Community Aid and Resources in Wisconsin

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We know that life can present unexpected challenges, and sometimes, making ends meet feels overwhelming. If you're reading this, please know that you are not alone, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength and resilience. Our goal is to make that step a little easier by connecting you with the help available in your community.

In a different state? Check out my other article SNAP Benefits Suspended: Where to Find Emergency Food & Community Support - which lists assistance for all states. Find your state and the resource you need.

Wisconsin is proactively addressing the well-being of its residents through new initiatives and support for emergent situations. Governor Tony Evers has declared 2025 the "Year of the Kid," with a proposed budget prioritizing access to mental and behavioral health services for youth. The state is also responding to specific recent challenges, offering targeted assistance like Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those who lost work due to severe storms in August 2025 .

This guide is designed to help you navigate the landscape of support available, from established government programs to community-based resources.

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How to Use This Wisconsin Guide

This post organizes vital resources by category, making it easier to find exactly what you need right now. We've compiled information on:

Immediate & Crisis Help: Essential hotlines for safety, shelter, and mental health.
Food Assistance: Information on finding local food aid.
Financial & Housing Aid: Support with unemployment, disaster relief, and housing costs.
Health & Mental Healthcare: Access to medical and behavioral health services.
Additional State-Specific Resources: Help for veterans, legal aid, and more.

Immediate & Crisis Help

Here are the essential immediate and crisis help resources available in Wisconsin, including the 988 and 211 helplines, state-wide crisis lines, and organizations dedicated to helping with homelessness and domestic violence.

Service	Contact Method	Details
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline	Call or text 988	24/7 free, confidential support from a trained counselor for mental health or substance use crisis. Connect to Wisconsin-specific service with bilingual counselors and interpreters for 240+ languages.
211 Wisconsin	Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211	Free, confidential information and referral for housing, food, health care, and other essential community services.

State-Wide Crisis Hotlines

For more localized support, you can contact a crisis line specific to your county. These are typically staffed by mental health professionals and trained volunteers. The following list includes a selection of these county lines.

County	Crisis Line
Milwaukee	414-257-7222
Dane	608-280-2600
Brown	920-436-8888
Waukesha	262-548-7666 (Business Hours), 262-547-3388 (After Hours)
Racine	262-638-6741
Kenosha	262-657-7188
Outagamie	920-832-4646
Winnebago	920-233-7707
Marathon	715-845-4326
La Crosse	608-784-4357

If your county is not listed or you cannot connect, you can always call or text 988 for assistance.

Homelessness & Domestic Violence Resources

Homelessness Assistance: The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) provides a Homeless Services Portal with information on agencies that offer services and support across the state. Additionally, the state Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources oversees multiple programs for homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and housing assistance.
Domestic Violence Support: End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin is the state's leading coalition working to end domestic violence. Their website is a key resource for finding local victim service agencies and understanding your options.
Sexual Assault Support: The Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA) is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting survivors and complementing the work of local sexual assault service provider programs.

Food Assistance Programs in Wisconsin

Here are the primary food assistance programs available in Wisconsin with their official application links and resources.

Program	Official Name & Resource	Key Details
SNAP	FoodShare Wisconsin Apply: ACCESS Wisconsin	• State-run eligibility & benefits • Interview required (phone/in-person) • Apply online, by phone, in person, or by mail
WIC	The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children	• Serves pregnant/postpartum individuals, infants, children up to 5 • Apply via local WIC agency or online pre-application
School Meals	National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Administered by: WI Dept. of Public Instruction	Provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches in schools/residential childcare institutions.
Local Food Banks	Feeding Wisconsin (Statewide Network)	• 6 regional food banks serve all 72 counties • Use the Pantry Locator from members like Feeding America Eastern WI

Additional Guidance for Applicants

Check Eligibility Before Applying: For FoodShare (SNAP), you can use the online screening tool on the ACCESS website to see if you might qualify before submitting a full application.
Gather Necessary Documents: When applying for FoodShare or other benefits through ACCESS, have information ready for all household members: birthdates, Social Security numbers, income, job information, and immigration status.
Find Your Local WIC Office: The Wisconsin WIC program is administered through local health departments and tribal agencies. The Department of Health Services provides a county-by-county directory of local WIC offices to contact for appointments.

Wisconsin's Food Bank Network

This network of six regional food banks supplies over 1,000 local food pantries and meal programs across all 72 Wisconsin counties. Contacting the food bank for your region is the best way to find all pantry options near you.

Food Bank Name	Service Area (Counties)	Contact Information
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin	35 counties in Eastern WI (e.g., Brown, Dane, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Waukesha, and others)	(414) 931-7400 (Milwaukee) (920) 734-3559 (Appleton) Feeding America WI Website
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin	16 counties in Southwestern WI (e.g., Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Vernon)	(608) 223-9121 Second Harvest Website
Feed My People Food Bank	14 counties in Northwestern WI (e.g., Barron, Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn)	(715) 835-9415 Feed My People Website
St. Croix Valley Food Bank	4 counties in Western WI (Burnett, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix)	(715) 425-1880 St. Croix Valley Food Bank Website
Second Harvest Northland	4 Northernmost counties (Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron)	(218) 727-5653 Second Harvest Northland Website
Channel One Regional Food Bank	Supports partners in La Crosse County	(507) 287-2350 Channel One Website

Examples of Local Food Pantries

The table below lists specific food pantries from different regions of Wisconsin as examples. Always contact the pantry directly before your visit to confirm their current hours and requirements.

Pantry Name	Location	Hours of Operation	Requirements
Wisconsin Dells Food Pantry	1000 Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965	Tue: 9:00 a.m. – Noon Thu: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Income-based; Serves residents of the Wisconsin Dells school district
Adams Food Pantry	1874 Hwy 13, Friendship, WI 53934	Wed: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Fri: 9:00 a.m. – Noon	Income-based; Serves Adams County residents (outside Wisconsin Dells school district)
Iowa County Food Pantry	138 S Iowa St, Dodgeville, WI 53533	Tue & Thu: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Information not specified
Lancaster Association of Churches Food Pantry	245 W Elm St, Lancaster, WI 53813	Mon & Thu: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.	Information not specified
Salvation Army of Racine	Racine, WI 53403	Wed & Thu: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	Bring your ID
Northside Food Pantry	Racine, WI 53402	Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Information not specified

How to Find a Food Pantry Near You

Here are the most effective ways to get a complete and up-to-date list of options in your community:

Use Online Food Bank Locators: The regional food banks listed in the first table have "Find a Pantry" tools on their websites. These are the most accurate and current sources for their partner locations and hours.
Call 211 Wisconsin: This is a free, confidential information and referral service. You can dial 211 from any phone, text your ZIP code to 898211, or search their online database to get connected to local food pantries and other essential services.
Check for Additional Programs: Many pantries also participate in special programs. For example, the Senior Stockbox (CSFP) provides a free monthly box of healthy food to eligible adults aged 60 and older.

Financial & Housing Assistance in Wisconsin

Here are the official resources for financial and housing assistance programs in Wisconsin, including direct application links for LIHEAP, TANF, unemployment benefits, rental assistance, and weatherization programs.

Program	Official Name & Agency	How to Apply & Key Details
LIHEAP	Home Energy Plus WI Dept. of Administration	• Apply Online: Home Energy Plus Application • Application Time: 45-60 minutes. • Customer Care: 1-800-506-5596.
TANF	Wisconsin Works (W-2) WI Dept. of Children and Families	• Find Local Agency: Use the W-2 Agency Locator. • Program Focus: Employment preparation, case management, and cash assistance.
Unemployment Benefits	Unemployment Insurance WI Dept. of Workforce Development	• File a Claim: Unemployment Benefits Portal • Weekly Claims: File Weekly Claim • Questions: Call (414) 435-7069.
Rental & Housing Assistance	Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) WI Housing & Econ. Dev. Auth. (WHEDA)	• How to Apply: Contact local WHEDA agents. WHEDA serves 48 counties. • Eligibility: Based on income, household size, and criminal background.
Weatherization Assistance	Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) WI Division of Energy, Housing & Comm. Resources	• Application: Through local county Energy Assistance office. • Prerequisite: Must be receiving Energy Assistance.

Additional Guidance for Applicants

LIHEAP/Home Energy Plus Details: The program provides a one-time payment during the heating season (Oct 1 - May 15) to help with a portion of your energy costs. It also includes year-round programs for heating system repairs and water conservation. You will need details about your household members, income, and fuel/utility accounts to apply.
Rental Assistance Options: For questions about Wisconsin's Emergency Rental Assistance Program, you can contact them at 1-833-900-9372 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Unemployment and Energy Aid: If you are receiving unemployment benefits, you may still qualify for Energy Assistance, as unemployment is not counted as income for that program.

Health and Mental Health Care in Wisconsin

Here are the key health and mental health care resources for Wisconsin, including official Medicaid application details and options for low-cost community care.

Wisconsin Medicaid & Application

Wisconsin's Medicaid program is part of ForwardHealth and includes specific plans like BadgerCare Plus. The official application portal is called ACCESS, which is the fastest way to apply for health care, food, and child care assistance.

What You Need to Apply: Before starting your application, have this information ready for everyone in your household:

Birthdates, Address, and Social Security numbers
U.S. citizenship or immigration status
Job information (employer's name, address, phone) and income details
Other income sources like Social Security or Unemployment

How to Apply:

Online (Recommended): Use the ACCESS website.
Phone or In-Person: Contact your local county or Tribal agency.
Paper Application: Mail a completed form to your local agency.

If you are applying for FoodShare (SNAP), you must complete an interview, which can be done by phone or in person.

Community & Sliding-Scale Clinics

For those without insurance or with limited income, Wisconsin has a network of clinics providing care on a sliding fee scale.

Resource Type	Official Finder Tool & Associations	Key Details
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)	ForwardHealth Provider Search Tool or HRSA Health Center Locator	• Search using "FQHC" or "Rural Health Clinic" • Serve all, regardless of insurance status
Sliding-Scale & Free Clinics	Wisconsin Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (WAFCC) and Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association	• Free or low-cost medical, dental, and behavioral health services • Sliding Fee Scale: Discounts based on income and family size

Applying for a Sliding Fee Scale: To get reduced costs, you typically need to apply at the clinic and provide documents like proof of income from the last 30 days for all household members. Eligibility is based on federal poverty guidelines, and approval often lasts for one year.

Diaper Banks in Wisconsin

Here is a list of diaper banks and distribution partners across Wisconsin to help you find free diapers in your area. Many of these organizations serve specific counties or regions, so you'll find them grouped accordingly.

Organization	Location	Contact & Hours	Details
Babies & Beyond	Madison (Dane County)	Contact for details	Public can visit Sharing Center once per month for a free diaper bundle
The Village Diaper Bank	Dane County	Work through partner agencies; contact an agency directly	Distributes exclusively through partner social service agencies
The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank	205 Commerce Court, Elkhorn (Walworth County)	Thu: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm; Fri: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm	Walworth County residents can visit once per month for diapers & other supplies
United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys	Serves multiple western WI counties	Contact Betsy: 715-245-1593 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.	Registration required. Pick up a 2-week supply of diapers & wipes once per month
African American Breastfeeding Network	619 W Walnut Street, Milwaukee	Tue & Thu: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (hours may vary)	Free diapers once a month (sizes NB, 1, 2, 3, 4)
Catholic Charities – Milwaukee	2021 N 60th Street, Milwaukee	Contact Jennifer: 414-771-2881 x4167
Catholic Charities – Waukesha	717 N East Ave, Waukesha	262-547-2463
Milwaukee Christian Center	807 S 14th St, Milwaukee	Mon-Thu: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.	Diapers distributed once a month during food pantry hours
Sixteenth Street Community Health Center	1032 S Cesar E Chavez Drive, Milwaukee	Contact Social Services: 414-897-5630 (or 414-897-5573)

United Way Diaper Bank Partners: The United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County supports a network of partner "hubs". Other partners in the area include COA Youth & Family Centers, Food Pantry of Waukesha County, Milwaukee Health Services, and Silver Spring Neighborhood Center.

What to Know When Getting Diapers

You Cannot Get Diapers Directly from Some Banks: Organizations like the United Way Diaper Bank and The Village Diaper Bank do not distribute directly to families. You must go through one of their partnered community agencies listed above.
Call Ahead and Register: Always call the location first to confirm their hours, diaper availability, and any specific requirements. For some programs, like the one serving western Wisconsin, you must register by phone before you can pick up diapers.
Understand the "Diaper Need" Crisis: In Wisconsin, 1 in 2 families struggles to afford diapers. Diapers are a basic health necessity, but they cannot be purchased with food stamps (SNAP) or WIC benefits. This is why community diaper banks are such a vital resource.

Clothing Banks in Wisconsin

Several organizations across Wisconsin provide free clothing to individuals and families in need. The table below lists some of these clothing banks, along with their service details.

Organization	Location	Hours of Operation	Requirements & Details
Way Forward Resources Clothing Center	Dane County	Tue: 10 AM - 2 PM; Wed: 4 PM - 7 PM; Thu: 10 AM - 2 PM; Fri: 9 AM - 12 PM	Open to all Dane County residents. One-time registration required during visit.
Hope Center Clothing Shop	Waukesha (101 W Broadway)	Mon-Fri: 12 PM - 4 PM; Tue & Sat: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM; Wed: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	For Waukesha County residents with low to low-middle income. Free quality clothing.
Capuchin Community Services	Milwaukee (1702 W Walnut St)	Mon-Fri: 1 PM - 3:30 PM	Free appointment required (call 414-933-1300). ID needed. 15 items per family member.
United Way Community Closet	Wausau (705 S 24th Ave)	Tue: 3 PM - 5 PM; Wed: 5 PM - 7 PM; Fri: 9 AM - 11 AM	No proof of income required. 10 items + 1 shoe pair per person monthly. "Boots to Work" program.

How to Find More Local Clothing Assistance

Check with Other Social Service Organizations: Many food pantries, homeless shelters, and community action agencies also offer clothing assistance or can refer you to local programs.
Contact Specialized Programs: Look for organizations serving specific needs, such as Dress for Success for professional attire or Becca's Closet for formal wear for teens.
Use Online Directories: Websites that list local donation centers can help you find nearby options, though it's best to contact them directly to confirm they provide free clothing.

Additional Resources in Wisconsin

Here are the key state-specific resources for Wisconsin to complete your community aid guide, including official links for legal aid, veteran services, aging and disability support, and child care.

Resource Category	Official Name & Agency	How to Access & Key Details
Legal Aid	Legal Action of Wisconsin	• Apply Online: Official intake form on website • Apply by Phone: Call (855) 947-2529 • Services: Free civil legal help for qualifying low-income residents; eligibility based on income and legal issue.
Veteran Services	Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)	• State Benefits Portal: MyWisVets for state benefit applications • Local Assistance: 72 County & 11 Tribal Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs/TVSOs) for state/federal benefit help.
Aging & Disability Services	Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)	• Statewide Access: Unbiased info & long-term care options for older adults & people with disabilities • Contact: Call 844-WIS-ADRC (844-947-2372) to find your local ADRC.
Child Care Subsidies & Referrals	Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network	• Personalized Referrals: Help finding local child care matching family needs • Find Your Agency: Use the map & contact info on the Thriving Wisconsin website

Tips for Navigating Utility Assistance

The search for major Wisconsin utility assistance programs beyond LIHEAP yielded limited specific program details. Here are effective ways to find more help:

Check with the Public Service Commission: The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) provides general information on utility assistance. Contact them or explore their website for the most current program listings.
Contact Your Local ADRC: As shown in the table, your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is a powerful hub. Their Benefit Specialists can provide confidential advice on available utility assistance programs, including those tied to FoodShare, Medicaid, and Medicare.

How to Get Involved with Mutual Aid in Wisconsin

I found excellent volunteer opportunities with Wisconsin's major food banks and a well-established mutual aid network in Madison for you to get involved in community aid. You can support hunger relief across Wisconsin by volunteering with these major food bank networks. Each offers different roles across various regions.

Organization	Service Region	Volunteer Roles	Contact Information
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin	35 counties in Eastern Wisconsin	Food sorting, packing, distribution support	Use the "Find a Pantry" locator on their website to connect with local partners.
Feed My People Food Bank	West Central Wisconsin	Pop-up pantry setup/distribution, truck driving, food repacking, office work	Email Heather at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (715) 708-2426.
Second Harvest Foodbank	Southern Wisconsin	Food sorting and repackaging at their distribution center	Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (608) 216-7214.

Local Mutual Aid Networks

For a more direct, community-based approach, you can connect with mutual aid networks that focus on reciprocal support and resource sharing.

Madison Mutual Aid Network Cooperative (Madison MAN): This is a formal, member-run cooperative based in Madison's Social Justice Center.

How It Works: Members use timebanking where every hour helping another member earns one "MAN hour" credit for an hour of someone else's time, valuing everyone's time equally.
Community Resources: Maintains a community pantry for food, books, and other items, plus a shared stock of supplies for community events.
Get Involved: You can learn more and join their local exchange system through the Madison MAN Cooperative website.

Other Ways to Support Your Community

Beyond food assistance and mutual aid, you can also help neighbors struggling with basic needs like utility bills.

Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund: This statewide nonprofit assists vulnerable households with energy costs. They offer opportunities to donate, volunteer, or become a corporate partner.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

Before using the resources listed in this guide, please read the following important information:

Information is Subject to Change: The details provided on this page (including phone numbers, addresses, hours of operation, and eligibility requirements) are gathered from public sources and are subject to change without notice. We strive to keep this information current, but we cannot guarantee its absolute accuracy at all times.
Always Verify Directly: You should always confirm details by contacting the organization directly before visiting or applying. We highly recommend calling ahead to check for current hours, availability of services, documentation requirements, and appointment procedures.
Not an Official Source: This blog is not a government agency, social service provider, or legal entity. We are a private resource compiling publicly available information to help our community. We cannot determine your eligibility for any program, provide direct financial assistance, or guarantee that you will receive services.
No Eligibility Determinations: The inclusion of a program or organization on this list does not imply endorsement or a guarantee that you will qualify for assistance. Eligibility for all programs is determined solely by the administering organizations based on their specific guidelines.
Use at Your Own Discretion: While we aim to list reputable organizations, we encourage you to use your best judgment when contacting and working with any service provider.

This guide is intended as a starting point to help you find the help you need. The most reliable information will always come directly from the official organizations themselves.