Neighbors Inc. Is Serving Dakota County during COVID-19, and You Can Help

Minnesotans are stepping up and making a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I want to make sure people know about all the organizations out there doing great work and helping during this crisis and beyond. I’m profiling a different nonprofit each day to share their information and their story.

Neighbors Inc., led by my good friend Charlie Thompson, began in 1972 when a group of volunteers from six local faith communities came together to help their neighbors who were facing an economic crisis: two large companies, Swift and Armour, were closing their local meat-packing operations. This led to the loss of 9,000 jobs from the local economy. Those faith communities formed an independent nonprofit organization to provide assistance to families in need.

Neighbors has continued to grow over the years and today is a thriving nonprofit social-service agency that provides emergency and supportive assistance programs to low-income community members in northern Dakota County. Its services include a food shelf, a clothing closet, transportation, emergency assistance, nutrition assistance for seniors, and a holiday gift program.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, like all the other nonprofits I’ve been profiling, the organization has continued to be on the front lines providing services. While most of its programs are closed to comply with Minnesota’s stay-at-home order, it’s making prepacked food available through the food shelf, providing remote emergency assistance, and continuing to operate its transportation program. Despite the challenges this situation has placed on everyone, Neighbors continues to be beacon of hope for the community. Head on over to this nonprofit’s website to learn more about its services and how you can get involved through volunteering or donating.

Neighbors Inc.