Program areas at The Link of Northern Kandiyohi County
Household exchange & thrift store: basic household goods are donated to The household exchange and thrift store and provided to people in need in The community. Additionally a washer and dryer are available for use (free of charge) at The household exchangefor people that are unable to afford The cost of laundry services. Approximately one dozen volunteers are engaged each week and The community donates thousands of dollars in goods each year to support The household exchange. This activity is supported through The support of grants and contributions from foundations, churches, businesses, community groups, and individuals.
Client services & outreach program: assistance is provided to people in need to meet basic needs such as housing, utilities, medical necessities, and transportation expenses. The Link provides resources only when other resources have been leveraged and does not duplicate, it is a "fill The gap organization. Each year, 100-250 households receive services through The client services and outreach program. An additional aspect of this program includes outreach efforts to raise awareness of poverty in The community and engage people in meeting those needs - speaking to local service providers, churches, businesses, youth, schools, civic organizations to build awareness of The Link's programs to better meet The needs of people in poverty. This activity is funded through The support of grants and contributions from foundations, The united way, churches, businesses, community groups, and individual donors.
Food pantry program: The Link operates a food shelf and provides food to people facing hunger. The program operates a free choice model and currently serves anyone facing hunger. This activity is funded through The support of grants and contributions from foundations, The united way, churches, businesses, community groups, and individual donors. Additionally, many businesses, churches, The local school and individuals have given donations of food to support this effort.