August 2020 | Newsletter
Helping people stay in their homes
A critical part of the work our Client Support Services team does is helping people stay in their homes. Our team works with individuals and families at risk and helps them find the best resources for their situation. They also may help put a financial package together to meet a specific need, such as a security deposit, by using our emergency financial assistance fund and other partner funds.

The team has been working closely with Washington County to help people in need access the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program dollars which recently became available, too.

A story from Matt on the Client Support Services team.

"I'm working with a client to help them get their housing voucher re-certified. Part of this process involves submitting documentation to prove things like the client’s household size, income, and medical needs. This client has some pretty complex medical needs, but I was still a little taken aback with how big their application ended up being after we got everything together.
It ended up being 248 pages total, including seven fax cover pages. If we are being honest, I don’t think I could keep that kind of documentation together for a year, even it meant I could lose my housing. It’s hard to believe the incredible barriers our have to clients face. I am always in awe of their resiliency."
How does your garden grow?
We're accepting food and clothing donations again (hooray), including fresh, garden produce. If your zucchini, squash and herbs (or any fruits or veggies, really) are more abundant than you expected, we will happily accept your extra items. Drive-up donation times are Monday and Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m.
New volunteer opportunity!
We're adding a new drive-up food distribution most Monday afternoons in August and September. We'll distribute boxes of food that include a variety of dairy, meat and fresh produce.

This is a great small group or family volunteering opportunity for older kids (13+). The shift is from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. We need five volunteers per shift. Volunteers must be able to safely lift 20 lbs. and be comfortable working outside. Please email kenny.mccoy@valleyoutreachmn.org if interested.
Sponsor this year's
Feed the Valley Cook's Challenge - At Home Edition
This year's Feed the Valley Cook's Challenge - At Home Edition is Friday, October 30 from 7 to 7:30 p.m. We invite you to join us (from the comfort of your own home, of course) for an entertaining and mission-focused fundraiser to benefit the programs of Valley Outreach.

We're encouraging people to register for free for this year's event to get updates and access to exclusive content like recipes and videos. Registration will open soon! We'll send a special email to our newsletter recipients when it's available.

We're seeking event sponsors now and have a variety of giving levels. Learn more at valleyoutreachmn.org/feed-the-valley/.
COVID-19 Response Update
Is your building open to the public yet? No. We're continuing to focus on distributing food through our drive-up service model and providing phone support right now. We're also accepting food and clothing donations through a drive-up model on Monday and Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Our team is looking toward the future and developing plans to reopen when we can do so in the safest manner possible for our clients, donors, volunteers and staff.
Are you accepting donations? Yes. We're accepting clothing and food donations though a drive-up, no-contact model on Monday and Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. We're also accepting financial donations online and via the mail.
Do you need volunteers? Yes, please! Check out our website for more details. We'll be adding more volunteer opportunities regularly.
Drive-up Service Hours
M/W/F - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
T/Th - 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Drive-up Donation Hours
M/W - noon to 3 p.m.
Valley Outreach
1911 Curve Crest Blvd. West
Stillwater, Minnesota 55082

Call Us: 651-430-2739