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Community Resources


This page provides community resource information for the NorthCentral FSET and WestCentral FSET regions. These do not provide an all-inclusive list of resources, but some quick reference information for local resources.

Visitors are encouraged to call 211, use the 211 website, or use findhelp.org for a comprehensive guide to local community programs and resources. Please also see veteran-specific resources below.


211.org Findhelp.org Center for Veterans IssuesWI Dept of Vets Services Vets Service Office Locator


Wisconsin Shares (Child Care Assistance)

Wisconsin Shares is Wisconsin's child care subsidy program that helps families and caretakers pay for child care. Applications can be submitted online via the ACCESS website or by calling the Income Maintenance Agency for your county or tribe of residence. To find your local agency, please visit the IM Directory page.  

ACCESS


Wisconsin Child Care Provider Listing

The State of Wisconsin has an online directory of all regulated child care providers (certified, licensed family and licensed group centers).  Visit Wisconsin's Childcare Finder website to locate a child care provider in your area.

Childcare Finder


Child Care Resource and Referral Agency

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)Agencies help parents find licensed, local child care. Contact your CCR&R or visit their website to conduct a personalized search for child care that meets your family’s needs. Their website provides the local CCR&R contact information for every county in Wisconsin.

CCR&R


Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

Supportive Services for Veteran Families is program operating through The Center for Veterans Issues and is aimed at helping veteran families achieve housing stability. As part of their Temporary Financial Services, they may be able to assist with childcare. Visit the link below to learn more about this program.  

SSVF

Clothing Resources

It is important for FSET customers to have interview clothing and appropriate work-related clothing. FSET helps customers connect to free community resources to meet these needs. If no local community resource is available or does not have the needed clothing, FSET may be able to purchase limited clothing specific for FSET-approved activities including job interviews and work-related clothing for new employment for enrolled FSET customers. 

Click on the county of your residence to find local free and low-cost clothing resources in your area. 

***PUBLIC DISCLAIMER*** 

Some locations may be restricted for certain individuals.  If you feel unsure, please reach out to your probation officer to confirm specific community closets are places you are able to visit.


NorthCentral FSET Region counties are Blue         WestCentral FSET Region counties are Green 


Food Resources

The FSET program is part of the FoodShare program. FSET can provide referrals and resource information for food assistance that a person may need in addition to FoodShare.


FoodShare

The FoodShare program is a supplemental nutritional assistance program for low-income individuals and families. Applications can be completed online, over the phone with an Income Maintenance Consortium, in person at a local office, or by mail. You can learn more at the FoodShare website. 


In addition to FoodShare assistance, many local communities offer Food Pantries and Food Distribution Programs. Click on the county of your residence to discover local food distribution resources near you.

***PUBLIC DISCLAIMER*** 

Some locations may be restricted for certain individuals.  If you feel unsure, please reach out to your probation officer to confirm specific food pantries are places you are able to visit. 


NorthCentral FSET Region counties are Blue         WestCentral FSET Region counties are Green 


Healthcare Resources 

FSET is not a healthcare program but can help enrolled customers get connected to healthcare.


BadgerCare Plus 

BadgerCare Plus is a health care program for low-income children, pregnant people and adults in Wisconsin. Visit the BadgerCare Plus website to learn more about this assistance program and apply for the program. 

 BadgerCare Plus


Free and Low-Cost Clinics

There are a variety of free and low-cost health and dental clinics in Wisconsin. DHS maintains a directory for these clinics. Please visit their website to find a clinic nearest you. There are individual directories for both health care and dental clinics. 

Free Clinics


988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis. People of all ages who need help for themselves or a loved one can call, text or chat 24/7. Visit the 988 website for more information and resources. 

 Call 988  ​ Text 988      Chat  

988 


AODA

Individuals who are seeking help with AODA can call the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline at 833-944-4673. The Helpline is a statewide resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services. The helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Trained resource specialists will help you understand your treatment and support options. You can also visit their website for support. 

WI Addiction Recovery Helpline

 


NAMI Wisconsin

NAMI Wisconsin is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. They have a comprehensive resource guide and links to local resources. Visit their website for more information. 

NAMI Wisconsin


Veterans Affairs (VA)

The Department of Veteran Affairs hosts a variety of information regarding services for veterans, including disability, life insurance, and housing assistance. To find information specifically on healthcare through the VA, visit their website for more information. 

VA Healthcare

Housing Resources

FSET is not a housing program but can help enrolled customers get connected to housing assistance programs. Funding changes frequently, so we do not list county-specific programs. Instead, we provide directories of services and resources that are maintained by housing programs. Reminder that 211 and 211.org should be used for emergent issues.

The WHSS program has a variety of YouTube videos that guide people through securing and stabilizing housing. 


No Wrong Door Agencies

The Wisconsin Balance of State is comprised of local coalitions of housing providers throughout 69 counties in the state of Wisconsin. To find the local agency in your area, visit their website here. This is the best place to start to find housing services. Even if you are not eligible for a program through a No Wrong Door agency, they will screen you to see if you qualify for Coordinated Entry.

The Coordinated Entry process was created to streamline access to the housing solution that fits your situation. In order to determine the best solution for you, No Wrong Door agencies provide you with screening and assessment to help you find housing and refer you to a prioritization list for various programs. Housing providers can contact you directly if they have funding or housing program openings available that you are eligible for.

Coordinated Entry is not an emergency housing solution; however, No Wrong Door agencies can provide information on what, if any, local emergency housing options are available in your community.

No Wrong Door

 

Emergency Assistance

The Emergency Assistance program is operated through Wisconsin Works agencies. Emergency Assistance (EA) provides a payment and a connection to resources for families facing a setback due to a housing emergency, including impending homelessness and domestic violence, natural disaster, fire, or an energy crisis. To be eligible, you must be a parent or relative caring for a child under age 18 and be at or below 115% of the Federal Poverty Level. Visit their website for full information on the program, links to the application, and a directory to your local agency. 

Emergency Assistance


Homeless Shelter Directory

The Homeless Shelter Directory contains a variety of resources and maintains a directory of homeless shelters. Visit their website to find the nearest shelter to you. 

HUD Directory


Tenant Resource Center

This website helps tenants understand their rights and responsibilities as well as provides a variety of resources, including links to housing applications, information on the eviction process, and resources to help tenants understand their rights. 

Tenant Resource Center


Veteran Assistance Programs

Housing and homelessness assistance is available to veterans provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Housing/Homeless Assistance

The Wisconsin Veterans & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit provides a refundable property tax credit for eligible veterans and unremarried surviving spouses. This credit applies to property taxes paid on a primary Wisconsin residence and up to one acre of land.

Wisconsin Veterans & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs proudly operates three Wisconsin Veterans Homes located in Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove where they provide 24-hour skilled nursing care to our nation’s veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star Parents.

Wisconsin Veterans Homes

Legal Aid

The FSET program does not offer legal advice or services. Below are three resources that may be helpful to FSET customers who are seeking legal aid or support. 


Wisconsin State Law Library

The Wisconsin State Law Library provides information concerning available legal resources based on your county location. When clicking on your county, you will be able to see a variety of legal resources, agencies, and assistance programs in your area. There are also forms and guidance available regarding court procedures, criminal proceedings, estate/probate, and many other categories. 

Wisconsin State Law Library


Legal Action of Wisconsin (LAW) 

LAW provides free legal services to low-income individuals with focus on benefits and health programs, family law, housing law, licenses, criminal records and employment, senior law, migrant farm workers, and social security disability. As of January 1st, 2026, LAW merged with Judicare Legal Aid to provide services statewide, including in tribal communities. To learn more about their services and eligibility requirements, please visit the LAW website.

LAW


Lawyer Referral and Information

The State Bar of Wisconsin serves the public by providing attorney referrals, public education, reduced-fee legal assistance for low income state residents and enhancing the administration of and access to justice. If you have a legal problem and are looking for an attorney or other legal services in Wisconsin, the State Bar of Wisconsin has resources that may be able to help. Please visit the Wisconsin Bar website for full information.

Wisconsin Bar 


Legal Assistance for Veterans

The State Bar of Wisconsin has a Legal Assistance for Military Personnel program that offers referrals to volunteer attorneys and also provide access to other legal resources for eligible veterans, active-duty military personnel, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve.  For more information, click the link below.

Wisconsin Bar

Public Transportation

Customers who are enrolled in the FSET program and actively engaging in FSET-approved activity, may be eligible to receive support through the program including bus tokens and passes if that is needed to complete the FSET-approved activity. 


Bus

There are a few cities who have public bus transportation. FSET may be able to purchase bus tokens and monthly bus passes for FSET customers who are actively engaging in the FSET program and using the bus system to complete their FSET activity.  The following cities have either a full or limited ride share transit system. 

There are also regional bus routes for some rural areas. These include:


Non-Emergency Medical Transportation 

MtM is the statewide provider for transportation services for non-emergency medical appointments. To be eligible for this service, you must be a recipient of medical assistance. You can get rides to/from non-emergency medical appointments, or you can get reimbursed for your trips to/from non-emergency medical appointments. 


  • To schedule a ride call: 866-907-1493
  • Or schedule through the online member portal
  • Users can also download the MtM app on their phone.


Wisconsin RIDESHARE Program

Wisconsin RIDESHARE is a free service provided by the State of Wisconsin to connect people and employers to great options for commuting and other transportation. RIDESHARE works for individuals and employers to provide affordable and easy alternatives to driving alone. Visit their website to get connected to transportation options and a link to download their free phone app.

RIDESHARE

Transportation Assistance

Customers who are enrolled in the FSET program and actively engaging in FSET-approved activity, may be eligible to receive support through the program including:

  • Gas cards to purchase fuel for miles traveled for FSET activity
  • Bus tokens or monthly bus passes for FSET activity
  • Driver's Education course fees when public transportation is not an option
  • Driver's license fee and renewal fee
  • Vehicle title and registration and renewal fees when public transportation is not an option 

Individuals cannot enroll in FSET for the exclusive purpose of receiving support services. Support services are provided exclusively when an enrolled customer is engaging in FSET activity and needs the support service to complete the FSET activity.  Please talk to your case manager about your transportation needs!

Below are additional community resources for Transportation Assistance. 


Non-Emergency Medical Transportation 

MtM is the statewide provider for transportation services for non-emergency medical appointments. To be eligible for this service, you must be a recipient of medical assistance. You can get rides to/from non-emergency medical appointments, or you can get reimbursed for your trips to/from non-emergency medical appointments. 


  • To schedule a ride call: 866-907-1493
  • Or schedule through the online member portal
  • Users can also download the MtM app on their phone.



Job Access Loan (JAL)

If you need financial help to keep or get a job, a Job Access Loan (JAL) might be for you.  A JAL is a no-interest loan of up to $1,600. There is no credit check or bank involved with a JAL. It can be paid back over 12 months with a combination of community service and cash.  A JAL can be used to help you keep or get a job.


Visit the JAL website to learn about the eligibility requirements and how to apply for this loan.


Please note that JAL funding has been exhausted for 2026, no new applications will be taken after 7/25/26.  Applications will resume in January 2027.


JAL


Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program (WETAP)

WETAP is a program for low-income individuals who need assistance getting to work or education (training beyond high school). WETAP may be able to assist with car repairs or car purchase. To be eligible, the applicant must:

  • Be employed
  • Have car insurance
  • Have a valid Wisconsin Driver's License

To find your local WETAP agency, visit the WETAP website. 

WETAP


Wheels 2 Work and Work-n-Wheels Programs

These programs assist income-eligible individuals obtain an affordable and dependable vehicle. This program is not offered in every county.

Adams County: Wheels 2 Work is offered through Central Wisconsin Community Action Program. 

Barron County: JumpStart is offered through West CAP

Chippewa County: JumpStart is offered through West CAP

Dunn County: JumpStart is offered through West CAP

Eau Claire County: Work-n-Wheels is offered through Western Dairyland Community Action Agency

Forest County: Work-n-Wheels is offered through NEWCAP

Langlade County: Work-n-Wheels is offered through NEWCAP

Marathon County: W2W is offered through Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association.

Oneida County: Work-n-Wheels is offered through NEWCAP

Pepin County: JumpStart is offered through West CAP

Pierce County: JumpStart is offered through West CAP

Polk County: JumpStart is offered through West CAP

Portage County: Work-n-Wheels is offered through CAP

St. Croix County: JumpStart is offered through West CAP

Vilas County: Work-n-Wheels is offered through NEWCAP

Wood County: Work-n-Wheels is offered through CAP


Wisconsin RIDESHARE Program

Wisconsin RIDESHARE is a free service provided by the State of Wisconsin to connect people and employers to great options for commuting and other transportation. RIDESHARE works for individuals and employers to provide affordable and easy alternatives to driving alone. Visit their website to get connected to transportation options and a link to download their free phone app.

RIDESHARE


Veteran Assistance Programs

There are options on both the state and federal level for transportation assistance for veterans.  Click on any of the links below to see what option would best work for you!

Wisconsin DAV

VA

Utilities and Phone Service

Customers who are enrolled in the FSET program and actively engaging in FSET-approved activity, may be eligible to receive limited support services for phone minutes if they are using a pay-as-you-go phone service. This is limited to once per year and we cannot pay for a standard monthly bill. FSET is not allowed to purchase equipment such as a phone and can only fund phone minutes when it is reasonable and necessary for FSET-approved activity.  

FSET is not allowed to use funds for utility payments. FSET can provide referrals to other community resources for utility assistance. 


Cell Phone - LifeLine

Lifeline provides free or reduced cell phone and/or land line service to eligible households in Wisconsin. There are a number of national providers for Lifeline including Safelink and Q-Link. Both have service areas in Wisconsin but that does not mean that the cell coverage is very good. It is advised you research HERE for the best provider in your area. Please visit the Lifeline website for full information on this program. 


Lifeline


Past Due Internet and Phone Assistance Program

The Foundation for Rural Housing has a special program to help some individuals with a past-due internet or phone bill. The following are key eligibility requirements:

  • Must be under the 50% County Median Income (varies by county, click on the county you live)
  • Must submit proof of income or potential income (such as employment, unemployment, child support, etc.)
  • Must have the ability to pay your internet or phone expenses moving forward
  • Reside in any county in Wisconsin except Dane, Racine and Milwaukee 

Apply


Energy Assistance (Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program)

WHEAP provides financial assistance to help eligible households pay a portion of their heating and electric energy costs. Eligible households may receive a benefit payment once per heating season (October 1 through May 15), and crisis assistance funds and help for non-operating furnaces and heating systems may also be available. The amount of the benefit payment depends on household size, income level, and energy costs. WHEAP is administered locally through county social services offices, tribal governments, and private non-profit agencies in each county in Wisconsin.


To find your local agency, visit the WHEAP website. 

WHEAP


Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance (EA) provides a payment and a connection to resources for families facing a setback due to a housing emergency, including impending homelessness and domestic violence, natural disaster, fire, or an energy crisis.  The Emergency Assistance program is operated through W-2 agencies. To learn more about this program, find your local office, or to apply for the program, please visit the EA website. ​

Emergency Assistance

Clothing Resources

It is important for FSET customers to have interview clothing and appropriate work-related clothing. FSET helps customers connect to free community resources to meet these needs. If no local community resource is available or does not have the needed clothing, FSET may be able to purchase limited clothing specific for FSET-approved activities including job interviews and work-related clothing for new employment for enrolled FSET customers. 

Click on the county of your residence to find local free and low-cost clothing resources in your area.

NorthCentral FSET Region counties are Blue         WestCentral FSET Region counties are Green 


Clothing Resources

It is important for FSET customers to have interview clothing and appropriate work-related clothing. FSET helps customers connect to free community resources to meet these needs. If no local community resource is available or does not have the needed clothing, FSET may be able to purchase limited clothing specific for FSET-approved activities including job interviews and work-related clothing for new employment for enrolled FSET customers. 

Click on the county of your residence to find local free and low-cost clothing resources in your area.

NorthCentral FSET Region counties are Blue         WestCentral FSET Region counties are Green 


Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.

Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.

Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.

Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.

Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.