Comforts of Home

Would you like to help us re-open Comforts of Home in 2026?

1. Purchase items off our registry.

2. Donate to help us purchase high-need items (like bedding, pillows, and towels).

Through a partnership with select Walmart and Lowes stores, United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is able to obtain unsold household items to be distributed to our neighbors in need. In order to access the program, individuals/families must live or work in UWNEMN's service area and be referred by a case manager or service provider. 

UWNEMN is currently providing in-person appointments only for Comforts of Home referrals made prior to December 2025. Case managers MUST make a referral and accompany clients for these appointments.

Step 1. Case managers make a referral.

Step 2. Upon UWNEMN approval, case managers will receive an email to select an available date and time (Thursdays between 8:30 am - 2:00 pm) for the client's in-person appointment.

Step 3. Case managers and clients come to UWNEMN building in Chisholm for designated appointment to select items.

We ask that case managers review the program policy with clients & secure client signature on the form prior to their appointment.  

Pickup appointments may be made available for extenuating circumstances. If you have any questions, contact Sarah at sarah@unitedwaynemn.org or call 218-254-3329.

Comforts of Home Registry 

To keep this program open consistently, UWNEMN must purchase high-need items (like bedding, pillows, and towels) from local stores. You can donate new products to our building at 608 East Drive in Chisholm or purchase items off our Walmart Registry.

Why we do it?

"Comforts of Home greatly impact those in need by providing people with essential items and support. As someone who often makes referrals to Comforts of Home, the compassion shared between two organizations is incredible. The United Way's Comfort of Home Program helps pull people together towards solutions instead of tearing them apart in problems. Clients leave there with a new sense of achievement, and empowerment. I think that is something we all can appreciate."

- Beth Pontinen, LPN, Care Coordinator- Range Mental Health Center

Comforts of Home Program Policy

• The Comforts of Home program may only be used once. 
• All clientele must be referred and accompanied by a case worker.  
• Appropriate paperwork is required to be filled out by clientele completely. 
• Items are first come first served and can’t be set aside or held for clientele.  
  • There may be limits on some items depending on availability (i.e. one pillow per person, etc.). 
• Anything that is taken may not be returned to the program or store. 
• All donations that are received are assessed to the best of our abilities to ensure they are acceptable to give out to individuals in need.  
  • UWNEMN apologizes in advance if there is an item on the shelf that is unacceptable.   
  • Clientele are responsible for properly disposing of items they receive that break or do not work as anticipated. 
  • UWNEMN is not liable for any damage, loss, or injury resulting from use of items taken from Comforts of Home.   
• ANY ITEMS RECEIVED FROM THE COMFORTS OF HOME PROGRAM ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED.   

This policy must be signed and returned in order for materials to be picked up; please click here to download this policy for your client to sign. Paperwork can be returned as PDF email attachment, via mail, or in person.