Energy Assistance Programs
Energy Assistance Program
Primary heat assistance. Assists in paying a portion of the household's home heating bills.

Reach out for Warmth
Assists households when funds for Energy Assistance are no longer available.
Energy Crisis Assistance
For emergency situations such as utility shutoff notices or non-delivery of fuel.

Energy Related Repair
Helps homeowners repair or replace a failing furnace.
Weatherization Program
Weatherization Program
Agency crews and contractors provide energy conservation measures such as insulation, weather-stripping, and caulking to help reduce energy costs. Furnaces are also checked.

Conservation Improvement Programs
Through local utility companies also provide funds to assist with energy conservation measures to help reduce the energy use of the utility's clients.
Emergency Housing Assistance
Emergency Housing Assistance
For individuals and families trying to maintain housing while experiencing a temporary crisis.
Head Start Program
If you are interested in learning more about Head Start or would like to enroll your, please call (320)679-1800 or (800)832-6082.

Head Start
A family and child development program for preschool age children. All Head Start services are at no cost.

  • Home-Based Program
  • Child Care Partnerships
  • Homeless Program
  • Health and Nutrition

Head Start Resources
Early Head Start Program
If you are interested in learning more about Head Start or would like to enroll your, please call (320)679-1800 or (800)832-6082.

Early Head Start
Provides preschool development for children ages 0-3

  • Home-Base Program
  • Homeless

Head Start Resources
Home Improvement Programs
Housing Rehabilitation Loan
Financing to eligible households to make basic permanent repairs to their home which can also include making improvements for handicap accessibility.

Small Cities Development Program
Lakes & Pines can contract with interested communities to assist them with their application as well as administration of their program.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
Lakes and Pines is providing free tax preparation for eligible low-income individuals and families.
Financial Literacy Program
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is having the knowledge and skills to make informed judgments and effective decisions about money management.
Family Assets for Independence in MN (FAIM)
Family Assets for Independence in MN (FAIM)
Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota (FAIM) accounts enable program participants to escape poverty and achieve wealth through asset acquisition. This matched savings program can assist low-wage Minnesota residents in building personal assets within the state through obtaining one of the following assets:

Purchase of a first home
Pursuit of post-secondary education
Start or expansion of a small business
Purchase of a personal vehicle
Social Security Application Assistance
Social Security Application Assistance
Individuals that qualify can receive assistance in re-applying and appealing for Social Security benefits.
SNAP/Food Support Application Assistance
SNAP/Food Support Application Assistance
SNAP helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals.
SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)
SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program provides people with free employment and education training and support for people receiving SNAP benefits, but not receiving MFIP.
MnSure Application Assistance
Lakes and Pines Community Action Council, Inc. currently has staff that is Certified Navigators that can help individuals and families achieve successful enrollments into health plans through the MNsure marketplace. Call 800.832.6082 option #4 or email navigator@lakesandpines.org to set-up an appointment today.

MNsure Applications
Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs (For Individuals)

www.MNsure.org