Wisconsin has over 4,500 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, with Milwaukee accounting for the largest share. But homelessness in Wisconsin spans well beyond Milwaukee — Madison, Green Bay, Racine, Kenosha, and smaller cities all face significant housing instability, while rural northern Wisconsin counties have some of the least-resourced homeless service systems in the Midwest.
Emergency hotel and motel voucher programs operate across Wisconsin through a combination of state, county, and nonprofit resources. This guide from House for Homeless covers how to find emergency hotel assistance anywhere in Wisconsin tonight.
Need a hotel voucher in Wisconsin tonight? Call 211 immediately — Wisconsin 211 is available 24 hours across all 72 counties. Tell the operator your city or county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. Veterans call 877-424-3838.
How Emergency Hotel Vouchers Work in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel and motel assistance is funded and administered locally through:
- Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) — administers state housing funds and ESG
- County Departments of Health and Human Services (DHHS) — Wisconsin’s county-level social services
- Community Action Agencies — a statewide CAA network covering all 72 counties
- Continuums of Care — Wisconsin has several CoC regions
- Nonprofits and faith-based organizations
Wisconsin’s county DHHS offices are the primary government gateway to emergency housing funds. Every county in Wisconsin has one.
Always call 211 first.
Wisconsin State Programs Supporting Hotel Assistance
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF)
DCF administers the federal Emergency Solutions Grant program and the Wisconsin Homeless Prevention Program (WHPP) statewide, distributing funds to local organizations for emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and hotel assistance.
DCF contact: 608-266-3036 Website: dcf.wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP)
WISCAP oversees Wisconsin’s network of Community Action Agencies — the primary local administrators of emergency housing funds including hotel placements. Every Wisconsin county is served by a CAA.
Website: wiscap.org To find your local CAA: Call 211 or visit wiscap.org
Wisconsin Emergency Assistance (EA) Program
Wisconsin’s Emergency Assistance program provides one-time emergency funds for housing-related costs, administered through county DHHS offices. In crisis situations, EA funds can cover emergency hotel placements for families with children.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Wisconsin by Region
Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington counties)
Milwaukee has the largest and most comprehensive homeless services system in Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Continuum of Care / Milwaukee County CoC Lead CoC coordinator for Milwaukee County.
- Phone: 414-278-5294
- Website: milwaukeecoc.org
Guest House of Milwaukee (men) Emergency shelter and housing services for men in Milwaukee.
- Phone: 414-345-3000
- Address: 1216 N 13th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205
- Website: guesthousemilwaukee.org
- Intake: 24 hours
Salvation Army of Milwaukee Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 414-271-4175
- Address: 1545 N 8th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Emergency assistance including housing help for anyone in need.
- Phone: 414-771-2881
- Website: ccmil.org
Repairers of the Breach (Milwaukee) Day resource center and housing services for people experiencing homelessness.
- Phone: 414-562-5070
- Website: rorbmilwaukee.org
Benedict Center (women) Housing services and support for women experiencing homelessness in Milwaukee.
- Phone: 414-347-1774
- Website: benedictcenter.org
Milwaukee County DHHS County emergency housing assistance including EA program.
- Phone: 414-289-6500
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pathfinders (youth ages 13–24) Emergency housing and services for youth in Milwaukee.
- Phone: 414-271-1560
- Website: pathfindersmke.org
Madison and South-Central Wisconsin (Dane, Rock, Jefferson counties)
Dane County Continuum of Care / Porchlight Inc. Lead CoC and primary homeless service provider in Madison.
- Phone: 608-256-7237
- Address: 306 N Brooks St, Madison, WI 53715
- Website: porchlightinc.org
- Intake: Daily — call for current hours
Salvation Army of Madison Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 608-250-2283
- Address: 3030 Darbo Dr, Madison, WI 53714
Catholic Charities Diocese of Madison Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 608-826-2650
- Website: ccmadison.org
Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency serving Dane, Green, Jefferson, and Rock counties.
- Phone: 608-246-4730
- Website: cacscw.org
Dane County DHHS County emergency housing assistance including EA program.
- Phone: 608-261-5678
See our city guide: Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Madison
Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin (Brown, Outagamie, Winnebago counties)
Brown County CoC / ADVOCAP Lead CoC and Community Action Agency for Northeast Wisconsin.
- Phone: 920-922-7760
- Website: advocap.org
St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter (Green Bay) Emergency shelter and housing services in Green Bay.
- Phone: 920-432-7768
- Address: 123 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301
- Website: stjohnsshelter.org
- Intake: Daily — call first
Salvation Army of Green Bay Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 920-435-3633
- Address: 702 S Irwin Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301
Brown County DHHS County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 920-448-6350
Racine and Kenosha (Southeast Wisconsin)
Racine County CoC / Unified Services Coordinates homeless services in Racine County.
- Phone: 262-636-3691
Salvation Army of Racine Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 262-632-5551
- Address: 1901 Racine St, Racine, WI 53403
Kenosha Human Development Services Emergency housing assistance for Kenosha County residents.
- Phone: 262-657-8505
- Website: khds.org
Appleton and Fox Valley (Outagamie, Calumet, Waupaca counties)
ADVOCAP Fox Valley Community Action Agency serving the Fox Valley region.
- Phone: 920-739-4226
- Website: advocap.org
Day by Day Warming Shelter (Appleton) Emergency shelter and housing services in Appleton.
- Phone: 920-749-6500
Salvation Army Appleton Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 920-733-5388
Wausau and North-Central Wisconsin
North Central Community Action Program (NORCAP) Community Action Agency serving Marathon, Lincoln, and surrounding counties.
- Phone: 715-842-7103
- Website: norcapwi.org
Salvation Army Wausau Emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 715-845-2748
Marathon County DHHS County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 715-261-7700
Rural Northern Wisconsin
Northern Wisconsin has very limited formal hotel voucher programs. Primary resources:
- Your county DHHS office — find at dcf.wisconsin.gov
- Community Action Agencies — call 211 for your nearest CAA (WISCAP network covers all 72 counties)
- Local churches — primary emergency resource in rural northern Wisconsin
- 211 — always call first even in rural areas
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Wisconsin
| Priority Group | Wisconsin-Specific Notes |
|---|---|
| People sleeping outside or in vehicles | Highest priority statewide |
| Families with children | Top priority; county DHHS EA program can authorize placements |
| Domestic violence survivors | WI DV Hotline: 1-800-333-7233 |
| Veterans | VA resources in Milwaukee, Madison, Tomah, Iron Mountain |
| Youth ages 13–24 | Pathfinders (Milwaukee); city-specific youth programs |
| Seniors (60+) | Priority in most county and nonprofit programs |
| Couples | Hotel placements address gender-separated shelter barriers |
| People with pets | Very limited — call 211 specifically |
| Rural Northern Wisconsin | County DHHS and local CAAs are primary resources |
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Wisconsin — Step by Step
Step 1: Call 211 — available 24 hours across all 72 Wisconsin counties.
Step 2: If you are in Milwaukee, call the Salvation Army at 414-271-4175 or Guest House at 414-345-3000.
Step 3: If you are in Madison, call Porchlight at 608-256-7237 or the Salvation Army at 608-250-2283.
Step 4: If you are in Green Bay, call St. John the Evangelist Shelter at 920-432-7768.
Step 5: Contact your county DHHS office and ask about the Emergency Assistance program for hotel placement.
Step 6: Contact the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or your local CAA.
Step 7: If you are a veteran, call 877-424-3838 immediately.
What to Do During Your Wisconsin Hotel Placement
Apply for food assistance immediately: Apply for Wisconsin FoodShare (SNAP) at access.wisconsin.gov or call 1-800-362-3002. With zero income you qualify for maximum benefits and expedited 7-day processing. See our food assistance guide for more information.
Apply for BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid): Apply at access.wisconsin.gov. BadgerCare Plus covers healthcare, mental health, and substance use treatment.
Enter coordinated entry: Call 211 or your local CoC. Being in coordinated entry is your pathway to rapid rehousing and permanent housing.
Apply for Section 8: Contact your local Wisconsin PHA. Milwaukee Housing Authority: 414-286-5000. Wisconsin PHAs have long waitlists — apply now and to multiple PHAs. See our Section 8 guide for the full process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free hotel voucher for homeless in Wisconsin?
Call 211 from anywhere in Wisconsin — available 24 hours across all 72 counties. In Milwaukee, call the Salvation Army at 414-271-4175 or Guest House at 414-345-3000. In Madison, call Porchlight at 608-256-7237. In Green Bay, call St. John the Evangelist Shelter at 920-432-7768. Your county DHHS office is also a key resource through the Emergency Assistance program.
Does Wisconsin have a statewide hotel voucher program?
No. Wisconsin does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel assistance is funded and administered locally through county DHHS offices, Community Action Agencies, CoCs, and nonprofits. Milwaukee and Madison have the most resources — rural northern Wisconsin counties have significantly fewer options. Call 211 for what is available in your specific county.
What is Wisconsin’s Emergency Assistance (EA) program?
Wisconsin’s Emergency Assistance program provides one-time emergency funds for housing costs, administered through county DHHS offices. In crisis situations — particularly for families with children — EA funds can cover emergency hotel placements. Contact your county DHHS office and ask specifically about EA emergency housing assistance.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless families in Wisconsin?
Yes. Families with children are the top priority. County DHHS offices can sometimes authorize emergency hotel placements through the EA program for families in crisis. Call 211 and specify that you have children. In Milwaukee, Repairers of the Breach and Catholic Charities specifically serve families.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Wisconsin?
Yes — veterans should call 877-424-3838 rather than general 211 lines. Wisconsin has VA resources in Milwaukee (Clement J. Zablocki VA), Madison (William S. Middleton Memorial VA), Tomah (Tomah VA), and Iron Mountain with dedicated homeless veteran programs including HUD-VASH and SSVF rapid rehousing.
What if I am homeless in rural Northern Wisconsin?
Rural northern Wisconsin has very limited formal hotel voucher programs. Contact your county DHHS office and your local Community Action Agency (find through 211 or wiscap.org). Local churches are often the primary source of emergency hotel assistance in rural Wisconsin communities. Call 211 — operators know local resources not publicly listed.
What is BadgerCare Plus?
BadgerCare Plus is Wisconsin’s name for Medicaid — free healthcare for low-income residents. Apply at access.wisconsin.gov or call 1-800-362-3002. It covers medical, dental, mental health, and substance use treatment.
How long do hotel vouchers last in Wisconsin?
Most Wisconsin emergency placements last 1–7 nights, with possible extensions while longer-term housing is arranged. Milwaukee and Madison programs sometimes offer longer placements for families. Connect with a case manager on Day 1 and apply for rapid rehousing through 211 immediately.