Changing the culture of how we help each other

Neighbors Helping Neighbors connects community members across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities metro who need support with caring volunteers ready to help with rides, groceries, and more.

Rent
Rides
Community care
Groceries

Born from a simple ask, grown by community

Neighbors Helping Neighbors started in early December when a leader from a Latine-led organizing entity asked for help getting rides for their community members.

What began as a small network of friends in South Minneapolis quickly grew. In our first week, we averaged 7 requests per day. Now we're receiving 10x that—over 70 requests daily—spanning the metro area to St. Cloud.

We've grown to 1,800+ volunteer applications, 550+ vetted carers, and have distributed $236K in rent assistance for 150+ families. We continue to evolve our processes to be safer, more efficient, and more impactful.

Because of the trust from folks already supporting this work, I was immediately able to transfer $500 to help. Around the same time, a friend told me about someone buying groceries for 20 families she knew, and I was able to send over $1400 to cover those costs.

— Anna, Co-founder

Simple, safe, community-driven

Our process connects neighbors in need with vetted volunteers who can help.

1

Submit a Request

Neighbors fill out a simple form describing what help they need—rides, groceries, or other support.

2

Connectors Match

Our team of connectors review requests and reach out to our network of vetted carers.

3

Carers Respond

Available carers indicate they can help, and receive the neighbor's information to coordinate.

4

Support Delivered

Carers and neighbors connect directly to arrange rides, deliveries, or other assistance.

Many ways to help

Whether you have an hour or ten, there's a role for everyone in our community network.

Carers

Volunteers providing direct support—giving rides to appointments, delivering groceries, and showing up for their neighbors when needed most.

Apply to volunteer →

Connectors

The bridge between neighbors and carers. Connectors review requests, post to volunteer channels, and facilitate connections to meet needs.

Vetters

Ensuring community safety by reviewing carer applications, conducting outreach, and determining fit before volunteers are added to the network.

Our Team

Co-organizers building this movement together

LG

Lena Gardner

Co-Founder

AS

Anna Stamborski

Co-Organizer + Co-Founder

CE

Catherine Elliott

Co-Organizer

AE

Adam Evers

Co-Organizer

In the News

Media Coverage

Minnesota Public Radio Local

Minnesotans provide a surge of help to immigrant neighbors

January 27, 2026
Minnesota Senate Local

Testimony: The Impacts of ICE Actions on Minnesotans

January 29, 2026
NOS Journaal International

NOS Journaal coverage of Neighbors Helping Neighbors

February 1, 2025

Join our newsletter

Get updates on community needs, volunteer opportunities, and stories of neighbors helping neighbors.

Want to Help?

Join our growing network of caring neighbors. All skills and availability welcome.

Become a Carer

Support the Mission

Donations help cover groceries, rides, and essential needs for families across the metro.

Donate Now
Donate Now