An Ombudsman is an independent government official responsible for reviewing government and government regulated agencies in an effort to ensure that their practices are fair, reasonable and appropriate. To do this, the ombudsman: Receives complaints, reviews, investigates and if appropriate, makes recommendations to remedy the complaints.
Are you feeling bullied in a relationship? Concerned about someone who is being verbally or physically abused? Confidential, nonjudgmental advocacy services. No Charge.
Now providing mental health counseling; call for an appointment
To make therapy affordable, we use a sliding-fee scale.
A church led ministry and emergency program organized to provide short term assistance for those who fall through the cracks and who need immediate help and have nowhere else to turn in the short run. In addition to providing financial aid for food, gas, rent, and utility payments, Churches United also assists individuals and families through counseling and referrals to other community agencies and resources.
Mission Statement
Churches United is a non-profit organization of Bemidji Area churches, led by the Spirit of Christ. Working together to meet the emergency needs of homeless and low-income people in a prayerful way.
Services May Include:
Basic emergency needs: Food, gas, bus tokens, clothing, laundry, and rent/utility assistance
Referrals are made as needed to area agency and businesses. A photo I.D. is required for all vouchers. A valid drivers license and photocopiable proof of valid insurance is required for all gas vouchers. Screenshots and/or cell phone “proof” is not accepted.
COVID Policy:
While our lobby is open it is best to call ahead to complete an application by phone prior to coming in. Only one individual or family is allowed in the lobby at once. Please call to make sure we are open. Masks are required in our office; one will be provided if needed. No loitering or waiting for the bus is allowed in our office.
Accounting 218-679-1800
Ambulance/Ponemah 218-554-7334
Ambulance/Red Lake 218-679-3327
Anishinabe Legal Services 218-679-2281
Balancing our Lifestyle 218-679-4144
Boys and Girls Club/Ponemah 218-554-7596
Boys and Girls Club/Red Lake 218-679-2556
CAP 218-679-1880
Chemical Health Department 218-679-3392
Child Care Assistance Program 218-679-3350
Child Support 218-679-2306
Clinic Ponemah 218-554-7333
Comp Health 218-679-3316
Conservation Department 218-679-1908
Detention Center 218-679-4284
Division of Rehab 218-679-2152
DNR 218-679-3959
ECFE 218-679-3535
Elderly Maintenance 218-679-2202
Elderly Nutrition Program 218-679-3339
Elementary/Ponemah 218-554-7337
Elementary/Red Lake 218-679-3329
ENP/Ponemah 218-554-7492
ENP/Red Lake 218-679-3339
Enrollment Office 218-679-1842
Family and Children’s Services 218-679-2122
Fire Dept/Ponemah 218-554-7377
Fire Dept/Red Lake 218-679-3473
Fitness Center/Humanities 218-679-4199
Fitness Center/Ponemah 218-554-7503
Fitness Center/Red Lake 218-679-4228
Food Distribution 218-679-3720
Halfway House 218-679-3387
Headstart/Ponemah 218-554-7331
Headstart/Red Lake 218-679-3396
Health Station Little Rock 218-679-3717
Health Station Redby 218-679-3391
High School 218-679-3733
Higher Education 218-679-3350
Homeless Shelter 218-679-3171
Hospital/Red Lake 218-679-3912
Housing Authority 218-679-3368
Housing Finance 218-679-3897
Human Resources 218-679-1847
Humanities Building 218-679-4199
Indian and Free Drug Abuse 218-679-3321
Indian Health Services/Red Lake 218-679-0168
Juvenile Judge 218-679-3851
Legal 218-679-1876
Middle School 218-679-2700
New Beginnings 218-679-3350
New Beginnings Child Center 218-679-3350
Outpatient/Ponemah 218-554-7425
Outpatient/Red Lake 218-679-3995
Perpich Extended Care Center 218-679-3400
Police Department 218-679-3313
Ponemah Transportation 218-554-7347
Ponemah Dental 218-554-7333
Post Office/Ponemah 218-554-7374
Post Office/Red Lake 218-679-9329
Post Office/ Redby 218-679-2124
Pregnant Women and Families 218-679-3331
Probation 218-679-2588
Red Lake Day Care 218-679-3330
Red Lake Dental Care 218-679-0131 or 218-679-0119
Red Lake Nation College 218-679-2860
Red Lake Nation Newspaper 218-679-3561
Red Lake Transit 218-679-2395 or 1-877-239-9295
Redby Group Home 218-679-3868
School Administration Office 218-679-3353
Senior Apartments 218-679-3712
St. Mary’s Mission 218-679-3388
Treatment Center 218-679-2375
Tribal Council 218-679-3341
Tribal Courts 218-679-3303
Tribal Realty 218-679-1991
Truancy 218-679-2780
Veteran’s Outreach 218-936-5650
Veteran’s Service Office 218-936-5650
Vocational Rehab 218-679-3350
WIC Program 218-679-3134
Women’s Shelter 218-679-3443
Youth Recreation Program 218-679-3950
Chemical Dependency Outpatient Program – Rule 25 assessments, peer counseling, group therapy, copoing and survival skills, supportive services, intake, court assistance, treatment placements, advocacy and referral services, HIV/AIDS education, aftercare services. PO Box 114, Red Lake, MN 56671 218-679-3995
Community Action Program (CAP) – Winter weatherization guidance and energy assistance.
15531 Main Ave, Red Lake, MN 56671 218-679-1880
Elderly Maintenance Program – 60+ years, enrolled Red Lake Nation member, reside in the unit to be serviced (NOT RLHA unit). Snow plowing, grass cutting, plastic windows, replacement of needed water heater, sump pump, pressure tanks and electrical problems, minor carpentry, grab bars, window and deck repairs.
PO Box 565, 15280 Fire Station Road, Red Lake, MN 56671
Housing Authority Programs 218-679-3368
Rental Programs: Low rent program and NAHASDA, ARRA Rental and Marif Rental, Federal Tax Credit
Homeownership Programs: Mutual Help, NAHASDA and Walking Shield, Federal Tax Credit, Modernization Assistance, Beltrami County outside of the reservation Rental Assistance and Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance.
Housing Finance Corporation Programs: Mortgage Program and Rental Program
Indian and Free Prevention/Treatment Program 218-679-3321
PO Box 100, Red Lake, MN 56671
Counseling, individual, group, peer and family. Intake, assessments, follow-up/aftercare, adult and youth outpatient, transportation, recreational activities, cultural programs and self-help programs and tutoring.
Northern Winds Primary Treatment Center (Gii-Waa-Din) 218-679-3387
PO Box 114, Red Lake, MN 56671
Residential primary inpatient treatment for alcohol and drugs with counseling: group, individual, family and spiritual. Transportation, education and employment assistance, recreational and occupational therapy. Eligibility requirements: 16+ years, male or female. Court ordered or self-referral or as part of a continuing treatment.
Oshkiimaajitahdah 218-679-3350
15525 Mendota Ave, Redby, MN 56670, PO Box 416, Redby, MN 56670
Employment services, GED/ABE Education, Career Development, Financial Skills for families, Ganawenindiwag (Cultural Program) “Taking Care of Each Other”
Pregnant Women and Families Program 218-679-3331
PO Box 114, Red Lake, MN 56671
Individualized Treatment Plan and Counseling, Outpatient Group Counseling, Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Education, Aftercare Planning and Referrals, Rule 25 Assessments, Case Management, Spirituality and guidance upon request.
Red Lake Family an d Children’s Services 218-679-2122
Highway 1, Building 68, Red Lake, MN 56671
Family and children services work for the safety and wellbeing of children, and the preservation and strengthening of families within cultural traditions.
Red Lake Food Distribution Program 218-679-3720
PO Box 253, Redby, MN 56670
15860 Ogema Ave, Redby, MN 56670
Red Lake Nation Government Center 218-679-3720
15484 Migizi Dr, Red Lake, MN 56671
Teen Parent Program 218-679-3350
Help with MFIP eligibility, Case Management, Educational and Career Planning, Financial Management, Home Visiting, parenting skills, supportive services for transportation and employment, childcare to attend school.
Transportation:
Red Lake Medical Transportation: 218-679-3327
Ponemah Medical Transportation: 218-554-7347
Elderly Transportation Services: 218-554-7347
Red Lake Homeless Shelter (Mishkwaa-ga-mii-wii-zaaga’iganiing Gilwishiiwigamig) 218-679-3171
15855 Main Ave, Red Lake, MN 56671
Mail: PO Box 280, Red Lake, MN 56671
Red Lake Women’s Shelter (Equay Wiigamig) 218-679-3443
Crisis Line: 218-679-3737 (can call collect) or 1-800-943-8997
24 hour advocacy, crisis intervention, O.F.P.’s, safety planning, Talking Circles, Cultural Teaching Circiles.
The Children’s Healing Center (Abinoojiyag Noojimoo-wigamig)
PO Box 583, Red Lake, MN 56671
Provision of behavioral and cognitive skills, problem solving skills, communication skills, court order compliance.
We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Court Administration 218-634-1451
Driver’s License Exams/Driving Tests 218-634-2836
Driver’s License/ATV/Birth/Death/Marriage Certificates/Notary/ID cards 218-634-1902
Extension/4-H 218-634-1511
Law Enforcement:
Emergency 911
Baudette Police 218-634-1143
Lake of the Woods County Sheriff 218-634-1143
Public Transit/Far North Transit Roseau 218-463-3238
Rule 25 and Chemical Dependency Assessment 218-634-2642
Social Services: 218-634-2642
Includes: Adult Services/Behavioral Health, Child Protection/Intake and Assessments, Child Support, Family Health, Fraud, Home Care and Managed Care and Income Maintenance
Adult Mental Health Crisis 1-800-422-0863 or 218-434-0101
Public Health/WIC 218-634-2120
Veteran’s Services 218-634-2219
The Minnesota P.E.O. Home Fund was established in 1929 to provide charitable grants to individuals who lack financial means to provide housing, medical care, and other necessities of life for themselves. This fund primarily serves Minnesotans who may be facing unique challenges related to advanced aging, illness or disability. Charitable grants provide a bridge of support to positively impact the recipient’s life and well-being as they navigate their present struggle.
Mission Statement: Making a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota.
As a branch of the University of Minnesota Extension Service, Beltrami County Extension Service is committed to delivering high-quality, relevant educational programs and information to it’s citizens and communities. Our statewide network of researchers, educators, and volunteers addresses critical needs by focusing on issues where research-based education can make a difference.
County Board and Administrators Office 218-547-7419
Court Administration 218-547-7200
DMV 218-547-5505
Birth/Death/Marriage Certificates 218-547-7247
Extension/4-H 218-587-8280
Family Centers:
Cass Lake Family Center 218-335-7837
Northland Area Family Service Center, Remer 218-566-3636
Pilager Family Center 218-746-4009
Pine River-Backus Family Center 218-587-4292
Law Enforcement:
Walker Police 218-547-5507
Sheriff 218-547-1424
Probation 218-547-7212
Public Transit/Brainerd 1-866-925-7433
Rule 25 and Chemical Dependency Assessment:
Walker 218-547-1340
Cass Lake/Leech Lake Tribal Program 218-335-8382 / 218-335-8303
Social Services:
Includes: Adult Services/Behavioral Health/Child Protection/Intake and Assessment/Child Support/Family Health/Fraud/Home Care and Managed Care/Income Maintenance 218-547-1340
Public Health/WIC 218-547-6872
Outlying office in Backus 218-947-7530
Veteran’s Services 218-947-7530 (Backus) / 218-547-1340 (Walker)
Student First: A school-based, community-driven program that helps youth identify their strengths and empowers theme to pursue their life goals. Support and guidance are provided to students by professional program staff and a one-on-one, caring adult Success Coach. Located at Bemidji Middle School, Bemidji High School and Kelliher Public Schools.
Bemidji Middle School Truancy Tracker Program: Provides mentoring, tutoring, adult role models and any other necessary means of support to youths in Grades 6-8 to help identify and address issues contributing to truancy.
Re-Engagement Case Management: Provides case management services to students with attendance issues who attend Bemidji High School, Voyageurs Expeditionary School, and Blackduck Schools to reduce truant behavior and prevent court involvement.
Truancy Case Management: Provides case management services to students and families who are involved in the Court system due to truancy.
SERVING: Mahnomen County
Mahnomen County Heartland Express provides general public transportation throughout Mahnomen County. Heartland Express provides dial-a-ride and flexible route bus service throughout Mahnomen County. We also provide trips to and from White Earth and Ogema in Becker County.
Three daily routes will be running Monday-Friday. A bus will be going to Fargo once a week for anyone who wishes to shop or has a medical appointment. Medical appointments need to be scheduled no earlier than 10 am and all clients must be done with their appointments no later than 2:45 pm.
Volunteer Services to Fargo for medical purposes will be on Wednesday. Anyone who wants a ride must call into the transit office at least one day in advance to schedule a ride. Appointments need to be made between 9 am and 2 pm.
Volunteer Services to Detroit Lakes for medical purposes will be Tuesdays and Thursdays. Anyone who wants a ride must call into the transit office at least one day in advance to schedule a ride. Appointments need to be made between 9 am and 2 pm.
Watermark features four galleries that are free and open to the public, displaying work by regional and national artists. Other amenities include a retail gallery shop and education studio. Watermark presents artist talks, workshops, and education opportunities for all ages, and hosts the annual Art in the Park every July.
Bemidji:
Mailing Address: 502 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Adult Enrichment 218-333-3284
Aquatics 218-333-3284
Early Childhood Family Education and School Readiness 218-333-8329
School Age Care (Kids and Company) 218-333-3284 x2
Youth Programs (Football, Tennis, Volleyball, Curling and Basketball) 218-333-3284
Deer River 218-246-2416
Pine River 218-587-2080
Remer 218-566-2351
Walker 218-547-1311
Key programs: Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant, Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans, Rural Energy for America Program, Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans and Grants, Multi-Family Housing Loan Guarantees, Business and Industry Loan Guarantees.
Community Resource Connections (CRC) is a nonprofit membership organization serving Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater and Hubbard Counties.
MNsure Navigators: Application for Medical Assistance, Minnesota Care, and Qualified Health Plans offered through the state of Minnesota’s health exchange. CRC staff provide computer and internet access, and question by question guidance. No cost to you. Appointments required.
Service Access: Assistance finding the resources you need. CRC staff will educate you about your service options, assist you with service applications, and advocate for you when the system doesn’t work as you need it to work. No cost to you.
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS): CRC’s Blackduck office site takes applications and serves as a dissemination point for food commodities provided through North Country Food Bank. Eligibility is based on age (60+) and income (call for guidelines). Free monthly food boxes containing a $40 value of non-perishable food items.
Community Service Agency Membership: CRC works with community service agencies to organize and publish a hard copy resource directory as well as this electronic version. Other member services include: facilitation of networking meetings, cooperative marketing events, nonprofit start up guidance, and program support.
Community Resource Connections: Locations:
Staff are available by telephone at 218-333-0880 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Calls ring into all office locations – the first person available will respond.
NOTE: Not all office locations are available to take walk-ins. We strongly encourage you to call ahead to make an appointment.
BEMIDJI
1. CRC Headquarters: 750 Paul Bunyan Dr NW, Unit #12 Bemidji, MN 56601
2. CRC at Beltrami County Community Services Building: 616 America Avenue NW Bemidji MN 56601 Suite 220
BLACKDUCK
3. CRC at the Blackduck Resource Center: #17 Main St. (Moon Drug Building), PO Box 414, Blackduck, MN 56630
WALKER
4. CRC at Walker-based BI-CAP: Call to schedule an appointment to be seen
BAGLEY
5. CRC at Bagley Northern Dental Access Center 9 Central Street West, Bagley MN 56621
Staff are available by telephone at 218-333-0880 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Established in 1990 within the United States, IEN was formed by grassroots Indigenous peoples and individuals to address environmental and economic justice issues (EJ). IEN’s activities include building the capacity of Indigenous communities and tribal governments to develop mechanisms to protect our sacred sites, land, water, air, natural resources, health of both our people and all living things, and to build economically sustainable communities. IEN accomplishes this by maintaining an informational clearinghouse, organizing campaigns, direct actions and public awareness, building the capacity of community and tribes to address EJ issues, development of initiatives to impact policy, and building alliances among Indigenous communities, tribes, inter-tribal and Indigenous organizations, people-of-color/ethnic organizations, faith-based and women groups, youth, labor, environmental organizations and others. IEN convenes local, regional and national meetings on environmental and economic justice issues, and provides support, resources and referral to Indigenous communities and youth throughout primarily North America – and in recent years – globally.
IEN is an alliance of Indigenous Peoples whose Shared Mission is to Protect the Sacredness of Earth Mother from contamination & exploitation by Respecting and Adhering to Indigenous Knowledge and Natural Law
PO Box 485, Bemidji, MN 56619
The Northwoods Queer Outreach is an initiative that aims to increase queer and transgender representation, support and acceptance across campus and within the Bemidji community.
We provide training and resources for organizational staff, educators, and healthcare providers to better serve queer and transgender customers, students, patients and clients. Our workshops can range from 2SLGBTQ+ 101 material to information and activities tailored to the needs of your organization.
Building (Interest free home loans):
Northwoods Habitat for Humanity builds simple, decent, affordable homes with selected partners who contribute 300 hours of sweat equity either by working on their own or other Habitat homes, or volunteering with Habitat and sells the home to the partner with a zero interest mortgage. Must have the ability to pay long term (25-30 year) mortgage and willingness to partner with Habitat.
Habitat Restore:
A building supply thrift store that sells donated surplus and gently used building materials, furniture, appliances and unique items to support H abitat’s building program and eliminate waste in our local landfills.
218-444-6398
A Brush with Kindness (ABWK):
A nation-wide program that serves low-income homeowners struggling to maintain the exterior of their homes. Assistance includes, but is not limited to, exterior repairs, (deck, sidewalk, ramp, painting, etc.) landscaping, and yard clean up. For low income homeowners (seniors, veteran, people with disabilities).
The Red Lake CAP/Weatherization Program provides assistance and information to band members with regard to the winter weatherization of their homes, as well as applications for energy assistance.
Energy assistance applications are mailed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce in the fall of the year, or can be obtained through the CAP office.
Generally, three months of income verification from the date the application is signed, along with receipts for the last fuel fill and current electrical bill are required documentation.
To qualify for weatherization, an individual must be eligible for energy assistance. CAP maintains a priority list for weatherization, which includes the following criteria:
- High consumption
- Elderly
- Handicapped
- Families with children
Prior to weatherization, a home is audited to determine the amount of heat loss. The testing includes the following:
- Blower door testing to measure the amount of air leakage
- Thermal combustion testing to measure the safety and efficiency in the combustion heating system
- Infrared testing of air leaks
- Physical exam of doors and windows
Following the initial examination of the home, the materials are acquired and the actual work is completed. A final audit is conducted to determine the amount of air leakage still present.
CAP have provided weatherization to several dozen homes over the past years. Presently, CAP subcontracts with Red Lake Housing Authority to provide weatherization of homes.
Members may also qualify for furnace repair or replacement through the Energy Related Repair program. The same income eligibility process is used for the Energy Assistance Program is in place to determine eligibility for the ERR program.
You may qualify for this program if you meet the following qualifications:
- Currently eligible for EAP assistance, and
- A homeowner and occupy the home in question, and
- Have a potentially life threatening situation, no heat, or a malfunctioning system.
Assistance is available for the primary heat source only.
Please stop in our office or call for complete details.
Also, stop in the office or call to determine whether you might qualify for energy assistance/weatherization assistance.