Transitional Housing in Milwaukee, WI
Free & low-cost transitional housing programs for people rebuilding their lives in Milwaukee, WI
Last updated:
Quick Answer
The Milwaukee area has approximately 25 transitional housing programs. Many programs are free through HUD, the VA, Wisconsin state programs, and local nonprofits. Programs that charge typically ask for $255–$850/month or 30% of income. Call 211 for local referrals or the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) if you are fleeing domestic violence.
Milwaukee, WI Transitional Housing at a Glance
~25
Programs
Free–$850
Monthly Cost
3–24
Months (Typical Stay)
7
Populations Served
Transitional Housing Programs in Milwaukee, WI
8 verified as of . Listing is not an endorsement — always call ahead; availability changes daily.
| Facility | Area | Phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
1216 N. 13th St., Milwaukee, WI 53205 | Hillside, near downtown | 414-345-3240 | men only (shelter), case management, housing programs |
1730 N. 7th St., Milwaukee, WI 53205 | Hillside / Halyard Park | 414-265-6360 | 120 beds, single adults & families, accepts DOC/parole referrals, medical respite beds |
209 W. Orchard St., Milwaukee, WI 53204 | South Side | 414-645-2122 | families & adults, rapid re-housing, intake via 211 |
845 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Downtown / East Town | 414-831-0394 | women & families, shelter up to 90 days, flexible housing up to 2 years |
830 N. 19th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233 | Near West Side | 414-344-2211 | men's shelter (Safe Harbor), Joy House for women & children, faith-based, long-term recovery program |
3330 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53208 | Near West Side | 414-342-5000 | veterans, men & women, meals + case management, job training on-site |
1004 N. 10th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233 | Downtown (Historic Tenth Street Residences) | 414-374-8029 | men leaving incarceration, 12 apartments, approx. 6-month stays, opened 2025 |
Contact for location | Milwaukee | 414-933-2722 | confidential location, DV survivors, 24-hr hotline (call 414-933-2722 / text 414-877-8100), emergency shelter |
How we verify: every listing is cross-checked against the organization's own website plus at least one independent source (official directories, Oxford House, Wisconsincertification lists, or listing platforms) at the date shown above. Programs close and fill up — call before visiting. Facilities marked "Contact for location" keep their address private by design.
What Is Transitional Housing?
Transitional housing provides temporary housing combined with supportive services to help people move from homelessness or crisis situations to permanent, stable housing. Unlike emergency shelters (which offer short-term beds, often just overnight), transitional housing programs typically last 3 to 24 months and include case management, job training, financial literacy, counseling, and help finding permanent housing.
Transitional housing in Milwaukeeserves a wide range of people: those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors, veterans, families with children, youth aging out of foster care, people reentering society after incarceration, and those in addiction recovery. The goal is always the same — providing a stable foundation so residents can get back on their feet and achieve lasting independence.
Unlike halfway houses (which are specifically for people leaving incarceration or in substance abuse recovery), transitional housing serves a broader population and typically has fewer restrictions. There may not be curfews, mandatory meetings, or drug testing — though program-specific rules vary.
Who Can Apply for Transitional Housing in Milwaukee?
Transitional housing programs in Milwaukee serve the following populations. Eligibility varies by program.
Cost Breakdown
Free programs: Many transitional housing programs in Milwaukee are completely free, especially those funded by HUD Continuum of Care grants, the VA (for veterans), or Wisconsin state programs. DV shelters and youth-specific programs are almost always free.
Income-based programs: Some programs ask residents to contribute 30% of their income toward rent once they are employed. If you have no income, you pay nothing. This model helps residents practice budgeting and saving for permanent housing.
Fee-based programs: Some private or nonprofit programs charge a modest monthly fee, typically $255–$850/month. This often includes a room, meals, utilities, and access to supportive services like case management and job training.
How to Find Transitional Housing in Milwaukee
- 1.
- 2.
Contact Your Local Continuum of Care (CoC)
HUD funds a Continuum of Care in every community, which coordinates access to transitional housing. In Milwaukee, this is typically managed through a coordinated entry system. Visit HUD Exchange to find your local CoC.
- 3.
Veterans: Contact the VA
Veterans can access transitional housing through the VA's Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program, HUD-VASH vouchers, and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Call the VA homeless veteran helpline at 1-877-424-3838.
- 4.
DV Survivors: Call the National Hotline
If you are fleeing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, confidential). They can connect you with safe transitional housing programs in Milwaukee for survivors and their children.
- 5.
Contact Local Nonprofits Directly
Many transitional housing programs accept direct applications. See the notable organizations listed below for programs in Milwaukee. You can also visit a local shelter or community action agency to get connected with transitional housing options.
Transitional Housing Organizations in Milwaukee
These organizations provide transitional housing or can connect you with programs in the Milwaukee area. Contact them directly for availability and eligibility requirements.
- •Guest House of Milwaukee
- •Hope House of Milwaukee
- •Sojourner Family Peace Center
- •Community Advocates
Wisconsin Transitional Housing Programs
Wisconsin funds transitional housing through the Department of Administration's State Shelter Subsidy Grant and Emergency Solutions Grants. Milwaukee Continuum of Care manages local coordinated entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is transitional housing in Milwaukee, WI?
How much does transitional housing cost in Milwaukee?
How do I apply for transitional housing in Milwaukee, WI?
How long can I stay in transitional housing in Milwaukee?
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