Basic Needs
This section includes information about assistance available at Winona County, including food stamps, WIC, cash assistance and health insurance. Also includes is information about where to buy groceries and clothing, community assistance programs and utilities.
WINONA COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
(507) 457-6200
202 W 3rd St., Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, closed holidays
*Several assistance programs and services for child protection and the elderly. Each program has specific requirements, including income guidelines and legal immigration status. Families with mixed status can receive services for children born in the U.S. or women who are currently pregnant.
Economic Assistance: Childcare assistance, child support, food support (SNAP/food stamps), health care (medical assistance, MNSure, emergency medical assistance), housing assistance, MFIP (cash assistance, refugee assistance.
Children’s Services: adoption, child care assistance and licensing, child protection, child support, foster care.
Special Population Services: home and community services for individuals over age 65, ombudsman, disability services, mental health services, substance abuse.
Community Health – Winona County Office Building
(507) 457-6200
202 W 3rd St., Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, closed holidays
*Providing quality health care and educational services to Winona County.
Maternal Child Health Services: home visits related to pregnancy, maternal mental health, breastfeeding support and more.
Infant and Child Development: home visits related to health, growth and development; parenting, infant/children’s mental health or special health needs.
Community Health – Parkview Office Building
(507) 457-6410
825 Mankato Ave, Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm, closed holidays
Car Seats: instruction on the correct use and installation of car seats. They also distribute and install car seats.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC): provides healthy food for women who are pregnant and children from birth to 5 years.
Immunizations: Free or low-cost immunizations for qualifying adults and children.
OTHER WINONA COUNTY SERVICES
Vital Records
(507) 457-6414
202 W 3rd St., Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, closed holidays
*Provides certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates and marriage records. They also administer marriage licenses and certificates of filing for ordination.
Auditor/Treasurer
(507) 457-8830
202 W 3rd St., Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, closed holidays
*Pay property taxes, register to vote, early voting options.
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Winona Office
(877) 600-2853
53 E 3rd St., #307, Winona, MN 55987
*Replacement social security cards, name changes, disability and retirement benefits information.
FOOD SHELVES
Channel One Food Shelf
(507) 287-2350
131 35th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904
*Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm and Fri 8am-12pm. A short registration is required, and there are income guidelines.
Hometown Resource Center
(507) 932-8056
1244 Whitewater Ave, St. Charles, MN 55987
*Tues 12:30-4:30pm, Thurs 10am-2pm and Fri 12:30-4:30pm. Qualifying households are those with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. A short registration is required.
Rushford Food Shelf
(507) 764-8224
113 E Jessie St, Rushford, MN 55971
*Tues & Thurs 9-11:30am and 12:30-4pm A short registration is required, and there are income guidelines.
Winona Volunteer Services
(507) 452-5591
402 E 2nd St, Winona, MN 55987
*Mon-Wed 10am-1pm, Thurs 3-6pm, Fri 2-5pm A short registration is required, and there are income guidelines.
CLOTHING STORES
The following stores offer used clothing at affordable prices.
Clothes Shop at Winona Volunteer Services
(507) 452-5591
416 E 2nd St, Winona, MN 55987
*Mon-Wed 10am-2pm, Thurs-Fri 1-5pm and Sat 10am-1pm.
Goodwill
(507) 454-4817
1450 Gilmore Ave, Winona, MN 55987
*Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm and Sun 10am-6pm.
Grace Place
(507) 452-2283
66 E 2nd St, Winona, MN 55987
*Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm
Hometown Resource Center
(507) 932-5203
1244 Whitewater Ave, St. Charles, MN 55987
* Tues 10am-4:30pm, Thurs 10am-2pm and Fri 10am-4:30pm.
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Pregnancy and Adoption Services:
Birthright
(507) 452-2421
920 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987
*Mon-Tues, 12-2pm, Wed-Thurs 3-5pm, Fri-Sat, 12-2pm. Pregnancy tests, and resources such as maternity clothing, diapers, shampoo, etc. You can receive services once each month and there is no income limit, but picture ID is required.
Catholic Charities Adoptions
(507) 454-2270
111 Market St Ste 2, Winona, MN 55987
*Licensed child placing agency with a complete domestic infant adoption program and home studies for international and designated adoptions.
Assistance for Families with Children:
Free and Reduced Lunch
*Apply through the school district. Children who qualify may receive free or low-cost breakfast and lunch at school. Meals are often available in the summer months as well. Families who fill out this form and qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch can also qualify for other assistance.
Ready Set School
(507) 429-4213
51 E. 4th St., Suite 404, Winona, MN 55987
*Vouchers for school supplies for students in preschool-12th grade in Winona County. Applications are due by May 31st and are available through your child’s school, at Project FINE or online at https://readysetschoolwinona.org/apply-for-assistance/
Winona Goodfellows Program
*Vouchers for children in preschool through grade 6 who are attending school in Winona County. The $40 voucher can be used to purchase clothing or shoes. Children must be currently enrolled in school and meet income guidelines. Applications are in the fall and available at https://winonagoodfellows.org/apply/ through your child’s school or at Project FINE.
Housing Assistance:
Winona HRA
(507) 454-3665
1756 Kramer Dr, Winona, MN 55987
*Section 8 housing vouchers and rent-controlled housing based on income in Winona. Income guidelines and legal resident status is required, there is often a waiting period.
SEMMCHRA
(651) 565-2638
134 2nd St E, Wabasha, MN 55981
*Section 8 housing vouchers and rent-controlled housing based on income in Lewiston, Winona and several communities across Southeastern Minnesota. Income guidelines and legal resident status is required, there is often a waiting period.
Shelters/Homeless Resources:
Catholic Worker House
(507) 454-8094
832 W Broadway, Winona, MN 55987
*Mon-Fri from 4-7pm, with a hot meal served at 6pm. All are welcome to stop by for a warm, safe place to rest. They also offer showers, laundry, and use of a phone.
Winona Community Day Center
(507) 458-2424
151 E. 3rd St. Winona, MN 55987
*10am-6pm 7 days a week. Food, coffee, social space, computers/Wifi, shelter and general assistance.
Winona Community Warming Center
(507) 458-9197
69 E 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987
*8pm-8am from November 1st to March 31st. Emergency shelter for adults who are experiencing homelessness. A safe and warm place to sleep, access to a shower, laundry facilities, healthy snacks and beverages, fellowship, and referrals for additional help and assistance.
GROCERY STORES
Winona:
Bluff Country Co-op
121 W 2nd St, Winona, MN 55987
8am-8pm daily
*Community owned grocery, offering organic and specialty items.
Hy-Vee
1475 W Service Dr, Winona, MN 55987
5am-11pm daily
*Full service grocery store with hot deli, meat counter, pharmacy and bakery.
Midtown Foods
126 E 5th St., Winona, MN 55987
6am-10pm daily
*Locally owned grocery store with hot deli, meat counter and bakery.
Rochester Wholesale Fruit
350 W 2nd St, Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-noon, Sun 10am-2pm
*Produce, bulk products, ethnic foods and more.
Target
860 Mankato Ave, Winona, MN 55987
8am-10pm daily
*Limited groceries, clothing, home goods, personal care, pharmacy and more.
Wal-Mart
955 Frontenac Dr, Winona, MN 55987
24 hours
*Groceries, clothing, automotive, home goods, personal care, pharmacy and more.
Other Cities:
El Gallo Mexican Grocery
2245 Park Ln SE, Rochester, MN 55904
9am-9pm daily
Hmong Grocery Store
120 Hale Dr, Holmen, WI
9am-6:30pm daily
Miller's Market
1337 Whitewater Ave, St. Charles, MN 55972
7am-9pm daily
*Full service, locally owned grocery store with hot deli, meat counter and bakery.
M M San Juan LLC
306 W Main St, Arcadia, WI 54612
7:30am-9pm daily
Rushford Foods
400 S Mill St., Rushford, MN 55971
7am-9pm daily
*Full service grocery store with hot deli, meat counter and bakery
Woodman's
9515 Wisconsin 16, Onalaska, WI 54650
24 hours
*Full service grocery store with produce, meat and a variety of groceries from around the world.
Yang's Market
1509 George St, La Crosse, WI 54603
Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Farmer’s Markets:
Winona: Levee Park
2nd and Main St, Winona, MN 55987
Sat 7:30am-noon May 1-October 31
*Accepts EBT (snap) cards, and Debit/Credit cards in exchange for tokens
Goodview:
4540 Service Dr, Goodview, MN 55987
Thurs 3-6:30pm
INTERNET PROVIDERS
HBC
(888) 474-9995
58 Johnson St, Winona, MN 55987
Spectrum
(866) 874-2389
1213 Gilmore Ave Ste E-02A, Winona, MN 55987
UTILITY PAYMENTS
Altura: http://alturamn.ourlocalview.com//HomeTown/
Lewiston: https://www.lewiStonmn.org/online-bill-pay/
St. Charles: https://www.Stcharlesmn.org/pay-your-bill/
Winona: https://www.cityofwinona.com/208/Direct-Payment-of-Utility-Bills, https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/winonamn
SEMCAC Energy Assistance
(507) 864-7515
204 N Elm St, Rushford, MN 55971
*Offers eligible residents help to pay their energy bills. Application is required each year and there are income and other guidelines. Apply here: https://www.semcac.org/energy/eap-application/ or contact Project FINE for more information.
(507) 457-6200
202 W 3rd St., Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, closed holidays
*Several assistance programs and services for child protection and the elderly. Each program has specific requirements, including income guidelines and legal immigration status. Families with mixed status can receive services for children born in the U.S. or women who are currently pregnant.
Economic Assistance: Childcare assistance, child support, food support (SNAP/food stamps), health care (medical assistance, MNSure, emergency medical assistance), housing assistance, MFIP (cash assistance, refugee assistance.
Children’s Services: adoption, child care assistance and licensing, child protection, child support, foster care.
Special Population Services: home and community services for individuals over age 65, ombudsman, disability services, mental health services, substance abuse.
Community Health – Winona County Office Building
(507) 457-6200
202 W 3rd St., Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, closed holidays
*Providing quality health care and educational services to Winona County.
Maternal Child Health Services: home visits related to pregnancy, maternal mental health, breastfeeding support and more.
Infant and Child Development: home visits related to health, growth and development; parenting, infant/children’s mental health or special health needs.
Community Health – Parkview Office Building
(507) 457-6410
825 Mankato Ave, Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm, closed holidays
Car Seats: instruction on the correct use and installation of car seats. They also distribute and install car seats.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC): provides healthy food for women who are pregnant and children from birth to 5 years.
Immunizations: Free or low-cost immunizations for qualifying adults and children.
OTHER WINONA COUNTY SERVICES
Vital Records
(507) 457-6414
202 W 3rd St., Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, closed holidays
*Provides certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates and marriage records. They also administer marriage licenses and certificates of filing for ordination.
Auditor/Treasurer
(507) 457-8830
202 W 3rd St., Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, closed holidays
*Pay property taxes, register to vote, early voting options.
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Winona Office
(877) 600-2853
53 E 3rd St., #307, Winona, MN 55987
*Replacement social security cards, name changes, disability and retirement benefits information.
FOOD SHELVES
Channel One Food Shelf
(507) 287-2350
131 35th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904
*Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm and Fri 8am-12pm. A short registration is required, and there are income guidelines.
Hometown Resource Center
(507) 932-8056
1244 Whitewater Ave, St. Charles, MN 55987
*Tues 12:30-4:30pm, Thurs 10am-2pm and Fri 12:30-4:30pm. Qualifying households are those with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. A short registration is required.
Rushford Food Shelf
(507) 764-8224
113 E Jessie St, Rushford, MN 55971
*Tues & Thurs 9-11:30am and 12:30-4pm A short registration is required, and there are income guidelines.
Winona Volunteer Services
(507) 452-5591
402 E 2nd St, Winona, MN 55987
*Mon-Wed 10am-1pm, Thurs 3-6pm, Fri 2-5pm A short registration is required, and there are income guidelines.
CLOTHING STORES
The following stores offer used clothing at affordable prices.
Clothes Shop at Winona Volunteer Services
(507) 452-5591
416 E 2nd St, Winona, MN 55987
*Mon-Wed 10am-2pm, Thurs-Fri 1-5pm and Sat 10am-1pm.
Goodwill
(507) 454-4817
1450 Gilmore Ave, Winona, MN 55987
*Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm and Sun 10am-6pm.
Grace Place
(507) 452-2283
66 E 2nd St, Winona, MN 55987
*Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm
Hometown Resource Center
(507) 932-5203
1244 Whitewater Ave, St. Charles, MN 55987
* Tues 10am-4:30pm, Thurs 10am-2pm and Fri 10am-4:30pm.
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Pregnancy and Adoption Services:
Birthright
(507) 452-2421
920 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987
*Mon-Tues, 12-2pm, Wed-Thurs 3-5pm, Fri-Sat, 12-2pm. Pregnancy tests, and resources such as maternity clothing, diapers, shampoo, etc. You can receive services once each month and there is no income limit, but picture ID is required.
Catholic Charities Adoptions
(507) 454-2270
111 Market St Ste 2, Winona, MN 55987
*Licensed child placing agency with a complete domestic infant adoption program and home studies for international and designated adoptions.
Assistance for Families with Children:
Free and Reduced Lunch
*Apply through the school district. Children who qualify may receive free or low-cost breakfast and lunch at school. Meals are often available in the summer months as well. Families who fill out this form and qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch can also qualify for other assistance.
Ready Set School
(507) 429-4213
51 E. 4th St., Suite 404, Winona, MN 55987
*Vouchers for school supplies for students in preschool-12th grade in Winona County. Applications are due by May 31st and are available through your child’s school, at Project FINE or online at https://readysetschoolwinona.org/apply-for-assistance/
Winona Goodfellows Program
*Vouchers for children in preschool through grade 6 who are attending school in Winona County. The $40 voucher can be used to purchase clothing or shoes. Children must be currently enrolled in school and meet income guidelines. Applications are in the fall and available at https://winonagoodfellows.org/apply/ through your child’s school or at Project FINE.
Housing Assistance:
Winona HRA
(507) 454-3665
1756 Kramer Dr, Winona, MN 55987
*Section 8 housing vouchers and rent-controlled housing based on income in Winona. Income guidelines and legal resident status is required, there is often a waiting period.
SEMMCHRA
(651) 565-2638
134 2nd St E, Wabasha, MN 55981
*Section 8 housing vouchers and rent-controlled housing based on income in Lewiston, Winona and several communities across Southeastern Minnesota. Income guidelines and legal resident status is required, there is often a waiting period.
Shelters/Homeless Resources:
Catholic Worker House
(507) 454-8094
832 W Broadway, Winona, MN 55987
*Mon-Fri from 4-7pm, with a hot meal served at 6pm. All are welcome to stop by for a warm, safe place to rest. They also offer showers, laundry, and use of a phone.
Winona Community Day Center
(507) 458-2424
151 E. 3rd St. Winona, MN 55987
*10am-6pm 7 days a week. Food, coffee, social space, computers/Wifi, shelter and general assistance.
Winona Community Warming Center
(507) 458-9197
69 E 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987
*8pm-8am from November 1st to March 31st. Emergency shelter for adults who are experiencing homelessness. A safe and warm place to sleep, access to a shower, laundry facilities, healthy snacks and beverages, fellowship, and referrals for additional help and assistance.
GROCERY STORES
Winona:
Bluff Country Co-op
121 W 2nd St, Winona, MN 55987
8am-8pm daily
*Community owned grocery, offering organic and specialty items.
Hy-Vee
1475 W Service Dr, Winona, MN 55987
5am-11pm daily
*Full service grocery store with hot deli, meat counter, pharmacy and bakery.
Midtown Foods
126 E 5th St., Winona, MN 55987
6am-10pm daily
*Locally owned grocery store with hot deli, meat counter and bakery.
Rochester Wholesale Fruit
350 W 2nd St, Winona, MN 55987
Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-noon, Sun 10am-2pm
*Produce, bulk products, ethnic foods and more.
Target
860 Mankato Ave, Winona, MN 55987
8am-10pm daily
*Limited groceries, clothing, home goods, personal care, pharmacy and more.
Wal-Mart
955 Frontenac Dr, Winona, MN 55987
24 hours
*Groceries, clothing, automotive, home goods, personal care, pharmacy and more.
Other Cities:
El Gallo Mexican Grocery
2245 Park Ln SE, Rochester, MN 55904
9am-9pm daily
Hmong Grocery Store
120 Hale Dr, Holmen, WI
9am-6:30pm daily
Miller's Market
1337 Whitewater Ave, St. Charles, MN 55972
7am-9pm daily
*Full service, locally owned grocery store with hot deli, meat counter and bakery.
M M San Juan LLC
306 W Main St, Arcadia, WI 54612
7:30am-9pm daily
Rushford Foods
400 S Mill St., Rushford, MN 55971
7am-9pm daily
*Full service grocery store with hot deli, meat counter and bakery
Woodman's
9515 Wisconsin 16, Onalaska, WI 54650
24 hours
*Full service grocery store with produce, meat and a variety of groceries from around the world.
Yang's Market
1509 George St, La Crosse, WI 54603
Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Farmer’s Markets:
Winona: Levee Park
2nd and Main St, Winona, MN 55987
Sat 7:30am-noon May 1-October 31
*Accepts EBT (snap) cards, and Debit/Credit cards in exchange for tokens
Goodview:
4540 Service Dr, Goodview, MN 55987
Thurs 3-6:30pm
INTERNET PROVIDERS
HBC
(888) 474-9995
58 Johnson St, Winona, MN 55987
Spectrum
(866) 874-2389
1213 Gilmore Ave Ste E-02A, Winona, MN 55987
UTILITY PAYMENTS
Altura: http://alturamn.ourlocalview.com//HomeTown/
Lewiston: https://www.lewiStonmn.org/online-bill-pay/
St. Charles: https://www.Stcharlesmn.org/pay-your-bill/
Winona: https://www.cityofwinona.com/208/Direct-Payment-of-Utility-Bills, https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/winonamn
SEMCAC Energy Assistance
(507) 864-7515
204 N Elm St, Rushford, MN 55971
*Offers eligible residents help to pay their energy bills. Application is required each year and there are income and other guidelines. Apply here: https://www.semcac.org/energy/eap-application/ or contact Project FINE for more information.
