Facing eviction or losing housing
What to do first
- Do not ignore court papers. Answer by the date on them and go to your hearing.
- Call 211 or your state's rent help program right away.
- Get free legal help. A lawyer can tell you your rights.
- Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, and get it in writing.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211 for shelter.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Help from Wisconsin
Wisconsin programs that fit what happened. 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
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
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
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
FoodShare
In Wisconsin, SNAP is called FoodShare.
FoodShare helps eligible households buy groceries using monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Wisconsin Works
In Wisconsin, TANF is called W-2.
W-2 provides eligible parents and pregnant people with employment services and cash assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
HUD.gov
A housing counselor
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can talk with you about renting, falling behind and keeping your home. Call to find one near you.
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.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 211 Wisconsin
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988