Solid Ground offers transitional housing and self-sufficiency programs for low-income and families experiencing homelessness in suburban Ramsey and Washington Counties.
Donation Opportunties
Solid Ground Welcome Baskets
Help welcome Solid Ground families as they settle in their new homes and community. A Welcome Basket filled with cleaning supplies is presented to each family when they first arrive at Solid Ground. Families often have few, if any, household items. Many arrive after staying in shelters, living in cars or bunking with friends and relatives. Welcome Baskets not only fill a necessary need for families transitioning from homelessness, but also serve as a warm and hospitable welcome to our community.
Please consider donating one or more of the following new items: laundry basket, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaner, kitchen cleaner, scouring pads, multi-purpose wipes, liquid dish detergent, liquid hand soap, hand sanitizer, liquid all-purpose cleaner, toilet paper, paper towels, toilet brush, plunger, broom and mop. Donations can be dropped off at Incarnation in the bin marked “Solid Ground Welcome Baskets” from January 8 through January 29. Monetary donations are also appreciated as they will help provide Welcome Basket items throughout the year when supplies run low. Please indicate “SG Welcome Baskets” in the memo line of donations.
New or Gently Used Household Items
Families arriving at Solid Ground often come from difficult situations that force them to leave behind many of their personal belongings. To help families get a fresh start and settle into their new homes, please consider donating new or gently used household items. Use this link to see a list of needed items.
Financial Donations
Financial donations to support Solid Ground’s mission and help families break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for the next generation are always appreciated. Financial donations can be made using Incarnation’s secured site or write a check to Incarnation with “Solid Ground” in memo.
Service Opportunities
In Person Service Opportunities
Front Desk Assistant
Solid Ground is looking for volunteers to work at their front desk Monday – Fridays. The morning shift time is 8:30am – 12:30pm, the afternoon is from 12:30 – 4:30pm. Contact Dylan McDonough for questions or if interested in serving.
Resume Support
This is an opportunity to work with Solid Ground residents who are searching for employment or hoping to increase their wages. Volunteers are needed to help participants create or update their resumes. Connections can be made with residents in-person or remotely via phone or email. Contact Dylan McDonough for questions or if interested in serving.
Mobile Food Shelf Market Volunteers
Solid Ground is seeking volunteers to support their mobile food shelf market. 1st and 5th Wednesdays of the month from 11:30am-1:30pm, and the 3rd Wednesday each month from 2:00 – 4:00p.m. Roles include assistance unloading food, setting up the market, filling bags and/or assisting residents with transport of their food to their units. Contact Dylan McDonough for questions or if interested in serving.
Drivers for Residents
Solid Ground is seeking volunteers who are willing and able to drive residents who have limited transportation options to/from various locations. This is a great way to be in relationship with residents while serving in truly helpful ways. Background checks and orientation will be provided by Solid Ground. Contact Dylan McDonough for questions or if interested in serving.
Community meals serve as a great opportunity for families at Solid Ground to make connections with each other, volunteers and staff, as well as help stretch their food budgets and give a break from cooking. Solid Ground is seeking groups of volunteers to prepare a meal at their own location, transport the food to East Metro Place in White Bear Lake and serve families who attend. Community meals are typically for up to 50 people and can be hosted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A great service opportunity for small groups, a work group, friends or a couple of families to do together. Contact Dylan McDonough for more information and menu ideas.
Solid Ground is looking for compassionate volunteer tutors to work with children in the after school tutoring program. Tutors work 1-to1 with a K-8 student at least once per week. No experience required and training is provided. This is a wonderful opportunity for a child to get special time with a supportive, positive role model each week…and a powerful experience for the tutor too! College students and older high school studcents are invited to volunteer. Click here for times and application.
At Home Service Opportunities
The following are ways to serve the community of Solid Ground from the comfort and safety of your home. To learn more, contact Diane Betterley.
- Create birthday bags for children 17 and under. Bags include cake, frosting, plates, napkins, flatware, one decoration item and a small gift. Solid Ground asks birthday bags cost no more than $20. Bags are needed each January, April, July and October but can be made at anytime and given to Diane Betterley.
- Create recipes utilizing common food shelf items and place them on recipe cards to share with Solid Ground residents.
- Write welcome cards/notes to new families entering Solid Ground.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
There are typically many ways to serve at Solid Ground. See what might be a fit for you and your gifts. Learn more.
Solid Ground Updates
Would you like to keep up-to-date on all the great things happening at Solid Ground? Contact Diane Betterley to be included in the email updates.
Home at Last In-Person Tours
Home at Last tours are offered the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 5:30pm -6:30 pm. To reserve your spot, tours@solidgroundmn.org. Visit the Solid Ground website for more information.
About Solid Ground and East Metro Place
East Metro Place, located near Century College in White Bear Lake, provides a supportive learning and living environment for 34 families, including nearly 100 children from infants through young adults. Their family friendly housing facility has common areas used for support services, tutoring, childcare and gatherings; as well as an outdoor children’s playground. Solid Ground also provides rental assistance and support for additional families in off-site housing. In all, Solid Ground provides housing for over 500 women, men and children annually. Solid Ground’s vision is for every family to have a safe and affordable place to call home, where parents and children are engaged in school, work and their community and are able to realize their goals and dreams.
To learn more about service or donation opportunities and how to become involved in this life-changing mission, contact Diane Betterley .