Justice Bus Brings Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid to Area Communities

Since 2021, the Justice Bus, a blue van with information about how to contact Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, has been driving around the program’s service areas to bring legal services to people who might not be able to make it into an office. With locations in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Willmar, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid operates three Justice Buses that are equipped with wi-fi, computers, printers, and other mobile-office necessities, including a wheelchair lift.

Paralegals Pam Manthei and Chris Klimpel of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s St. Cloud office currently drive the bus around a 14-county service area. They meet with residents and help them fill out paperwork, talk about their legal questions, and connect them with a lawyer if needed.

“We’ve gone to a lot of senior centers and food shelves,” said Manthei. “I’ve even been asked to drive through a few apartment complexes so residents can get our information and know where to go for help.” They’ve also made stops at county fairs and other community events to raise awareness about legal aid to those with low incomes.

Read more in Justice Bus makes legal help accessible.