Community Support for Single Mothers in Wisconsin

Where to start

Quick guide to Wisconsin community support

State benefits through ACCESS and local agencies

ACCESS is the online door for several Wisconsin programs. You can apply, check benefits, see renewal dates, upload documents, report changes, and read notices. A county, Tribal, or regional income-maintenance agency makes the eligibility decision.

Most programs need follow-up after the application. FoodShare requires an interview. Wisconsin Shares requires an eligibility decision and then a child care authorization. BadgerCare Plus may require proof of income, household, or other facts. Check the ACCESS to-do list and answer calls from unfamiliar numbers while an application is pending.

Wisconsin Works, also called W-2, combines employment services with possible cash assistance for eligible parents. The W-2 program page explains job preparation, training, education, and other support. ASMOM’s Wisconsin W-2 guide covers the application path and work placements.

Food, groceries, diapers, and children’s items

FoodShare and emergency food

FoodShare applications can be filed online, by phone, in person, or on paper. An interview is required. A household that qualifies for priority service may receive food benefits within seven days. A regular application should be processed no later than 30 days after it is received when the required steps are completed.

Federal changes that started July 1, 2026 affect FoodShare eligibility for some immigration categories. Apply for eligible household members and ask the local agency how the current rule affects each person instead of assuming the whole family is ineligible.

For food today, use the Feeding Wisconsin network to find a regional food bank, or ask 211 for a nearby pantry or meal. ASMOM’s Wisconsin food guide explains FoodShare, expedited service, EBT, and pantry options.

WIC and diaper banks

WIC can help eligible pregnant people, postpartum parents, infants, and children under age five with approved foods, nutrition support, breastfeeding help, and referrals. Use ASMOM’s Wisconsin WIC guide for clinic and appointment steps.

Most diaper banks distribute through partner agencies rather than handing out supplies at a central warehouse. The Village Diaper Bank serves south-central Wisconsin through community partners. The Eastern Wisconsin diaper bank also uses local partner organizations and may require program enrollment.

Ask 211, WIC, a pediatric clinic, home-visiting program, school social worker, or Community Action agency for the nearest partner. ASMOM’s Wisconsin baby-items guide lists more places to check.

Rent, eviction, shelter, and housing stability

Wisconsin rent and shelter help is local. Call 211 and say whether you are behind on rent, have a notice, have an eviction filing, are staying temporarily with others, or have nowhere safe to sleep. Ask for coordinated entry, prevention funds, legal help, and family shelter.

In Milwaukee County, the Rental Housing Resource Center connects renters with housing counseling, mediation, legal services, and available rental resources. In Dane County, the Tenant Resource Center provides housing counseling, court navigation, mediation, and some eviction-diversion services.

Most counties outside Dane, Milwaukee, and Racine are part of the Balance of State entry system. Coordinated entry assesses housing needs and helps communities prioritize limited homeless services. It does not promise immediate housing.

Bring the lease, rent ledger, notices, court papers, income proof, landlord contact, and any application confirmations. ASMOM’s Wisconsin housing guide covers shelters, vouchers, public housing, eviction steps, and local contacts.

Utility bills, heating, and home repairs

The Wisconsin energy program helps eligible households with heating costs, electric costs, and energy crises. Call 1-866-HEATWIS (1-866-432-8947) or use the county and Tribal resource map to find the local agency.

The current WHEAP program year runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Regular energy assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season from October 1 through May 15. It pays part of the cost and is usually sent to the energy supplier.

As of July 18, 2026, the regular heating-payment period has ended, but local agencies can still explain crisis options and year-round Home Energy Plus services. HE+ may repair or replace an unsafe or failed primary heating system and may help with a leaking or nonworking water heater when program rules are met.

Call the utility before a shutoff date and ask for a payment plan, the amount needed to stop disconnection, and any medical or budget-billing options. ASMOM’s Wisconsin utility guide gives current income limits, application documents, and appeal steps.

Child care, work, and training support

The Wisconsin Shares application can help eligible families pay part of child care costs while a parent works, attends approved education or training, or meets another approved activity. Apply through ACCESS or the local income-maintenance or Tribal agency.

After eligibility, the agency decides the authorized child care hours. The subsidy amount depends on the child’s age, family income, county or tribe, provider, and other factors. Ask the provider whether it accepts Wisconsin Shares and whether you will owe costs above the subsidy.

Start searching for regulated care while the case is pending. Approval does not mean a provider has an opening. ASMOM’s Wisconsin child care guide explains authorizations, parent costs, provider searches, and case changes.

W-2 and FoodShare Employment and Training may also help with job preparation, training, transportation, books, tools, or work clothing when the specific program approves those costs. Ask what must be authorized before spending money.

Health, pregnancy, disability, and caregiver support

The Well Badger Resource Center provides free health information and referrals for pregnancy, parenting, health coverage, nutrition, basic needs, and children with special health care needs.

Adults with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers can contact an Aging and Disability Resource Center. ADRCs give unbiased information about long-term care, benefits, transportation, housing, caregiver services, and community support. Call 844-WIS-ADRC (844-947-2372) to find the local office.

Families of children ages birth through 21 with delays, disabilities, special health needs, or mental health conditions can use Wisconsin Wayfinder. Call 877-947-2929 to reach a children’s resource guide.

ASMOM’s Wisconsin health guide covers BadgerCare Plus, clinics, prescriptions, dental care, and medical transportation.

Legal aid, child support, and family safety

Legal Action Wisconsin provides free civil legal help to eligible people. Judicare Legal Aid and Legal Action merged on January 1, 2026, creating one statewide organization. Call 855-947-2529 or complete online intake. Applying does not guarantee that the organization can accept the case.

Legal Action handles matters such as eviction, public benefits, debt, employment, family law, restraining orders, and victim support. Mention every hearing date, notice deadline, and immediate safety concern during intake. ASMOM’s Wisconsin legal guide lists other court and legal resources.

For child support services, use the Wisconsin child-support application to find the county or Tribal agency. If contacting the other parent may create danger, tell the worker and a domestic violence advocate before sharing location information.

The Wisconsin safety map lists local domestic violence programs. The national hotline is 800-799-7233. Use a safer phone or device when possible. ASMOM’s Wisconsin safety guide provides more confidential starting points.

Community Action agencies, schools, and local groups

The WISCAP agency finder shows the Community Action agency serving each area. Services depend on the agency and current funding. They may include food, housing, weatherization, Head Start, transportation, employment support, financial coaching, and referrals.

Your child’s school may also have a social worker, counselor, family liaison, McKinney-Vento homeless liaison, or family resource center. Ask about meals, clothing, school supplies, transportation, afterschool care, housing referrals, and keeping a child in the same school during housing instability.

Churches, mutual-aid groups, St. Vincent de Paul conferences, Salvation Army offices, libraries, and clinics may have small local funds or direct supplies. Ask what ZIP codes they serve and whether a referral is required. The national Community Action guide explains how to prepare for that call.

Documents and information to gather

Do not wait for every document before asking for help. Start the application or intake and ask what substitute proof is accepted. Use ASMOM’s documents checklist to keep records together.