At CLUES, the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, program participants, volunteers and community partners is of the utmost importance. We are monitoring the developing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation and are taking necessary precautions to minimize the exposure and spread of the disease to our staff, volunteers and the communities we serve. Learn more below about COVID-19, how CLUES programs and services are affected, and what additional community resources are available.
Due to the severity of the COVID-19 health crisis, CLUES offices are temporarily closed to the public to reduce person-to-person contact. We apologize for any inconvenience.
During this time, CLUES programs and services are available via phone-based and video conferencing services. More information is available below.
We have established a hotline at 651-768-0000 where people can call or text to receive information for services available including online resources, CLUES programs and services, and other additional community resources. In addition, how to find a COVID-19 testing location and other actions to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Staff will also be available to answer questions over the phone between the hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at 651-379-4200 and 612-746-3500.
All adult classes and youth enrichment services have been moved to online delivery. In-person classes and drop-in spaces (Teen Tech Center and Youth Career Center) will be closed until further notice.
English Language Classes (ESL)
English Language classes at CLUES are for anyone who would like to improve their English skills. Students learn how to read, write, speak and understand the English language while also gaining essential life skills that will better prepare them to successfully navigate life in the U.S. and get better jobs.
When and where? Classes are online
How to register: Please contact the Adult Education Department at AdultEducation@clues.org with your complete name and phone number. A staff member will contact you to complete the registration process.
Citizenship Classes
Citizenship Classes prepares students to successfully pass the United States Citizenship exam. Classes are taught in English only.
Class topics include:
When and where?
Citizenship classes are online.
How to register?
Please contact the Adult Basic Education Department at AdultEducation@clues.org with your complete name and phone number. A staff member will contact you to complete the registration process.
The Latino Elder Day Center will be closed until further notice. Some services are available via phone or video conferencing, including:
Canasta Familiar is a free food distribution program held every Monday at CLUES St. Paul and every other Wednesday at CLUES Minneapolis offices.
Each week, Canasta Familiar receives donations that includes fresh produce (fruits and vegetables), meat and other non-perishable items. Foods vary according to availability.
Families can choose their food and select the items that are most appropriate for their home. There is a limit of one basket per family.
Read the full program guidelines here.
Mondays, 5-7 pm
CLUES St. Paul
797 East 7th St., St. Paul MN 55106
Wednesdays, 1-3 pm
CareerForce in Minneapolis South
720 East Lake Street. Minneapolis, MN 55407
For information on Canasta Familiar, contact:
Janelle Calvo-Nieto
651-379-4256
JCalvo@clues.org
In response to Covid-19 Emergency Canasta Familiar will distribute FREE non perishable food in on Mondays from 3-5pm at the CLUES St. Paul parking lot.
*NOTE: Remember that if you are sick or someone in your family is sick, do not come to Canasta. You can send someone on your behalf to pick up your food. It is important to wear a mask and keep the 6 feet away to help slow the spread of the Covid-19.
*IMPORTANT: Baskets will be given out on first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. We will be holding a “drive-through” and can only serve people who remain in their vehicles due the risk of in-person contact/transmission. Limit one basket per vehicle.
**Access to the drive-thru Canasta will be via Arcade Street where they will access CLUES parking lot and receive their Canasta box through the Adult Day Center side door. We will have a barricade and signs directing participants and doing the best we can to control traffic flow.
Staff have implemented telehealth approaches to provide therapy and case management via phone or video conferencing. In-person therapy and appointments are suspended, as are walk-in intake hours and all group meetings and sessions at CLUES or in school settings (including Familias Unidas program). A phone group will be available for those in addiction recovery who need continued support.
Intake for new participants can be completed by phone by calling Karina Franco, Behavioral Health Intake Specialist at 612-746-3572. We are also working to establish a crisis line – more information to be announced.
CLUES is proving video resources about Covid-19 and mindfulness around Mental Health. Watch the videos here.
Staff have transitioned services to phone and video conferencing. Employment coaches are providing services remotely, and we are working to expand capabilities to assist those affected by the COVID-19 crisis in applying for unemployment benefits.
We are also developing a series of videos to provide career preparation learning and workforce trainings remotely, as well as orientation for new MFIP clients.
Tax preparation services are suspended until further notice. Job fairs are being held virtually.
Homestretch workshops are postponed until further notice. CLUES is still able to provide housing counseling services such as foreclosure prevention and pre-purchasing counseling through virtual or phone conferencing.
SNAP enrollment assistance is available remotely via phone (call 651-379-4270).
Staff are working remotely via phone and our emergency line remains open. In-person support groups are postponed until further notice.
Community garden, in-school and in-person health programming are suspended until further notice.
We are exploring options to provide MNSure Navigator services remotely.
Census Open House Workshops on March 14, March 28, April 4 and April 11 will be transitioned to remote services – do not attend in person. During the scheduled events, staff and volunteers will be available to assist you in completing your Census forms by phone by calling 612-399-6140.
Public Charge Legal Clinic on March 31 will be postponed until further notice.
CLUES Latino Art Gallery is closed and in-person arts programming is postponed until further notice.
All Art programs will be held online. For more information and registration, please contact us by email: arte@clues.org
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that has not been found in people before. Because this is a new virus, there are still things we don't know, but every day, we learn more about COVID-19.
The Minnesota public health community is working hard to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our state, and we need everyone's help. Avoid assumptions about who you think may have this disease. Viruses do not discriminate.
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent it is to avoid exposure to this virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following preventive actions that should be practiced daily:
COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice (e.g., while shouting, chanting, or singing). These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies show that a significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 lack symptoms (are “asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (are “pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings when around people outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Masks may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. Wearing a mask will help protect people around you, including those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and workers who frequently come into close contact with other people (e.g., in stores and restaurants). Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings. The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced when masks are used along with other preventive measures, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
The masks recommended here are not surgical masks or respirators. Currently, those are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. Masks are not personal protective equipment (PPE). They are not appropriate substitutes for PPE such as respirators (like N95 respirators) or medical facemasks (like surgical masks) in workplaces where respirators or facemasks are recommended or required to protect the wearer.
Considerations for Wearing Masks
How to Wear Your Mask
How to Wash Your Mask
How to Make Your Own Mask
ASL Video Series: Easy DIY Mask
Limiting close face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
You can still stay connected while staying away. Tips include:
For more information visit the CDC's page about Social Distancing.
The new coronavirus (COVID-19) can infect people of all ages, but older people and those with some diseases (such as lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, or disease that weakens the immune system) are more likely to become seriously ill when they get the infection.
If you are living with a chronic condition, take the following steps to prevent infection:
People of all ages are advised to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example, by good hand hygiene at all times.
Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
You can get COVID-19 during your travels. You may feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can still spread COVID-19 to others. You and your travel companions (including children) may spread COVID-19 to other people including your family, friends, and community for 14 days after you were exposed to the virus.
Don’t travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Don’t travel with someone who is sick.
Before you travel, consider the following:
During your trip, take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
Traveling Abroad? Check CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Country before planning your trip.
Now that there are authorized and recommended vaccines to prevent COVID-19 in the United States, here are 8 things you need to know about the new COVID-19 Vaccination Program and COVID-19 vaccines via CDC.
Please, note that information is constantly changing for COVID-19 vaccines. We recommend you consult the Minnesota Department of Health website to get the most recent information about COVID-19 vaccines.
Remember, the best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.
Now that there are authorized and recommended vaccines to prevent COVID-19 in the United States, here are 8 things you need to know about the new COVID-19 Vaccination Program and COVID-19 vaccines via CDC.
Please, note that information is constantly changing for COVID-19 vaccines. We recommend you consult the Minnesota Department of Health website to get the most recent information about COVID-19 vaccines.
Remember, the best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.
If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, such as a high fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should call your doctor and maybe get tested. Keep in mind that it can take two to fourteen days for COVID-19 symptoms to appear after you are infected.
Click here for a list of frequently asked questions offered by CDC.
This is a list of policy actions and resources for families to keep updated with the prevention, response, and evolution of the current Covid-19 Emergency. It will be updated as more information is gathered.
CLUES Programs and Services:
Health questions:
651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 | 7 am - 7 pm
Schools and child care questions:
651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 | 7 am - 7 pm
Free testing locations offered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), in partnership with communities.
We strongly encourage you to sign up for an appointment using the registration link listed with each location.
Check the MDH page to stay up to date on locations and dates for new community testing sites. To get regular COVID-19 email updates, including announcements of new community testing events, Subscribe to COVID-19 MDH Updates.
Saliva Community Testing Sites
Free saliva testing locations offered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
COVID-19 Test at Home
Free at-home COVID-19 saliva testing for people in select areas.
Find Testing Locations
Map of ongoing testing locations at clinics and hospitals across the state. Call ahead before going to the clinic or hospital to be tested. Not all clinics test people who do not have symptoms.
Information is constantly changing for COVID-19 vaccines.
For information about COVID-19 vaccine safety, and more, visit the MDH page to stay up to date.
To get regular COVID-19 email updates, including announcements of new community testing events, Subscribe to COVID-19 MDH Updates.
Read all Executive Orders issued by Governor Tim Walz regarding COVID-19.
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Updates
Learn more by clicking here.
Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Updates
Coordinated information for the public
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance
Application process and requirements. Learn more here.
In response to Covid-19 Emergency Canasta Familiar will distribute FREE non perishable food on Mondays from 3-5pm at the CLUES St. Paul parking lot.
*NOTE: Remember that if you are sick or someone in your family is sick, do not come to Canasta. You can send someone on your behalf to pick up your food. It is important to wear a mask and keep the 6 feet away to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus.
*IMPORTANT: Baskets will be given out on first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. We will be holding a “drive-through” and can only serve people who remain in their vehicles due the risk of in-person contact/transmission. Limit one basket per vehicle.
**Access to the drive-thru Canasta will be via Arcade Street where they will access CLUES parking lot and receive their ER Canasta box through the Adult Day Center side door. We will have a barricade and signs directing participants and doing the best we can to control traffic flow.
List of restaurants and programs giving out food
List of sites with free meals for kids
Hunger Solutions - Food shelves and resources
White Bear School District free meals/deliveries - Fill out questionnaire at link and follow up with a phone call to Nutrition Services at (651) 407-7515 to request for delivery.
Mounds View School District have set up food banks where families can pick up breakfast/lunch at different schools between 10am-1pm. Locations are in the link.
Internet Essentials program from Comcast: Two months free home access, all public Xfinity Wifi spots open for free.
Spectrum program from Charter: Two months free access for students. Or call 1-844-488-8398.
Minneapolis Public WIFI spots are all free for the time being.
Minnesota Department of Education Guidance and resources regarding closing schools, and what schools and organizations can do to protect the community.
Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year. This plan uses a localized, data-driven approach that allows school districts and charter schools to operate in a learning model that is responsive the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in their community. The plan prioritizes safe learning for all Minnesota students, including requiring school districts and charter schools to give families the option to choose distance learning for their student no matter which learning model their school is implementing. Families can learn more about what the plan means for them here.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Education are answering questions related to child care and education, available 7 am –7 pm at 651-297-1304 (Greater Minnesota: 1-800-657-3504).
White Bear School District free meals/deliveries - Fill out questionnaire at link and follow up with a phone call to Nutrition Services at (651) 407-7515 to request for delivery.
Mounds View School District have set up food banks where families can pick up breakfast/lunch at different schools between 10am-1pm. Locations are in the link.
Those whose employment has been affected by COVID-19 may qualify for unemployment. Person needs a valid SS# to apply. CLUES may be able to help you apply. Call 651-379-4243 for more information.
State guidelines are here: www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/covid-19.jsp
Workplace tips and employee rights
If you are still working, your employer is legally required to provide you with a safe workplace, including protections from COVID-19. Click here to learn more about the right to a safe workplace.
If you have lost your job for any reason related to COVID-19, there are paid benefits available to all workers, including:
COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) by Minnesota Department of Housing
MN Immigrant Families Fund is a community emergency fund for immigrant families that live in Minnesota that don’t qualify for any state or federal benefits and because COVID-19 are left with few resources available to meet their immediate needs. Apply here.
Minneapolis Gap Funding for Housing and the Forgivable No-Interest Loans for Small Business Program for residentes of the City of Minneapolis. Apply here. Applications will be accepted 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 22 through noon Monday, April 27.
Saint Paul Bridge Fund is an emergency relief program for families with children and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic for residentes of the city of Saint Paul. Apply here until Sunday, April 19 at 5 p.m.
Scholly Student Relief Fund. $200 in cash assistance to help cover expenses during the Covid-19 crisis. Apply here.
Hennepin County Emergency rental assistance due to COVID-19. Hennepin County residents who have been financially harmed by COVID-19 may qualify for emergency assistance to help with rent and other housing costs. Apply here.
CLUES housing counselors are available to support you in preventing foreclosure or eviction during this time. Call 651-379-4243 for more information.
Additional Resources:
Tenant Resource Center - Call 612-302-3180
Homeline - Call 612-728-5767
Most contact centers for public services are closed due to recommendations and executive orders being issued to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Service to any residential customer will not be disconnected until further notice. If you are having difficulty paying your bills, contact your utility company to arrange a payment plan. More info:
The Small Business Administration has guidance and resources available for employers and businesses on COVID-19 response. Learn more here.
Small Business Emergency Loans by Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Learn more here.
Workplace tips and employee rights
If you run a small business or are an independent contractor, and your business is impacted by COVID-19:
Non-Critical Sector businesses and employers must develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan prior to reopening. Businesses must ensure the Plan is evaluated, monitored, executed, and updated under the supervision of a designated Plan Administrator. Employers must ensure the Plan is posted at all of the business’s workplaces in readily accessible locations that will allow for the Plan to be readily reviewed by all workers, as required.
By June 29, Critical Sector businesses are also required to develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
For COVID-19 Preparedness Plan templates, please visit dli.mn.gov/updates.
Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs
Public Charge: The U.S. government encourages individuals with symptoms of coronavirus to seek medical treatment or preventive services and states that such treatment or preventive services will not negatively affect future Public Charge analysis for those seeking permanent resident status.
Resources provided in partnership with
