications ● Literacy Minnesota literacy services for adults and children plus resource database for ABE programs and tutors (previously Minnesota Literacy Council) ● Propel Nonprofits increases the capacity of nonprofits and provides leadership for effective nonprofit management ● Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota builds and supports capacity of youth mentoring programs and partnerships ● Minnesota Alliance With Youth works with/for youth to ensure young people have access to fundamental resources ● Minnesota Association For Volunteer Administration (MAVA) resources for professional development and training opportunities for volunteer engagement ● Minnesota Compass research and data resources ● Minnesota Council of Nonprofits informs, promotes and connects individual nonprofits and the nonprofit sector ● Minnesota Council on Foundations strengthens and expands philanthropy and provides grant resources ● Minnesota International NGO Network (MINN) forum for international practitioners and supporters to learn, network and exchange professional expertise
Return to Index 16 ● MinnesotaHelp.Info provides a statewide directory of community services; online version of the 211 telephone service ● Nonprofit Technology Network information, resources and webinars on using technology in a nonprofit setting ● Northstar defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online; a program of Literacy Minnesota ● Northwest Indian Community Development Center identifies, coordinates and delivers resources that promote wellness and equity for American Indian families in northwest and north-central Minnesota ● Public Allies advances social justice and equity by engaging and activating the leadership capacities of young people ● Volunteer Match Learning Center allows organizations to recruit and match volunteers with opportunities and projects ● Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) a community of nonprofit staff, volunteers, supporters and allies: current and future leaders who want to connect with others in the social sector ● Youth Interventions Programs Association (YIPA) a non-profit association made up of member organizations who serve youth in a variety of programs. If your organization is a member, all their online and most in person trainings are free; non-members can access the trainings at cost
Return to Index 17