Free Living in Minneapolis

The following guide is meant as a basic strategy for getting by for free or very cheap in the city of Minneapolis. The places and services listed are only a sampling of what can be found for free in Minneapolis. Being creative and persistent can provide almost anyone with nearly everything they need for free. Happy gathering, scavenging and foraging!

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: First get your copy of the Handbook of the Streets. It is a resource guide for poor and homeless people. It lists food shelves, shelter, public assistance, health care, education, employment and legal services. Call the Alliance of the Streets for your free copy: 612-870-0529

You can also check out the 600 page Directory of Community Services published by First Call For Help: 612-335-5000. Your best bet is to try finding it at your local library.

Everybody's gotta EAT

Food at any local corporate grocery stores tends to be quite expensive and not very healthy. Expenses increase if you shop at a co-op and eat less processed foods. Getting most of your food for free is not a problem in Minneapolis, especially in the winter and fall, when dumpsters act as giant freezers to keep all the food preserved.

If you've got a yard or space to grow a garden, why not grow vegetables and herbs? If you haven't got the space, why not grow herbs or food in pots, a deserted place in a park, a local community garden or any unused space in the city. Libraries and co-op grocery store bookshelves are a wonderful resource for basic information on growing.

There are many groups in Minneapolis devoted to feeding the hungry, either hot meals or free groceries. If your income is very low, or if you are unemployed, the state will more than likely give you food stamps as well. Below are some hints on dumpster diving and information on other places to get free food.

For food stamps information:

• Single Adults: Hennepin County Economic Assistance, 330 S. 11th Street. 612-348-2722
• Families: Century Plaza, 330 S. 12th Street. 612-348-3400

Sister's Camelot is a local non-profit group that gives away free groceries and serves hot food occasionally at events around the city. Call for more information 612-722-1627 Meets at Arise! Bookstore (2441 Lyndale Ave. S.) for food share 9:30-10am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Food Not Bombs serves hot vegan food on Saturdays at noon in empty lot across the street from Cedar Cultural Center (call Arise! Bookstore to verify)

St. Marks Cathedral, 519 Oak Grove Street. (near Loring Park) serves hot meals with a choice between vegetarian or meat entrees every Monday evening at 6:00p.m. The service is for young adults, teens and children only. Check other churches and community centers for free meals. There are many more places that serve free meals for lunch and dinner.

Minneapolis also has an abundance of food shelves. To find out which one's are nearest you, call: Emergency Food Shelf Network 612-788-7777 or First Call For Help: 612-335-5000

Trash Pickin'

By an anonymous local diver...

Mpls has many fine dumpsters. Any necessity can be picked out if the trash. One can find clothes, food, building material and furniture. Dumpster Diving can be a useful technique for getting what you need. Showing the proper respect for the dumpster gods allows them to keep providing their bounty to you. The gods will stay happy if you do the following things:

• Leave the dumpster in the same condition you found it, that includes closing the lid.
• Don't do stupid things that arouse suspicion like spray-painting "I ate here" all over the dumpster.
• Be nice to workers who come out to toss garbage, sometimes they'll give you hints.

The tools that I recommend bringing are a flashlight, a backpack and possibly gloves (depends on what you're dumpstering). When a dumpster needs to be liberated, bolt cutters or lock picks are a must. If you're shopping for clothes or furniture the best place to find them is in University areas. College students throw out tons of good stuff, especially at the end of semesters. Call each college to find out specific dates.

I've heard of people finding computers and I knew a woman who found a pair of pants with a hundred dollar bill in it! Furniture can also be found on curbs and alleys all over in residential areas. Building materials can be found at construction sites, especially in residential areas also. People are fairly laid back about taking scraps from construction dumpsters, because it's not as socially deviant as taking food out of the dumpsters. But for all of you social deviants out there, food can be found at bakeries, co-ops and non-chain grocery stores.

Check a phone book for places that look promising and start hunting, but be respectful of the dumpster's surroundings, lest the dumpsters get locked and its owners call the cops on future divers. I also recommend checking industrial warehouse areas; there are some incredible dumpsters that I've found. Interesting things can be found behind certain corporate stores, just poke around. If you run into a trash compactor, which a lot of chain stores have, stay away. They are really difficult to get into (I've heard) and they could turn on at any moment, turning the unfortunate dumpster diver into something the size and shape of Spam.

A few more hints: Ever notice in restaurants that people leave loads of leftovers behind? People will stare and maybe make rude comments, but the food wasted in a semi-busy restaurant can be enough to make an entire meal. I've even had a sympathetic cook give me a piece of really expensive cake in a ritzy hotel restaurant while walking around looking for table scraps. It doesn't hurt to go into a restaurant or cafŽ near closing time and ask for any food they may be tossing out (coffee shops will give you the last of the coffee almost every time).

You've got to SLEEP somewhere

One of the largest and nearly unavoidable expenses is rent. In Minneapolis, one would be hard pressed to find even a studio apartment for less than $300 a month. Seeking larger housing with a group of people is one way of reducing the rent payments; another is to share rooms to increase the number of people that can live in one place. Don't let your landlord find out you have more people in the house than the lease allows.

For emergencies, in times of bad weather or when you just haven't got a place to sleep for the night, there are shelters (which are generally free) and hostels (which can be cheap or somewhat costly). When the weather is nice, or if you've got a tent/bivy sack and sleeping bag, Minneapolis has several beautiful parks and a somewhat green riverbank that would make for a wonderful night's sleep. When sleeping outside in the city, make sure you are well concealed and be careful to avoid cops and other people that might wake you up.

Getting people you know (or your family knows, etc.) to let you stay at their house while they are on vacation to take care of the place has worked for lots of people. Also, people with pets will sometimes hire someone to stay at their house and take care of their domesticated companions. The only advice I have to entering into the housesitting world is to ask around. Ask anyone you know who might be in the market for someone to watch their house. These are temporary solutions, but you might even get paid and have open access to a pantry full of food as well. Below are resources for finding cheap or free places to stay.

To see if the state can help you with housing: 348-2722 for single adults or 348-3400 for families. They will direct you through loads of bureaucracy and maybe even help you out. A warning: they will try to get you to work crappy jobs through the city, so be careful.

• Single Adults: Hennepin County Economic Assistance, 330 S. 11th Street. 612-348-2722
• Families: Century Plaza, 330 S. 12th Street. 612-348-3400

Be HEALTHY

I hate to endorse western medicine when there are many more effective methods that treat the whole mind and body. Many medicinal herbs grow (somehow) in the chemicalized confines of Minneapolis. Ginkgo trees, Mullein plants, Chamomile, Sage, Nettle and plantain (to name just a few) all thrive in parks and yards all over the city. Make sure there are no recent lawn chemical signs in the area and be careful to not destroy the whole plant while harvesting. Corporate bookstores (like Barnes and Noble downtown on Nicollet Mall) have an abundance of books on alternative medicine and herbalism. The stores generally won't kick people out, even if they sit and read all day long. Bring a notebook to record your findings. Libraries are another good source of health and medical information.

There are a few free and discount clinics in Minneapolis, which is listed below. For emergencies, most hospitals must treat you, even if you don't have medical insurance. Hennepin County Medical Center (info. listed below) in downtown Minneapolis is open to everyone in case of emergency.

Hennepin County also offers an array of options for getting medical care through the state. Income, amount of assets, and many other factors determine the types of services available. Unemployed people without huge assets can get General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) or Medical Assistance (MA), which are essentially free services that provide free prescriptions as well. Employed folks who do not have medical insurance and make too much money for MA or GAMC can apply for MinnesotaCare. This service has a monthly premium and co-payments for prescriptions that are determined by how much money you make. I know of someone who pays $9 a month and $3 for prescriptions. Dental Care is usually included in all of the above health plans. See below on how to apply for medical care through the state.

Call the University of Minnesota Information line to find out about discounted dental service in their dentistry school: 612-625-5000

• To apply for MinnesotaCare, call: 651-297-3862
• To apply for Medical Assistance, call or visit:
-Single Adults: Hennepin County Economic Assistance, 330 S. 11th Street. 612-348-2722 -Families: Century Plaza, 330 S. 12th Street. 612-348-3400
• The Hennepin County Medical Center emergency room will treat anyone, regardless of whether patients have insurance. HCMC, 915 S. 7th Street. 612-347-5555

• Cedar Riverside People's Clinic 425 20th Ave. S. 612-332-4973
• Central Avenue Health Clinic 2610 Central Ave. NE. 612-781-6816
• Community-University Health Care Center 2001 Bloomington Ave. S. 612-627-4774
• Fremont Community Health Services 3300 Fremont Ave. N. 612-588-9411
• Green Central Community Clinic 324 E. 35th Street. 612-827-7181
• Indian Health Board 1315 East 24th St. 612-721-9898
• Southside Community Clinic 4730 Chicago Avenue S. 612-822-3186
• St. Mary's Health Clinics (no cost) call for nearest of 12 locations and to see if you qualify for service: 651-690-7029 From 8:30a.m.-12:30p.m. M-F
• For medical services for the homeless at shelters and other locations, call 612-348-5553.
• The Red Door Clinic 525 Portland Ave. S. (in the basement) offers free (suggested $10 donation) STD and AIDS testing to anyone over age 12. 612-347-AIDS, 612-348-6363; STD hotline: 1-800-783-2287.

Work SUCKS

Let's face it, work is degrading. Quite literally it is the trading of one's precious and mysterious life force in exchange for money. But in the city, as alienated and domesticated humans, we are sometimes forced to make money.

Look up 'Employment, temporary' in the yellow pages to find many temp services. Some of them will give you free computer training, which leads to higher paying jobs, and in turn to working fewer hours for the money you need. Make sure to not work for companies whose workers are on strike, as it can be dangerous and it is disrespectful, to say the least.

If you play a musical instrument, try playing it and setting out a hat somewhere in the city where people with money may be walking past. Shopping areas tend to be full of people just dying to get rid of their cash in exchange for marginally useful products.

When you are really down and out, or if you just don't want to do anything else for money, simply asking people on the street for it could and sometimes does yield a decent amount. Be careful though, as the cops and law-abiding citizens tend to get angry with poor people. They may even arrest or verbally abuse you.

Community SERVICES

Community is a word I rarely use, except when referring to tribal and primitive people who live (d) in some semblance of what the word means. Most people living in cities don't even know their own neighbors. Sometimes, a glimmer of community spirit manages to shine through the disturbing American silence. Neighborhood Bartering services are a prime example. These generally work by having a list of people and what services they can provide (mechanic work, massages, gardening, hair-cuts, sewing, etc.) Then you list your service and earn points to be redeemed on whichever service you wish. This is a great way to avoid using money, and to get to know your neighbors. To find out if your neighborhood has a bartering service, look for flyers, or talk to some of your neighbors! If there isn't one in your area, try starting one yourself.

Occasionally, there are free school events and skill shares around Minneapolis. Look for advertisements and flyers at Arise! Bookstore 2441 Lyndale Ave. S. 612-871-7110 and Mayday Books, 301 Cedar Ave. S. 612-333-4719 Stick around and read some political books!

Two major camping outfitters, Midwest Mountaineering (Mpls) and REI (Bloomington) offer classes and workshops for free. Both stores have climbing facilities free for members and cheap for everyone else. Call either location to find out about upcoming presentations and climbing details: Midwest Mountaineering, 309 Cedar Ave. S. 612-339-3433. REI, 750 W. 79th Street, Bloomington. 952-884-4315.

Libraries offer free internet access to people with library cards. You are allotted 1 hour of internet use every 6 hours. To get a library card, you need either a photo-ID or a valid local mailing address where the card can be sent. To find the library nearest you, opening and closing times and other library information call: 612-630-6000 www.mpls.lib.mn.us

FUN without any money

Life has become boring, due not in small part to the enforced routine of work, and all the pain and heartbreak that comes with it. But, by getting out there and seeking what you need for free, you may even be able to remove the work noose once and for all. Subverting the monetary system and moving towards a practice of urban hunting and gathering can be great fun in its own right. Heck, we may be able to reclaim some of our wildness yet! Of course, since civilization has abolished adventure, the only adventure left is to destroy civilization. Following are some suggestions at having fun for free:

Movies: Sometimes the U of MN screens new movies for free, check for posters or call the U film society; 612-627-4431 Also, Bijou Films on the St. Paul Campus of the U of MN shows movies for only $1. Call for times and shows: 612-626-9513.

Free plays/performances: Call the Bedlam Theatre and ask about the Bedlam Romp, a regularly occurring evening of politically minded performance art, music, puppets and partying. The Romp has a door charge of $5, but generally no one is turned away. Also check around the U of MN for poster ads for free plays, concerts, and performances. Ushering at the State Theatre, Cedar Cultural Center and other performance locations can also get you in for free. Call up the theatre and tell them you would like to usher for whatever show or performance you would like to attend. No experience required.

Sports/leagues: Call City Wide Athletics and Aquatics and Recreation Centers and Playground Activities for information: 612-661-4875.

Parks: Alongside all the concrete, cars, Highways (Highway 55 in particular) and ugly buildings, there are some beautiful green spaces left, such as Minnehaha, Loring, and Powderhorn parks. These parks stand out as great places to hang out all day long in any season. In spite of Highway 55 reroute, many parts of Minnehaha Park stand out as amazing and unique; it's about as close as you'll get to a wild area in a big city. You might even find someone to tell you a story about a protest camp that defended the park from the city. Some parks also have free programs during the summer, like 'movies and music in the park' at Loring Park and Steven's Park. The Mayday festival at Powderhorn Park, and weekly concerts at Minnehaha. Bare Bones Halloween performances are also worth going to. Call the Bedlam Theatre for location. Shakespeare in the Park schedules are usually in the City Pages during the summer, and are also free. Check with Minneapolis Parks to find out more information and about parks and events near you: 612-661-4800

Camping: Camping in and out of the city: If you've got the gear (which in the summertime could be as little as a tarp and a blanket), parks in Minneapolis and the greater metro area can provide a lot of sleeping-out opportunities. You'll have to use your wits and figure out good locations where you won't be seen by police and other suck folks you'd rather not meet. Read the 'Sleep' section above.

Punk Music: Minneapolis has an active and large punk scene. Most of the shows are under $5 and if you are really broke, they more than likely won't turn you away. To find out about punk rock shows and other events, check the windows and bulletin board at Extreme Noise Records, 407 W. Lake Street. 612-824-0100. Also check www.profaneexistence.com for upcoming events and to see when the next issue of Profane Existence (a local/international free anarcho-punk zine) will be out.

MORE information... For further information on free and very cheap happenings around the city, check out the City Pages (www.citypages.com) and Pulse (www.pulsetc.com), available free across the metro area, with new issues every Wednesday. What's more, the Star Tribune puts out a guide called "Free Time" (www.startribune.com/freetime) each Wednesday detailing what's going on all over the city. If you can't afford a newspaper, look in your local coffee shop or breakfast restaurant; they're bound to have a couple copies for customers.