ABOUT US
ResourceWest, a responsive community-based organization, assists people and strengthens the west metro community through collaborative programs and connections to resources.
We help build a healthier and stronger local community by connecting individuals and families to resources. We have been providing this support and assistance to our community since 1993.
Our core programs serve people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds with a deep impact in the western suburbs. Our children’s programs reach the cities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Woodland, and Greenwood.
We collaborate with community partners connecting individuals and families to available programs and services to meet their needs. Connecting west metro residents to community resources and support is our daily mission.
We coordinate annual drives for school supplies, winter coats and gifts, coordinate a computer center and community meeting rooms, and host Relate Counseling, Hennepin Economic Assistance Outreach, and Accountability MN’s tax preparation services in order for them to provide services on site for our community.
Impact in 2016:
ResourceWest offers direct services that include:
ResourceWest also hosts the following agencies:
In addition to providing basic information and referral resources to thousands of individuals by phone or drop in basis, the services we provide directly include:
Providing support for individuals needing more than a simple referral. For clients who return to us several times for basic needs or come to us for the first time with complex needs, we provide them with an intensive level of support. Our licensed social worker works with them first in stabilizing their situation and then in breaking the cycle of poverty. This may include finding affordable housing, developing stronger budgeting skills, enrolling in a job training program, having reliable transportation to get to and from school or a job, or finding ways to address related child care needs. Each year 600 or more individuals and families receive this level of support from us.
Stabilizing individuals through Bridge Assistance funds. Sometimes a ‘bridge assistance grant’ is needed to stabilize the client’s situation. Our bridge assistance grants are not long term assistance. Last year, 95% of the bridge assistance grants were related to transportation challenges for individuals trying to get to work.
Providing three children’s programs: “Back to School” supplies, “Warm Winter Wear” and “Holiday Toy Chest”. Of the families who participate in our three children programs, the median monthly household income is $1,200. For our Back to School Toy Chest, and Warm Winter Wear program, more than 500 families (more than 1,200 children and youth) benefited from each program.
Collaborations: Our collaborations go beyond referrals. We host several agencies onsite. Hosting these agencies recognizes that limited public transportation in the western suburbs can prevent individuals and families from getting the help they need on a timely basis. Programs we have hosted at our site include: ICA Food Shelf Employment Counselor, Children’s Dental Services, Prepare+Prosper, Portico Heathnet – MNsure navigator