Cottonwood
Ask about Cottonwood
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Cottonwood and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Cottonwood
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Local office · City office
City of Cottonwood Administration
231 West Main Street, Cottonwood, MN 56229
Help here
- City services and utility billingVisit or call the city office for city services and questions about utility bills.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofcottonwoodmn.gov
Housing authority · City office
Cottonwood Housing and Redevelopment Authority
231 West Main Street, Cottonwood, MN 56229
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofcottonwoodmn.gov
Library · Regional office
Cottonwood Community Library
86 West Main Street, Cottonwood, MN 56229
Help here
- Library servicesBorrow books and other library materials at the Cottonwood branch of the Marshall-Lyon County Library.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on marshalllyonlibrary.org
Parks and recreation · City office
Cottonwood Community Center
142 West Main Street, Cottonwood, MN 56229
Help here
- Community center rentalsContact the city to ask about reserving the community center for a gathering or event.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofcottonwoodmn.gov
Checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Cottonwood
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Second Harvest Heartland
7101 Winnetka Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Central Minnesota Legal Services, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
United Community Action Partnership
200 4th St SW, Willmar, MN 56201-3368
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Lyon County
Cottonwood is in Lyon County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · Regional office
Southwest Health and Human Services - Human Services
607 West Main St., Suite 100, Marshall, MN 56258
Help here
- Financial and social servicesAsk about financial assistance, social services, and support for children and adults.Apply online
- Child supportGet help with child support services and questions.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on swhhsmn.gov
Public health · Regional office
Southwest Health and Human Services WIC Clinic
607 West Main St., Suite 200, Marshall, MN 56258
Help here
- Women, Infants, and Children nutrition programWIC offers eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children food benefits and nutrition support.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on swmhhs.com
Local office · Nonprofit
United Way 211 Minnesota
Help here
- Community resource information and referralCall 211 for free information about local health and human services.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on 211unitedway.org
Public health · Regional office
Southwest Health and Human Services - Public Health
607 West Main St., Suite 200, Marshall, MN 56258
Help here
- Public health servicesContact Public Health for health information, services, and referrals.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on swhhsmn.gov
Mental health and recovery · Nonprofit
Western Mental Health Center - Marshall
1212 E College Dr., Marshall, MN 56258
Help here
- Mental health and substance use careContact the center to arrange mental health or substance use care.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on wmhcinc.org
Courts and legal help · Regional office
Joint Lyon-Lincoln County Law Library
607 West Main St., Lyon County Courthouse, Marshall, MN 56258
Help here
- Law library accessUse the law library to find legal information and research materials.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mn.gov
Minnesota programs by kind of help
These are run by Minnesota and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
- TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- United Way 211 Minnesota
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 800-543-7709 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988