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Wisconsin

All kinds of help

Housing

Help paying rent, finding a safe place to stay, and keeping the heat and power on. Your state and local housing authorities run rent help and housing vouchers. Your state also runs help with energy bills. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.Help in Wisconsin and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority

    Emergency Assistance

    Also: Housing Choice Voucher Program

    Emergency Assistance can help eligible families with children pay certain costs after a housing or other serious emergency.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall DCF: 608-422-7000Call WHEDA: 800-334-6873

  • Wisconsin Department of Administration

    State housing and homelessness programs

    DOA funds local organizations and governments that provide housing and homelessness services.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

    Agency pageCall 608-266-1741

  • Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority

    Affordable housing finance programs

    WHEDA provides financing programs that support affordable rental housing and homeownership.

    Ways to apply:PhonePaper

    Agency pageCall 800-334-6873

  • Wisconsin Department of Administration

    Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program

    In Wisconsin, LIHEAP is called WHEAP.

    WHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and electric costs and respond to energy emergencies.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 608-266-1741

  • Wisconsin Department of Administration

    Wisconsin Weatherization Assistance Program

    Weatherization helps eligible households make their homes more energy efficient and safe.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 608-266-1741

Checked on October 8, 2026

Community action agencies in Wisconsin

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

    Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

    Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.

    Find your housing authority Official page

  • Federal Communications Commission

    Lifeline phone and internet discount

    A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

    Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.

    Apply on the National Verifier Official pageCall 1-800-234-9473

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA disaster assistance

    Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

    Apply on DisasterAssistance.gov Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026

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