Help in Wisconsin
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 25 places in Wisconsin, most of them in Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay, plus 12 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (14) and leaving homelessness (13).
211 Wisconsin
Free, confidential information line covering more than 5,000 community programs across Wisconsin. In Milwaukee County it is also the entry point to IMPACT Coordinated Entry for emergency shelter and housing. Dial 211, text your ZIP code, or chat online.
Wisconsin Independent Living Program
Transition planning and services for young people who were in Wisconsin foster care, starting at age 14 and continuing to age 21 (23 in some cases). Covers education, work, housing, money management, health coverage and obtaining a birth certificate, Social Security card and state ID. Those 18 and older who have left care are served by a regional Transition Resource Agency.
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
Issues certified Wisconsin birth certificates by mail, online or phone through VitalChek. Mail orders cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record. Walk-in counter service is closed; county Register of Deeds offices also issue many records.
Wisconsin ID Card
A first-time Wisconsin state ID card requires an in-person visit to a DMV customer service center with form MV3004 and proof documents. A free ID for voting is available through the ID Petition Process for people who lack a birth certificate or other documents.
FoodShare and BadgerCare via ACCESS
FoodShare is Wisconsin's SNAP program; ACCESS is the state portal for applying for FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid) and other benefits and managing a case. ForwardHealth Member Services answers questions and arranges free language assistance.
The Beacon
Daytime drop-in center for men, women and children experiencing homelessness in Dane County. Free lunch, showers, laundry, mail and phones, day storage, housing navigation, job search help and ID assistance, seven days a week.
Pathfinders Milwaukee
Youth services agency with an emergency shelter for ages 11–17, crisis counseling to age 21, housing for young adults 18–25 and their children, a drop-in center, clinical services, and anti-sexual-violence services for trafficked youth 25 and under. Young people can start with any program.
National lines that work in Wisconsin
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.