Homelessness is a serious problem in the United States, including Wisconsin. When winter is very cold or shelters are full, people find it difficult to find a safe place to sleep. Hotel voucher programs in Wisconsin help homeless individuals and families find short-term lodging in local motels or hotels when they have nowhere else to go.
What Are Hotel Vouchers for the Homeless?
Every low-income families and homeless individuals knows about hotel vouchers, these are basically a prepaid vouchers that allows you to stay in hotel or motel for limited period. They are typically distributed by local social service agencies, nonprofit organizations, or government departments. These vouchers are designed to provide immediate assistance to people facing homelessness due to evictions, domestic violence, job loss, or natural disasters.
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Wisconsin
Eligibility requirements foe hotel vouchers may vary by program or organizations, but most Wisconsin hotel voucher programs prioritize:
- Individuals and families experiencing homelessness who lack a safe place to sleep
- People displaced by fires, evictions, or natural disasters
- Victims of domestic violence or abuse
- Seniors, veterans, or people with disabilities in urgent need
- Families with children sleeping in cars, parks, or other unsafe locations
Applicants are generally required to provide proof of their homelessness, such as written notification from a shelter, landlord, or social worker.
Where to Get Free Hotel Vouchers in Wisconsin
Here are some organizations and agencies that can help homeless families with hotel vouchers or emergency shelter in Wisconsin:
1. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF)
DCF operates several homelessness prevention and housing support programs. Families or individuals in crisis can contact their county human services office for help accessing temporary housing or vouchers.
2. Continuum of Care (CoC) Programs
Wisconsin is divided into regional Continuum of Care networks that runs services for people experiencing homelessness. CoCs can provide hotel vouchers when shelters are unavailable.
You can find your local CoC contact information here: https://www.wiboscoc.org
3. Salvation Army of Wisconsin
The Salvation Army provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, warming centers in cold and, in some cases, assistance with hotel vouchers. Their services vary by location, so it’s best to contact the nearest branch.
4. Community Action Agencies (CAAs)
Local Wisconsin CAAs, such as Community Action, Inc. of Rock and Walworth counties and CAP Services, offer short-term assistance for housing emergencies, including hotel vouchers.
5. Local Churches and Charities
Many churches and small faith-based organizations in Wisconsin offer emergency shelter or limited hotel vouchers to people in crisis. Contact local ministries, St. Vincent de Paul affiliates, or homeless relief groups for immediate assistance.
Churches and Faith-based Organizations offering Emergenchy Hotel Vouchers in Wisconsin
Here you will find several churchs and faith based charitable organizations that offer or help manage hotel/motel vouchers for homeless individuals or families in Wisconsin. Since availability and criteria vary by location and funding, always call first and clearly explain your needs.
1. Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (often through local parish conferences) is known for providing emergency assistance, including hotel or motel vouchers in crisis situations.
In Wisconsin, some housing voucher programs receive support from religious groups like St. Vincent de Paul. They often pay for motel vouchers when regular shelters are full or unavailable.
Contact your local center of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at your parish (usually through the Catholic diocese website) and ask about their “emergency housing” or “voucher” programs.
2. The Salvation Army (Wisconsin locations)
The Salvation Army is among the nonprofit organizations that provide hotel or motel vouchers in Wisconsin when shelters are full.
In Sheboygan County, the Salvation Army’s After Hours program can provide a voucher for one night in a hotel or motel if there are no available shelter rooms.
For assistance, contact your nearest Salvation Army office and ask about their emergency shelter voucher program. Inform them that you are homeless or at risk of homelessness and need temporary accommodation in a motel.
3. Lutheran Social Services and Local Lutheran Churches
Lutheran Social Services and many Lutheran churches across the country offer vouchers for motels or hotels, and others homeless outreach programs.
These voucher programs aren’t always advertised, but local Lutheran churches may have funds set aside to help people stay in motels when shelters are full.
Call or visit Lutheran churches in your area, especially those actively involved in community service, and ask, “Do you offer short-term motel vouchers for people experiencing a homelessness emergency?”
Hotel Voucher Programs in Major Wisconsin Cities
1. Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Salvation Army: Offers emergency homeless shelter and hotel vouchers when capacity is limited.
Community Advocates: Provides homelessness prevention services and support for temporary housing.
Milwaukee Rescue Mission: Helps people find shelter and refers them to housing programs.
2. Madison
Porchlight, Inc.: Works with homeless individuals and families, providing emergency shelter and temporary motel stays when needed.
Caritas of Madison: Offers assistance to families in crisis, including help with short-term housing.
The Beacon: A resource center that connects people with housing programs and vouchers.
3. Green Bay
NEWCAP, Inc.: Provides emergency housing services, including hotel vouchers for those in crisis.
St. John Ministries: Offers shelter and coordinates short-term hotel stays during peak seasons.
4. Racine and Kenosha
Shalom Center (Kenosha): Offers emergency shelter and housing assistance.
HALO, Inc. (Racine): Provides transitional housing and hotel vouchers to individuals when shelters are full.
5. La Crosse
Couleecap, Inc.: Provides hotel vouchers and other homelessness prevention services to individuals and families in western Wisconsin.
6. Eau Claire
Western Dairyland Community Action Agency: Offers emergency motel vouchers and case management for individuals and families in crisis.
How to Apply for a Hotel Voucher in Wisconsin
Follow these steps to request emergency hotel assistance:
Call 211 Wisconsin: This is the state’s referral service. Explain your situation, and they will connect you with nearby agencies or churches that have vouchers available.
Contact local shelters: If they are full, they may be able to provide you with a hotel voucher or refer you to an organization that offers them.
Visit your county social services office: County human services departments often administer emergency housing programs.
Gather your documentation: Bring your ID, eviction or displacement notice, and any referral documents from shelters or social workers.
Ask about extensions: Some programs may extend hotel stays if you are working with a case manager to secure permanent housing.
Conclusion
Hotel vouchers for the homeless in Wisconsin are a vital support when traditional shelters are unavailable. Whether through state programs, nonprofit organizations, or local churches, these vouchers can offer immediate relief and security while you search for more stable housing.
If you or someone you know needs emergency shelter tonight, call 211 to connect with the nearest available voucher program or provider in your area.
