How can we help?
Homelessness
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people. HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please dial 2-1-1 and contact a homeless service provider in your area.
- Dial 2-1-1. Press 6 for homeless services.
**If you are unable to get a response from 2-1-1 or receive a message that the service is not available from your location, you may go to: https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211 and enter your zip code to find the number for your local office. - Contact 211 Wisconsin to find specific help in your area of Wisconsin. This is a statewide nonprofit that has 8 office locations spread out in the state.
- Search justshelter.org to find community organizations working to preserve affordable housing, prevent eviction and reduce family homelessness
- Veterans:
Contact the VA medical center near you in WI and mention your interest in Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) or find instructions for contacting the National Homeless Veteran Call Center here. You may also call the Veterans Affairs Emergency Housing Hotline for assistance at (877) 424-3838 - Seniors: Find the Aging and Disability Resource Center Nearest You
Milwaukee County ADRC: (414) 289-6874
Racine County ADRC: (866) 219-1043
Dane County ADRC: Toll-Free Phone: (855) 417-6892 Local Phone: (608) 240-7400
Senior Resources: is a nonprofit that promotes and helps seniors find necessary resources, like housing and medical needs. - Persons Experiencing Violence:
End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin - statewide nonprofit organization that will give you resources for your specific area
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
Affordable Places to Live
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please refer to the following resources:
- Speak to a HUD Approved Housing Counselor for advice on your specific housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
- Contact a Wisconsin Public Housing Authority to inquire about information about public housing programs (Housing Choice Vouchers HUD Facts, Public Housing).
Find a list of Public Housing Authority contacts by State or call (800) 955-2232 for help to find your local Public Housing Authority.- Information for Senior Citizens
- Independent living centers - for seniors and people with disabilities
- Use the HUD Resource Locator to find affordable housing opportunities near you.
**Please note, the HUD Resource Locator does not show property vacancy. Please call the management company to inquire about vacancies, wait lists or the application process.- HUD does not have applications for these properties.
- HUD does not have information about the vacancies in these properties.
- HUD does not maintain waiting lists.
HUD has rental assistance and housing resources through the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs.
- Public Housing provides decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. HUD provides federal aid to local Public Housing Authorities (PHA) that manage public housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.
- Eligibility: Public Housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. A Public Housing Authority determines eligibility based on 1) annual gross income, 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with disabilities or as a family, and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority.
Housing Choice Voucher (commonly known as Section 8)
- The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Housing assistance is provided through HUD on behalf of the family or individual, so participants can find their own housing. You can use an HCV to pay for all or part of the rent.
- Eligibility: A Public Housing Authority will determine eligibility for the housing choice voucher program based on the total annual gross income and family size, U.S. citizenship and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority. During the application process, a Public Housing Authority will collect information on family income, assets and family composition. The Public Housing Authority will use this information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties
A tax credit property, also known as Section 42, is managed by privately owned management companies. The funding for the tax credit program does not come from HUD. The credits are awarded by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). An applicant would apply directly to the management company for applications and the wait list. A tenant pays up to 60% of their income towards rent. All complaints for Section 42 properties are covered by WHEDA’s Tenant Concern Hotline at 1-800-943-9430.
To get further information on LIHTC properties, contact the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development (WHEDA) for more information, contact a staff member at their Milwaukee office: (414) 227-4039 or at their Madison office: (608) 266-7884 - WIHousingsearch.org - State of Wisconsin and WHEDA Supported Affordable, Available Housing Online Search Engine
- Foundation for Rural Housing – Eligible for all Wisconsin counties except for Milwaukee, Dane and Racine.
They offer a rental assistance program, as well as a security deposit and utility assistance program for qualifying applicants.
For more information, contact them at wrh@wisconsinruralhousing.com or (608) 238-3448 - USDA Rural Development Multifamily Housing
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Multifamily Housing programs helps property owners through loans and grants to rehabilitate properties for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals and families as well as domestic farm laborers. USDA RD Multifamily Rental Assistance Program provides payments to owners of USDA-financed projects on behalf of low-income tenants unable to pay their full rent.
To search for RD Multifamily Housing Rentals in Wisconsin, visit:
Rural Development Multi-Family Housing Rentals
Homeownership
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you
- Foundation for Rural Housing will help if homeowners are at risk of foreclosure. They assist residents of all WI counties except for Milwaukee, Dane and Racine counties.
- Explore Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
- Contact a Local Legal Assistance Organization
- Learn more about homebuying from HUD's website or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner.
A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
- Find the answer online
- Email us
- Call toll-free (800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342)
- Use theHUD Home Store to find HUD homes for sale.
- Learn about becoming a homeowner in Wisconsin.
- Find Information on my FHA loan
- Use the SMART Integrated Portal to make a request and begin the subordination process (see SMART FAQs & Resources)
- Contact a Secretary-Held Mortgage Servicing Contractor
- Foundation for Rural Housing provides minor home repair assistance for residents in all counties in Wisconsin except for Milwaukee, Dane and Racine Counties.
- There are various federal loan programs and community-based programs to help with home repairs and improvements. Learn more about HUD’s Home Improvements programs and contact your local Community Action Program (CAP) Agency for more localized information.
- If you have more questions, contact the FHA Resource Center
Email: answers@hud.gov
Call: (800) 225-5342 - USDA Rural Development local office - housing repair and rehabilitation loans – Contact them at (715) 345-7600
Report Housing Discrimination
* The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, or disability.
- Please visit the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Page
- File a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) Office:
- Online
- Call: (800) 669-9777
(NOTE: HUD Milwaukee Field Office staff are unable to assist with your fair housing case or answer your fair housing questions. Contact our regional staff for further assistance.)
- Read HUD’s information on Assistance Animals and Fair Housing
- Contact Fair Housing Council of Wisconsin for more guidance and information at (414) 278-1240 or their statewide toll-free line: 1-877-647-3247
- Contact the HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in our HUD Great Lakes Regional Office:
- Online
- Call (312) 913-8453
- Email complaintsoffice05@hud.gov
(NOTE: HUD Milwaukee Field Office staff are unable to assist with your fair housing case or answer your fair housing questions. Contact our regional staff for further assistance.)
Rent Relief & Eviction Resources
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please refer to the following resources:
- The Tenant Resource Center is a great resource to learn more about the eviction process and your rights as a tenant.
- Seek Legal Assistance with Legal Action of Wisconsin (covers lower half of the state) or Judicare (covers upper half of the state)
- Legal Action of Wisconsin phone number: (855) 947-2529 – Judicare phone number: (715) 842-1681
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor to help avoid eviction:
A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to help you prevent eviction. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287 - Tenants Rights and Responsibilities – State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection flyer on rights and responsibilities for all tenants in Wisconsin, rent assisted and renters paying market rate rent.
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you
- If you live in Dane County, contact Tenant Resource Center at (608) 257-0006. You may also contact a Community Action Program (CAP) in Dane County here or call (603) 237-1255.
- For Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, contact Community Advocates at (414) 449-4777.
- Get Help Paying Rent and Bills
- Rent Relief Resources
- Contact the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program Phone Number: 1-866-HEAT-WIS (432-8947).
Speak to a Housing Counselor
- Becoming a homeowner
- Foreclosure assistance
- Reverse mortgages
- Home improvements/repairs to my home
- Renting
Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs.
- Search online for a HUD Approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
- Contact Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to learn more about their programs for people wanting to become homeowners or call them at (414) 227-4039 or info@wheda.com.
- Call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-225-5342 or email answers@hud.gov
Housing Quality & Improved Living Conditions
- Resident Information
- REAC Real Estate Assessment Center
- Foundation for Rural Housing provides minor home repair assistance for residents in all counties in Wisconsin except for Milwaukee, Dane and Racine Counties.
- There are various federal loan programs and community-based programs to help with home repairs and improvements. Learn more about HUD’s Home Improvements programs and contact your local Community Action Program (CAP) Agency for more localized information.
- If you have more questions, contact the FHA Resource Center
Email: answers@hud.gov
Call: (800) 225-5342 - USDA Rural Development local office - housing repair and rehabilitation loans - Contact them at (715) 345-7600
Call the front desk number for the Milwaukee Field Office at (414) 297-3214 and a staff member will take down your name, housing authority name and complaint details. Then, your complaint will be sent to our Public and Indian Housing Staff to look into the complaint. A public housing staff member will reach out to you about your complaint.
Contact our contractor for all Section 8 Multifamily concerns, WHEDA’s Tenant Concern Hotline at 1-800-943-9430 or at tenantconcerns@wheda.com
Disaster Resources
Immediately after a disaster, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other government agencies offer initial assistance. HUD then provides additional support for ongoing recovery through programs and partnerships.
- Register with FEMA online
- Register through FEMA’s disaster app on your smartphone. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, you can go to www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products
- Call (800) 621-3362. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are on duty.
- Reach out to your local Red Cross
- HUD Disaster Resources
- HUD Disaster Line: Call 1-800-304-9320 or email recovery@hud.gov
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287
My Local Office Information
For assistance at all times, we encourage you to utilize the self-help resources above.
If you are unable to have your questions answered from the resources above, please click on the Need More Help button below to contact your local office for further assistance.
Milwaukee Field Office
310 W Wisconsin Ave Suite 950
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: (414) 297-3214
Fax: (414) 935-6775
Dale Darrow, Field Office Director
Interested in learning more about what HUD is doing in your community?
⚠ In Distress? Reach Out for Help Now
At HUD, we know housing challenges often come with other struggles. You’re not alone. These resources can help with safe housing, emergencies, or connecting with someone who will listen.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. If you are feeling overwhelmed, facing mental health struggles, or emotional distress, free support is available any time:
- Call: 988
- Text: 988
- Chat: 988lifeline.org
Trained counselors are here to listen and help, 24/7.
Support for Domestic Violence Survivors. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available 24/7:
- Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Text: "Start" to 88788
- Visit: The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Mental Health & Substance Use Support. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline offers free and confidential support for mental health, drug or alcohol use, and recovery:
- Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- TTY: 1-800-487-4889
- Text: Your ZIP code to 435748
- Visit: SAMHSA's National Helpline
Rental, Homelessness, and Eviction Help. Need help with housing challenges, like eviction, renting, foreclosure, or credit issues?
- Find a Housing Counselor: HUD's Housing Counseling Resources
- Call: 800-569-4287 (or 202-708-1455 for TTY) for multilingual assistance or disaster relief assistance.
- Visit: www.findhelp.org