No cost Help for Youth in Wisconsin: Shelter, Drop In Centers and School Rights

The National Runaway Safeline is open 24 hours a day. Call 800 786 2929 (1 800 RUNAWAY) or text 800 786 2929. It is free. You can also chat or email through the website. It supports youth, caregivers and service providers.

Official page: 1800runaway.org

Pathfinders serves people age 25 and younger. For emergency shelter for ages 11 to 17, call 414 271 1560. Trained staff and volunteers answer 24 hours a day. If your phone has no minutes, dial 866 212 7233 to reach them free. If you are 26 or older, dial 211.

Official page: pathfindersmke.org/need-help-now

Briarpatch Youth Shelter is at 2720 Rimrock Road in Fitchburg. Call 608 251 1126 or 800 798 1126 for the intake process. Admissions are accepted 24 hours a day, every day. All services are free. Transportation to the shelter may be available.

Official page: briarpatch.org/programs/youth-and-family-services/youth-shelter

Walker's Point Youth and Family Center offers free and private counseling. Its runaway and teen crisis shelter at 732 S. 21st Street is for ages 11 to 17. Supportive housing is for ages 18 to 25. You can stop by during drop in tour hours, Monday and Friday, 10 am to noon, with no appointment.

Official page: walkerspoint.org

Yes. Under the McKinney Vento Act, students who lack a fixed, regular and adequate place to sleep, including those in shelters, cars or sharing housing, have school protections. Each school district has a homeless liaison. Find the liaison list at dpi.wi.gov/homeless.

Official page: dpi.wi.gov/homeless