Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Wisconsin

Homelessness remains a pressing problem across the United States, and Wisconsin is no exception. With the arrival of winter’s cold weather or when emergency shelters reach capacity, finding a safe place to sleep becomes a real challenge. Hotel voucher programs for the homeless in Wisconsin offer a temporary but essential solution, providing short-term lodging to individuals and families in local motels or hotels.

What Are Hotel Vouchers for the Homeless?

Hotel vouchers are prepaid or government-issued certificates that cover the cost of a short stay in a hotel or motel. 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

Requirements vary by program, 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 people experiencing homelessness access hotel vouchers or emergency shelter in Wisconsin:

1. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF)

DCF oversees 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 coordinate 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, 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 church-affiliated religious and 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/motel vouchers in crisis situations.

In Wisconsin, voucher housing programs often include religious groups, such as St. Vincent de Paul, as funders/hosts of motel vouchers when shelters are unavailable.

Find the contact information for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at your parish (usually through the Catholic diocese website) and inquire about their “emergency housing” or “voucher” fund.

2. The Salvation Army (Wisconsin locations)

The Salvation Army is explicitly listed as a provider of hotel/motel vouchers in Wisconsin’s after-hours or emergency shelter programs when shelters are full.

In Sheboygan County, the After Hours program indicates that authorized agencies include the Salvation Army, which issues vouchers for one night in a hotel or motel when shelters are unavailable.

Contact the nearest Salvation Army branch, ask about their emergency shelter voucher program, and indicate that you are homeless or at risk of homelessness and need temporary motel accommodations.

3. Lutheran Social Services and Local Lutheran Churches

Lutheran Social Services and affiliated Lutheran congregations are listed nationally as offering motel or hotel vouchers or partnering with such programs.

While specific voucher programs aren’t always publicly advertised, local Lutheran churches may have funds to provide motel stays when shelters are unavailable.

Visit or call Lutheran churches (especially those known for their community outreach) in your area and ask, “Do you have a short-term motel voucher fund for homelessness crises?”

Hotel Voucher Programs in Major Wisconsin Cities

1. Milwaukee

Milwaukee County Salvation Army: Offers emergency 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.