If you’re homeless or about to lose your housing in Wisconsin tonight, hotel vouchers are available — and you may qualify right now. Wisconsin has a statewide network of government agencies, nonprofits, and emergency assistance programs that can place you in a safe motel or hotel room while you work toward stable housing.
This guide covers every Wisconsin-specific program, how to apply, who qualifies, and what to do if you need help immediately.
Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Wisconsin — Quick Answer
Yes, hotel vouchers for homeless individuals are available in Wisconsin through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), local County Human Services Departments, Community Action Agencies, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and other nonprofits. The fastest way to access one is to dial 211, which connects you to local emergency housing resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Wisconsin?
Several organizations in Wisconsin can provide emergency hotel or motel vouchers:
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) — Wisconsin’s primary social services agency manages emergency assistance programs and distributes funding to county human services departments statewide. Visit dcf.wisconsin.gov.
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) — WHEDA manages Wisconsin’s state housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local nonprofits providing emergency shelter including hotel and motel placements. Visit wheda.com.
County Human Services Departments — Every Wisconsin county has a Human Services Department that administers Wisconsin Works (W-2 — Wisconsin’s TANF) and Emergency Assistance (EA) programs. County Human Services offices can authorize emergency motel placements for qualifying individuals and families — often same day. This is one of Wisconsin’s most direct routes to a hotel voucher.
Wisconsin 211 — Dialing 211 connects you with a trained operator who can identify the nearest hotel voucher program with available funds in your specific county or city. Wisconsin’s 211 covers all 72 counties.
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) — Wisconsin has Community Action Agencies serving counties across the state. These federally funded organizations are among the most reliable providers of emergency hotel and motel vouchers.
Salvation Army Wisconsin — The Salvation Army operates locations in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Racine, Kenosha, Appleton, Eau Claire, La Crosse, and other cities and regularly provides emergency motel vouchers for individuals and families in crisis.
Catholic Charities Wisconsin — Provides emergency housing assistance regardless of religion or background, with diocesan offices across Wisconsin serving communities statewide.
American Red Cross Wisconsin — If your housing crisis results from a tornado, flood, blizzard, or other disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations at no cost.
Local churches and faith-based organizations — Many Wisconsin churches — from Milwaukee and Madison congregations to rural northern Wisconsin communities — maintain emergency funds specifically for hotel and motel vouchers.
Who Qualifies for Emergency Hotel Vouchers in Wisconsin?
Eligibility varies by program, but most Wisconsin hotel voucher programs give priority to:
- Individuals and families who are currently homeless (sleeping outside, in a vehicle, or in an unsafe location)
- People facing imminent eviction within 24–72 hours
- Families with children — prioritized by most Wisconsin programs
- Elderly individuals (60 and older)
- People with disabilities or serious health conditions
- Domestic violence survivors — most Wisconsin programs fast-track DV cases
- Veterans experiencing homelessness
- Disaster survivors displaced by tornadoes, floods, or blizzards
- American Indian and Alaska Native individuals — Wisconsin has 11 federally recognized tribal nations and significant urban Native populations in Milwaukee and Green Bay
- Individuals in recovery from substance use disorders — Wisconsin has been significantly impacted by the opioid crisis, particularly in rural communities and the Fox Valley
- Individuals exposed to Wisconsin’s harsh winters — Wisconsin winters are severe, with subzero temperatures, heavy lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, and blizzards that can last for days
- Residents of rural northern Wisconsin, where services are limited and distances between communities are vast
Wisconsin is a state of contrasts — a major manufacturing and agricultural economy with significant urban poverty in Milwaukee, a thriving university culture anchored by Madison, and vast rural northern communities facing persistent economic challenges. The state has 11 federally recognized tribal nations, including the Menominee, Ojibwe, Oneida, Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk nations, whose members have access to dedicated tribal social services and emergency housing programs. You do not necessarily need a photo ID to receive assistance in Wisconsin, though having one speeds up the process.
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Wisconsin (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Call 211
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone — it’s free. Tell the operator: “I need emergency shelter or a hotel voucher tonight in Wisconsin.” Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with the nearest program that has funding available in your county. Wisconsin’s 211 covers all 72 counties.
Step 2: Contact Your County Human Services Department
Every Wisconsin county has a Human Services Department that administers Emergency Assistance (EA) and Wisconsin Works (W-2/TANF) programs. EA funds in particular can be used for emergency motel stays for qualifying individuals and families. This is one of Wisconsin’s most direct routes to a hotel voucher.
Find your county Human Services office at: dcf.wisconsin.gov or dial 211.
Key county Human Services contacts:
- Milwaukee County (Milwaukee): 414-289-5600
- Dane County (Madison): 608-261-9933
- Brown County (Green Bay): 920-448-6000
- Racine County: 262-638-6500
- Kenosha County: 262-605-6700
- Outagamie County (Appleton): 920-832-5555
- Winnebago County (Oshkosh): 920-232-3400
- Eau Claire County: 715-839-4773
- La Crosse County: 608-785-5700
- Marathon County (Wausau): 715-261-7800
Step 3: Contact Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
WHEDA funds emergency shelter and housing programs across Wisconsin and can direct you to ESG-funded hotel voucher providers in your region.
Contact: wheda.com | 608-266-7884
Step 4: Reach Out to a Community Action Agency
Wisconsin’s Community Action Agencies serve counties across the state and often have emergency motel voucher funds available same-day. Key agencies include:
- Community Action of Greater Milwaukee — Milwaukee County
- Community Action for a Greater Dane County — Dane County / Madison
- NEW (Northeast Wisconsin) Community Action — Green Bay / Brown County area
- Western Dairyland Community Action — Eau Claire / western Wisconsin
- Community Action Program — CAP Services — Portage / central Wisconsin
- Tri-County Community Action (Ashland, Bayfield, Iron) — far northern Wisconsin
- CAP Agency (Community Action Program) — La Crosse area
- Lakeshore Community Action Program — Sheboygan / Manitowoc area
Call 211 for the Community Action Agency serving your specific county.
Step 5: Contact the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has locations throughout Wisconsin and can often provide same-day emergency motel vouchers. Call your nearest branch:
- Milwaukee: 414-273-3400
- Madison: 608-250-2251
- Green Bay: 920-435-3566
- Racine: 262-634-4494
- Kenosha: 262-657-6171
- Appleton: 920-734-5463
- Eau Claire: 715-834-0491
- La Crosse: 608-782-5970
- Wausau: 715-845-3211
- Oshkosh: 920-235-5302
- Sheboygan: 920-458-2951
- Janesville: 608-754-5095
Step 6: Contact Catholic Charities Wisconsin
Catholic Charities has diocesan offices throughout Wisconsin and provides emergency housing assistance to anyone regardless of faith.
- Milwaukee (Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Milwaukee): 414-771-2881
- Madison (Catholic Charities Diocese of Madison): 608-826-1300
- Green Bay (Catholic Charities Diocese of Green Bay): 920-272-8234
- La Crosse (Catholic Charities Diocese of La Crosse): 608-782-0710
- Superior (Catholic Charities Diocese of Superior): 715-394-6617
Wisconsin Government Programs for Emergency Housing
Wisconsin Emergency Assistance (EA) Program
Wisconsin’s Emergency Assistance program provides one-time emergency assistance for qualifying low-income families with children facing a sudden crisis — including emergency motel stays. EA is administered by county Human Services departments and is one of Wisconsin’s most direct routes to a hotel voucher for families.
Contact: Your county Human Services Department | dcf.wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin Works (W-2) — Wisconsin’s TANF
Wisconsin Works (W-2) is Wisconsin’s TANF program and provides cash assistance and employment support for eligible families with children. W-2 emergency funds can cover temporary motel stays for qualifying families in crisis. Apply at your county Human Services Department or a W-2 agency.
Contact: dcf.wisconsin.gov | Your county Human Services Department
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
WHEDA manages Wisconsin’s affordable housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local service providers. They are the primary funder of emergency shelter and hotel voucher programs statewide.
Contact: wheda.com | 608-266-7884
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) — Wisconsin
Wisconsin receives federal ESG funding from HUD, distributed through WHEDA to local homeless service providers. ESG funds can cover emergency shelter including hotel stays when traditional shelter beds are unavailable.
Contact: WHEDA at wheda.com
HUD Continuum of Care — Wisconsin CoC Programs
Wisconsin has several HUD-funded CoC programs managing regional homeless services. Key CoCs include:
- Milwaukee City and County CoC
- Madison/Dane County CoC
- Green Bay/Brown County CoC
- Racine City and County CoC
- Kenosha County CoC
- Balance of State Wisconsin CoC — all remaining Wisconsin counties
Find your local CoC: hudexchange.info | wiscaa.org (Wisconsin Community Action Program Association)
Wisconsin’s Tribal Emergency Assistance Programs
Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribal nations each have tribal social services that can provide emergency housing assistance including motel vouchers for tribal members:
- Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin Social Services (Keshena): 715-799-5190
- Oneida Nation Social Services (Green Bay area): 920-869-4400
- Stockbridge-Munsee Community Social Services (Bowler): 715-793-4500
- Ho-Chunk Nation Social Services (Black River Falls): 715-284-9343
- Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe (Ashland area): 715-682-7111
- Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Bayfield): 715-779-3706
- Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Vilas County): 715-588-3303
- Sokaogon Chippewa Community (Forest County): 715-478-7500
- Forest County Potawatomi Community: 715-478-7200
- Lac Courte Oreilles Band (Hayward): 715-634-8934
- St. Croix Chippewa Indians (Hertel): 715-349-2195
Urban Native Americans in Milwaukee can contact the Milwaukee Indian Community School or dial 211 for Native-specific emergency housing resources.
FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
If you’ve been displaced by a presidentially declared disaster in Wisconsin — such as a tornado, major flood, or severe storm — FEMA’s TSA program can place you in a participating hotel or motel at no cost.
Apply: disasterassistance.gov | 1-800-621-3362
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) — Wisconsin
Homeless Wisconsin veterans have dedicated resources through the VA. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays while longer-term housing is arranged.
Wisconsin VA Locations:
- Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (Milwaukee): 414-384-2000
- William S. Middleton Memorial VA Medical Center (Madison): 608-256-1901
- Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center (Iron Mountain, MI — serves northern WI): 906-774-3300
- Tomah VA Medical Center: 608-372-3971
- Green Bay VA Clinic: 920-497-3330
- Appleton VA Clinic: 920-831-0070
- Wausau VA Clinic: 715-842-2834
- Eau Claire VA Clinic: 715-552-1900
- La Crosse VA Clinic: 608-785-2640
National Veterans Homeless Hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)
Nonprofit Organizations Offering Hotel Vouchers in Wisconsin
Salvation Army Wisconsin
With locations in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Racine, Kenosha, Appleton, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Wausau, Oshkosh, Sheboygan, and Janesville, the Salvation Army is one of Wisconsin’s most consistent statewide providers of emergency motel vouchers.
Website: salvationarmy.org
Catholic Charities Wisconsin
Diocesan offices across Wisconsin provide emergency housing assistance and hotel voucher referrals regardless of faith background.
Guest House of Milwaukee
Guest House of Milwaukee is one of Milwaukee’s primary emergency shelter providers for homeless men, offering shelter, meals, and connections to hotel voucher programs for individuals in crisis in Milwaukee County.
Contact: 414-345-3240 | guesthousemilwaukee.org
Repairers of the Breach — Milwaukee
Repairers of the Breach provides daytime resource services, emergency assistance, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals and families in Milwaukee.
Contact: 414-562-1233 | repairers.net
Housing First Milwaukee
Housing First Milwaukee coordinates Milwaukee’s homeless services system and connects homeless individuals and families with emergency housing resources including hotel vouchers across Milwaukee County.
Contact: 414-271-9083 | housingfirstmilwaukee.org
Porchlight — Madison
Porchlight is one of Madison’s primary homeless service organizations, providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals and families in Dane County.
Contact: 608-257-2534 | porchlightinc.org
Tellurian — Madison
Tellurian provides emergency housing assistance, substance use treatment, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals — particularly those in recovery — in Dane County and surrounding areas.
Contact: 608-222-7311 | tellurian.org
The Salvation Army — Fox Valley (Appleton/Oshkosh/Green Bay)
The Fox Valley Salvation Army corps serve the greater Green Bay and Fox Valley area, providing emergency motel vouchers for individuals and families across northeast Wisconsin.
Community Advocates — Milwaukee
Community Advocates provides emergency housing assistance, tenant advocacy, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals and families in Milwaukee County.
Contact: 414-449-4777 | communityadvocates.net
Advocates for Battered Women — Milwaukee
Advocates for Battered Women provides emergency shelter and hotel voucher assistance specifically for domestic violence survivors and their children in Milwaukee County.
Contact: 414-671-6140 | abwmilwaukee.org
The Beacon — Green Bay
The Beacon provides daytime resource services, emergency assistance, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals in Brown County and the Green Bay area.
Contact: 920-884-3747 | thebeacongb.org
Western Dairyland Community Action — Eau Claire
Western Dairyland serves Eau Claire and surrounding counties in western Wisconsin and provides emergency assistance including hotel voucher connections for individuals and families in the Chippewa Valley.
Contact: 715-836-7511 | westerndairyland.org
American Red Cross — Wisconsin
The Red Cross assists people displaced by Wisconsin’s tornadoes, floods, and blizzards. If your homelessness stems from a disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations.
Contact: 1-800-733-2767 | redcross.org
Emergency Housing Help by City and Region in Wisconsin
Milwaukee / Milwaukee County
Milwaukee has Wisconsin’s largest concentration of homeless services. Key resources include:
- Milwaukee 211: Dial 211
- Housing First Milwaukee: 414-271-9083
- Guest House of Milwaukee: 414-345-3240
- Repairers of the Breach: 414-562-1233
- Community Advocates: 414-449-4777
- Advocates for Battered Women: 414-671-6140
- Salvation Army Milwaukee: 414-273-3400
- Catholic Charities Milwaukee: 414-771-2881
- Milwaukee County Human Services: 414-289-5600
Madison / Dane County
- Madison 211: Dial 211
- Porchlight: 608-257-2534
- Tellurian: 608-222-7311
- Salvation Army Madison: 608-250-2251
- Catholic Charities Madison: 608-826-1300
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS): 608-251-1237
- Dane County Human Services: 608-261-9933
Green Bay / Brown County
- Green Bay 211: Dial 211
- The Beacon: 920-884-3747
- Salvation Army Green Bay: 920-435-3566
- Catholic Charities Green Bay: 920-272-8234
- Oneida Nation Social Services (nearby): 920-869-4400
- Brown County Human Services: 920-448-6000
Racine / Racine County
- Racine 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Racine: 262-634-4494
- Racine County Human Services: 262-638-6500
- YWCA Southeast Wisconsin (Racine): 262-633-3233
Kenosha / Kenosha County
- Kenosha 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Kenosha: 262-657-6171
- Kenosha Human Development Services: 262-657-7188
- Kenosha County Human Services: 262-605-6700
Appleton / Fox Valley (Outagamie, Calumet, Winnebago Counties)
- Appleton 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Appleton: 920-734-5463
- Pillars (formerly Samaritan Center): 920-832-7450
- Catholic Charities Green Bay (Fox Valley): 920-272-8234
- Outagamie County Human Services: 920-832-5555
Eau Claire / Western Wisconsin
- Eau Claire 211: Dial 211
- Western Dairyland Community Action: 715-836-7511
- Salvation Army Eau Claire: 715-834-0491
- Catholic Charities La Crosse (Eau Claire): 608-782-0710
- Eau Claire County Human Services: 715-839-4773
La Crosse / Coulee Region
- La Crosse 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army La Crosse: 608-782-5970
- Catholic Charities La Crosse: 608-782-0710
- The Warming Center La Crosse: 608-782-5990
- La Crosse County Human Services: 608-785-5700
Northern Wisconsin (Wausau / Superior / Rhinelander)
Wisconsin’s vast rural north has limited services and extreme winters:
- Northern Wisconsin 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Wausau: 715-845-3211
- Catholic Charities Superior: 715-394-6617
- Tri-County Community Action (Ashland/Bayfield/Iron): 715-682-8834
- Lac du Flambeau Tribal Social Services: 715-588-3303
- Marathon County Human Services (Wausau): 715-261-7800
What to Do After Your Hotel Voucher Runs Out
A hotel voucher is a bridge — not a permanent solution. While you have temporary shelter, take these steps toward stable housing:
Connect with a case manager. Ask the organization that gave you the voucher to assign you a case manager. Case managers in Wisconsin can help you navigate housing programs, tribal resources if applicable, and benefits specific to your county.
Apply for Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) in Wisconsin. RRH programs provide short-term rental assistance and support to help you move from homelessness into housing quickly. Contact your local CoC or dial 211 to find RRH programs available in your Wisconsin county.
Get on the Section 8 waitlist. The Housing Choice Voucher program provides long-term rental assistance. Contact WHEDA at wheda.com or your local housing authority to apply. Waitlists in Milwaukee and Madison can be long — apply as early as possible and to multiple housing authorities.
Apply for Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance. Contact WHEDA at wheda.com or dial 211 to ask about current rental assistance programs available in your county.
Look into transitional housing. Organizations like Porchlight, Guest House of Milwaukee, Community Advocates, Western Dairyland, and the Salvation Army offer transitional housing programs across Wisconsin with support services to help you build long-term stability.
Apply for benefits you may qualify for. If you haven’t already, apply for FoodShare (Wisconsin’s SNAP), Wisconsin Medicaid (BadgerCare Plus), and Wisconsin Works (W-2/TANF) at your county Human Services Department or at access.wisconsin.gov or benefits.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a hotel voucher in Wisconsin tonight?
Call 211 right now. Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with emergency hotel voucher programs in your Wisconsin county. You should also contact your county’s Human Services Department directly — Wisconsin’s Emergency Assistance (EA) program can authorize emergency motel stays for qualifying families. In Milwaukee, contact Housing First Milwaukee at 414-271-9083 or the Salvation Army at 414-273-3400. In Madison, contact Porchlight at 608-257-2534.
What is Wisconsin’s Emergency Assistance (EA) program?
Wisconsin’s Emergency Assistance (EA) program provides one-time emergency assistance for qualifying low-income families with children facing a sudden housing crisis — including payments for emergency motel stays. EA is administered by county Human Services departments. Contact your county Human Services office directly to ask about EA eligibility and available funds. This is often the fastest direct route to a hotel voucher for families in Wisconsin.
Does Wisconsin county Human Services provide hotel vouchers?
Yes. County Human Services departments administer Emergency Assistance (EA) and Wisconsin Works (W-2/TANF) programs that can cover temporary motel stays for qualifying individuals and families. Contact your county Human Services office directly to ask about available emergency funds.
Are hotel vouchers available for Native Americans in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin’s 11 tribal nations each have tribal social services that can provide emergency housing assistance including motel vouchers for enrolled members. Contact your specific tribe’s social services office directly. Urban Native Americans in Milwaukee and Green Bay can dial 211 and ask about Native-specific emergency housing programs. The Oneida Nation (920-869-4400) near Green Bay also provides emergency assistance to community members.
Does Wisconsin have emergency housing during extreme cold and blizzards?
Yes. Wisconsin winters are severe — subzero temperatures, heavy lake-effect snow from both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, and blizzards are common from November through March. Emergency housing during extreme cold is treated as a life-safety issue. Local shelters activate overflow capacity and emergency motel placements are made during dangerous cold snaps. Dial 211 immediately for current warming shelter and emergency housing information.
Are there hotel vouchers for people in recovery from addiction in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin has been impacted by the opioid crisis, particularly in rural communities. Tellurian in Madison (608-222-7311) integrates housing with substance use treatment. Dial 211 or contact the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline at 1-844-400-9800 (24/7) for combined housing and recovery resources.
Can I get a hotel voucher without an ID in Wisconsin?
Many programs will still help you without a photo ID, though having one speeds up the process. If you’ve lost your ID, ask your caseworker or county Human Services office about emergency identification assistance.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Wisconsin?
Yes. Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (24/7) or your nearest Wisconsin VA facility. The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee (414-384-2000) and the William S. Middleton Memorial VA in Madison (608-256-1901) both have social workers who can arrange emergency hotel stays same-day for veterans in crisis.
Are there hotel vouchers for domestic violence survivors in Wisconsin?
Yes. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7) or the Wisconsin Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-362-8962 (24/7) for immediate safe housing assistance. Advocates for Battered Women in Milwaukee (414-671-6140) and DAIS in Madison (608-251-1237) provide emergency shelter specifically for survivors.
What if there are no hotel vouchers available in my area?
If vouchers are unavailable, ask about shelter beds or contact the National Homeless Hotline at 1-877-466-4782 for additional options. In rural northern Wisconsin — particularly in the Lake Superior region and the Northwoods — tribal social services, local churches, and county Human Services offices are the most accessible backup resources.
Final Thoughts
If you need a hotel voucher in Wisconsin tonight, your first call should be to 211 — and your second should be to your county’s Human Services Department. Wisconsin’s Emergency Assistance program means your county has emergency funds available, and you have a right to apply.
Wisconsin has resources for you — from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Northwoods, from Milwaukee’s neighborhoods to the dairy farms of the Driftless Area. Don’t wait to reach out — that’s exactly what these programs are here for.
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Wisconsin DCF, Wisconsin WHEDA, HUD, FEMA, Salvation Army Wisconsin
Program availability and funding levels vary by county and change frequently. Always verify current availability directly with the providing organization.