211 Wisconsin
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Wisconsin.
Official page: 211wisconsin.org
Find Help Near You in Wisconsin
Free, private help lines for Wisconsin, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Wisconsin who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local income maintenance agency. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Housing Services can tell you about help with rent and bills. Ask what is open now.
Official page: 211wisconsin.org, county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/Housing
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Wisconsin Court System Self Help connects residents to legal aid offices across Wisconsin, such as Legal Action of Wisconsin.
Official page: wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/index.htm, legalaction.org
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. Home Energy Plus helps qualified households pay heating bills. Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: homeenergyplus.wi.gov
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Wisconsin Equal Rights Division takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: dwd.wisconsin.gov/er
How do I find my local income maintenance agency?
Dial 211, or use the office finder at access.wisconsin.gov.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can help your visit or call go smoothly. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Wisconsin
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Your local income maintenance agency (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)
Local income maintenance agencies serve all 72 counties and tribes. They can tell you about emergency housing programs, cash help and other local services.
Official page: dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/index.htm
Wisconsin Home Energy Plus
Help paying home heating and electric bills for qualified households, through local energy assistance agencies.
Official page: homeenergyplus.wi.gov
Wisconsin Court System Self Help
Statewide legal information, forms and referrals to civil legal aid across Wisconsin.
Official page: wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/index.htm
Legal Action of Wisconsin
Civil legal help for qualified low income residents, including housing and eviction support.
Official page: legalaction.org
Wisconsin Equal Rights Division
State office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints.
Official page: dwd.wisconsin.gov/er
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
Information for renters and homeowners in Wisconsin, including affordable rental homes.
Official page: wheda.com/contact-us
Milwaukee County Housing Services
County programs for Milwaukee County residents, including homeless outreach, shelter referrals and housing help.
Official page: county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/Housing
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Milwaukee.
Official page: hacm.org/contact-us
Madison Community Development Authority
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Madison.
Official page: cityofmadison.com/dpced/housing
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say you're behind on rent in La Crosse
You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call the Member Services line at 800 362 3002 or visit your local office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact Legal Action of Wisconsin if you received court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign a new lease, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 26, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
More help in Wisconsin
Find Help in Wisconsin: Where to Start with 211, FoodShare, BadgerCare and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in Wisconsin: Milwaukee, Madison and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in Wisconsin: FoodShare, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in WisconsinNo cost Job Help and Job Training in WisconsinNo cost and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in WisconsinNo cost Domestic Violence Help in Wisconsin: Hotlines, Shelter and SafetyNo cost Help for Veterans in Wisconsin: Housing, VA Care and Crisis SupportNo cost Help for Youth in Wisconsin: Shelter, Drop In Centers and School RightsGetting ID and Documents Back in WisconsinNo cost and Low Cost Phones and Internet in WisconsinNo cost Legal and Tenant Help in Wisconsin: Evictions, Deposits and CourtHow to Make Blessing Bags in Wisconsin: Safe Food, Cold Weather and Heat Tips
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.