The Salvation Army is helping families in need across Minnesota with some extra help from a $362,000 grant from the Otto Bremer Trust.

The grant money will be used to support programs that help people in crisis, as well as address basic needs in communities.

Austin received $40,000 and will use its grant dollars to expand staff hours at its worship and service centers.

Examples of where grant funds have already been helpful include: a single parent who avoided eviction; a family of seven that was sharing a home with another family was able to move into a home for themselves; and a terminally ill parent of two found the help needed to ensure the family’s children are cared for in the future.

“The Otto Bremer Trust has supported The Salvation Army for decades,” Col. Robert Thomson, The Salvation Army Northern Division leader, said in a press release. “This grant exemplifies how we are able to partner together to make a real difference in the communities we both call home.”

Other communities The Salvation Army distributed grant money include:

—Brainerd – $25,000, will help shore up crisis funds for families facing eviction, or other housing emergencies.

—Fergus Falls – $20,000, will expand staff hours at its worship and service centers.

—International Falls – $32,000, will add a new position designed to work with and identify community needs

—Mankato – $20,000, will provide basic needs to individuals and families experiencing crisis.

—Rochester – $75,000, will expand the Caring Partners Adult Day program.

—St. Cloud – $100,000, assist 40 youth experiencing homelessness with the Support and Mentor through Arts, Recreation and Tutoring kids program.

—Willmar – $15,000, will also help serve 24 households to support The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope programs.

—Minneapolis – $35,000

Grant funds will also help serve 24 households to support The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope programs in Austin, Fergus Falls, and Willmar.