IMPACT 211, Milwaukee area
Dial 211, text your ZIP code to 898211, or chat online. Covers Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha, Racine and nearby counties.
Official page: impactinc.org/impact-211
Emergency Shelter Tonight in Wisconsin: Milwaukee, Madison and How to Get Help
How to find a safe place tonight in Wisconsin: 211 in Milwaukee, day services at Repairers of the Breach, Porchlight and the Salvation Army in Madison, The Beacon, and help outside the big cities.
Need help tonight?
Start here
Hi friend. If you need somewhere to go tonight, you are not alone. Start with a call to 211, then use the places below. Beds are limited, so call early in the day.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I need shelter in Milwaukee?
Dial 211. In Milwaukee County you can also call 414 773 0211 or toll free 866 211 3380. Guest House of Milwaukee, a shelter and housing group, tells people who need shelter to dial 2 1 1. You can also text your ZIP code to 898211 or chat online.
Official page: guesthouseofmilwaukee.org/what-we-do
Where can I go during the day in Milwaukee?
Repairers of the Breach, at 1335 W Vliet St, is open Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 3:45 pm. It offers showers, hygiene products, clean clothes, computer access, and mail and phone services. The center phone is 414 342 9323.
Official page: repairers.org
How do I get a men's shelter bed in Madison?
The Porchlight Men's Shelter at 1904 Bartillon Dr is no longer a drop in shelter. You must be offered a bed. To get on the waitlist, connect with a day shelter such as The Beacon, or a street outreach team. Enrolled guests check in from 5 pm to 8 pm. The shelter line is 608 416 1446.
Official page: porchlightinc.org/mens-shelter
What about women and families in Madison?
Women can arrive at the Salvation Army, 630 East Washington Ave, at 5 pm. Intake is 5 pm to 8:30 pm, and the shelter is open 5 pm to 7:30 am. Call 608 250 2226. Families call the intake line at 608 250 2298 and leave a name, family size and contact information. A staff member calls back within 24 hours.
Official page: danecountyhomeless.org/singlewomen
What if I'm outside Milwaukee and Madison?
The Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care covers every county except Dane, Milwaukee and Racine. Use its Find Services directory on wiboscoc.org, or dial 211 to reach someone near you.
Official page: wiboscoc.org
Your next steps
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Bunkly tip: Porchlight in Madison now uses a waitlist and does not take drop ins. Visit The Beacon first so staff can help you get on the list.
Who to call in Wisconsin
Here are 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.
Repairers of the Breach
Daytime shelter at 1335 W Vliet St with showers, clothes, a free medical clinic and computers. Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 3:45 pm.
Official page: repairers.org
Guest House of Milwaukee
Shelter, housing and counseling programs. Their website says if you need shelter, dial 2 1 1.
Official page: guesthouseofmilwaukee.org/what-we-do
The Beacon, Catholic Charities
At 615 E Washington Ave, open every day, 8 am to 5 pm. Enter at the back on East Main Street. Lunch, showers, laundry and phones.
Official page: catholiccharitiesofmadison.org/the-beacon/get-help
Porchlight Men's Shelter
Overnight shelter for men at 1904 Bartillon Dr, 5 pm to 8 am. Reservation based, with a waitlist. Shuttle from The Beacon.
Official page: porchlightinc.org/mens-shelter
Salvation Army of Dane County
Women's shelter at 630 East Washington Ave. Family shelter intake is by phone at 608 250 2298.
Official page: danecountyhomeless.org/singlewomen
Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care
Covers all counties except Dane, Milwaukee and Racine. Search its Find Services directory.
Official page: wiboscoc.org
More help in Wisconsin
Housing help in Wisconsin (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in Wisconsin: Where to Start with 211, FoodShare, BadgerCare and IDNo 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
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.