Looking for some advice in a tough situation... (Plymouth: property taxes, house)

[Yelena]

This is the only board I frequent with many Minnesotans that are pretty knowledgable about the cities. I just heard some shocking news, and was wondering if anyone had any ideas for how I can even begin to help this situation.

My best friend is 23, and a full time student at Metro State, and also works full time at a day care to earn money for schooling. She has absolutely no disposable cash otherwise.

Her family is very different in ambition from her. Her father is depressed and out of work, I believe her brother has mental disabilities and doesn't work, and her mother was an overnight nurse, and the family's only source of income for everything.

Well, last night her mother unexpectantly passed away of what seems to be a heart attack. My friend's grandmother is paying for the funeral, but past that, she has no idea what to do. The family has absolutely no savings or life insurance. I'm sure her dad will start looking for work, but I don't know her family background at all, all I know is that he suffers from depression and they have no medical insurance. I don't know if they're paying a mortgage, or if the house is paid off and they're just paying property taxes and bills.

What can I tell her to help, short of suggesting they go to a food bank? Is there anywhere in MN that offers assistance for something like this? I almost feel guilty that our families come from such different worlds and we haven't had to experience a hardship like this since moving here from Russia 16 years ago.

[regionalperspective]

Yelena, i'm sorry to hear about your friend's mother passing and the harder times ahead. can you be more specific about what financial support they need right now and where they live exactly.

lutheran social services has a wide array of support for vulnerable families that need a holistic approach to life struggles. i would suggest their website and wilder foundation has some good stuff.

[Yelena]

They live in a house in Plymouth. I'm not sure if it has already been paid off or if they're still paying a mortgage. My friend has always been quiet about her family situation, but they have struggled with paying the bills and haven't managed their money the greatest. If her father attempts to get another job, I'm guessing he'll need some resume coaching, etc.. Otherwise, just general help being able to afford to live. I will find out more info from her as the weeks go on, right now I'm sure they're just all in shock from what happened.

Thank you for your concern, regionalperspective. I will look into those services to see what they offer.