Yes. The organizations below can assist individuals and connect them to local services.
211 is a quick and easy way to find information and get referrals for thousands of programs and services across Wisconsin.
Start by telling them your most pressing needs. They are trained to ask the right questions to get to the underlying causes of your needs.
Anyone can call 211 at any time.
211 information and referral specialists are trained to assist callers seeking information or dealing with all types of challenges related to:
211 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in over 180 languages. You can also text your ZIP code to 898211, or chat with 211 through the website.
It is completely free for you to call, text, chat, or search 211. If you are calling from a cell phone, your normal charges such as texting rates or minutes from your cell provider may apply.
WISCAP is the association of Community Action Agencies and two Special Purpose Agencies. Community Action Agencies throughout the state may be able to offer immediate assistance. The organization serves as the statewide voice for Community Action Agencies and people struggling with poverty.
In Wisconsin, the 16 Community Action Agencies exist to help people get out of and stay out of poverty. These agencies provide services and coordinate community resources to their local population.
Community Action Agencies provide direct services to low-income individuals, including:
Your local aging and disability resource center (ADRC) is the first place to go to get accurate, unbiased information on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability.
ADRCs are friendly, welcoming places where you can go for information about aging or living with a disability, whether you are looking for yourself, or you are a concerned family member or friend, or a professional working with issues related to aging or disabilities.
Services Provided by the ADRC:
Covering Wisconsin can assist you:
Visit Covering Wisconsin's website to connect with a navigator who will help you find the health insurance coverage you need.
WisCovered.com
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurane (OCI) has created a new website, WisCovered.com, that connects Wisconsinites with free, expert help to get health coverage and includes a FAQ section, including a link to a more comprehensive FAQ.
There are resources available for those who are dealing with housing/rent/mortgage issues.
Recent Federal Orders from The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) impact evictions from residential properties in Wisconsin and across the nation. The CDC order to ‘Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19’ will become effective on September 4, 2020 and run through December 31, 2020
WHEDA works to improve the quality of life for Wisconsin residents by providing affordable housing and business financing products.
WHEDA can assist:
Advice from DFI on trouble paying mortgage:
If you have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are having trouble or may soon be having trouble making your mortgage loan payment, it is important to contact your mortgage loan servicer directly and as soon as possible regarding any mortgage assistance programs they may offer.
The type of mortgage assistance programs offered by your servicer will vary by loan type and may include:
Please note that from March 27, 2020 to May 26, 2020 (60 days), Gov. Tony Evers' Emergency Order #15 suspends residential and commercial evictions statewide for the failure to pay rent, unless it is for an imminent threat of serious physical harm to another person.
During this time period, unless the eviction is for an imminent threat of serious physical harm to another person, landlords are prohibited from:
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is an independent regulatory agency dedicated to serving the public interest.
PSC’s information on utility payments and access to free broadband service can be found on PSC's website.
The PSC has established their Internet & Phone helpline for Wisconsin consumers. Please call to speak with dedicated PSC staff or leave a voicemail.
PSC Internet and Phone Helpline: (608) 267-3595
Several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are offering free or low-cost internet access options in response to the COVID-19 health emergency. These services are offered in the areas each ISP serves, or as otherwise described.
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) has multiple resources to assist families.
Please view the Family Support Services publication on DCF's website to find family support services on: