Basic Needs

Basic needs consist of the following programs:

Energy Assistance Program: The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) makes a direct payment to your utility vendor to help with your heating bills. It can help if you are facing a utility shut-off. You may be able to have your heating system replaced if you own your home. EAP is available through the following Minnesota Valley Action Council county offices:

Blue Earth
Faribault
Le Sueur
Martin
Nicollet
Sibley
Waseca
Watonwan

For contact information click here.

To find out more information about EAP click here.

For information about the cold weather rule, click here.

Emergency Housing Assistance: This program can help you if you lose your housing. The payment must take care of your emergency. The program can provide you with emergency lodging. It can pay your past due rent or payments. It can pay your first month's rent. For more detailed information, click here.

Emergency Needs: Due to budget cuts by the state legislature, there are no dollars available for this program.