The Hometown Resource Center, originally known as the Southeast Minnesota Rural Education and Resource Center, first opened its doors in St. Charles, Minnesota on December 16, 1986. It was one of six centers across the state created to support rural communities.

Today, our St. Charles location is the last remaining Resource Center of its kind. While the other five centers have closed due to financial and operational challenges, our community’s commitment has never wavered. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters, the Hometown Resource Center continues to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of local residents.

What began as a support hub for farmers facing economic hardship has expanded into a vital community resource—offering food, clothing, emergency assistance, and connections to essential services for individuals and families across the region.

Our original location was at 106 E 11th Street in St. Charles. In early 2016, we relocated to our current home at 1244 Whitewater Avenue, where we now house both our food shelf and our thrift store under one roof.

How You Helped Us Grow

In July 2022, the Hometown Resource Center purchased the new wing that now houses our Food Shelf. To bring the space up to standard, we faced significant structural repairs and updates totaling approximately $80,000, along with an additional $50,000 in repairs to our Thrift Store.

This investment not only expanded our services but also secured a long-term home for the HRC in the heart of St. Charles.

Total Donations from Individuals and organizations – $29,834.47

Total Grant Income – $54,261.90

• Otto Bremer Trust – $20,000 – Repair and Construction on the new site
• Hoff Funeral Home – $1500 over the last three years
• Hunger Solutions Emergency Grants – $12,262 – Used for purchase of appliances
• American Rescue Plan – $10,000 for grounds and general repairs
• St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation – $10,000
• Winona Community Foundation – $5,000 applied to purchase of a freezer
• CHS – $4075
• City of St. Charles/Winona County/State of MN – $5000
• St. Charles Moose Lodge – $1000
• St Charles Borromeo – $1066.57
• MiEnergy – $500 – Applied to new air conditioner
• Elba Township – $2500
• St. Charles Community Foundation – $1500 for renovations and repair
• Mayo Clinic- $5000 – Food Shelf Renovations

Every dollar given helped us take a step forward. We’re deeply grateful for the outpouring of community support that made this expansion possible. Your contributions continue to shape a stronger, more supportive future for the St. Charles area.