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.
Bureau of Refugee Programs
Administers Wisconsin's federally funded refugee resettlement services, including cash assistance, health screening, employment programs, ESL and legal services. The Milwaukee office can direct newly arrived refugees to contracted providers in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, the Fox Valley and Wausau.
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.
Guest House of Milwaukee
Short-term shelter for men experiencing homelessness in Milwaukee, paired with housing placement, behavioral health and case management. Shelter beds are assigned through the county's 211 coordinated entry system rather than by walking in.
Milwaukee Rescue Mission
Faith-based mission on Milwaukee's near west side running Safe Harbor shelter for men and Joy House shelter for women and children, with hot meals daily. Each shelter has its own direct line.
Repairers of the Breach
Milwaukee's daytime homeless shelter, open six days a week with breakfast and lunch through the Breach Cafe, showers, hygiene supplies, clean and interview clothing, a free medical clinic and employment help.
Porchlight Men's Shelter
Overnight shelter for adult men in Madison. Beds are offered from a waitlist managed through HMIS, so the first step is connecting with a day shelter or street outreach team; a shuttle runs from The Beacon to the shelter each afternoon for enrolled guests.
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.
New Community Shelter
Green Bay's 98-bed emergency shelter for homeless adult men and women, staffed 24 hours a day, with on-site transitional apartments. The community meal program serves dinner every day of the year and lunch on weekends and holidays to anyone who is hungry.
Legal Action Wisconsin
Statewide civil legal aid (merged with Judicare Legal Aid in 2026) with a dedicated Reentry practice covering criminal records, driver's license recovery, pardons, evictions, public benefits, and services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Apply by phone or any time online.
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.