Community Resources
Find Wisconsin and Milwaukee programs for food, health care, energy bills, housing, and work. Employment options include the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Ticket to Work for people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Call us if you are not sure where to start.
DVR: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation • SSI: Supplemental Security Income • SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance
Start Here
Two programs pay for ACO's employment services directly. Read those pages first, then use the list below for everything else.
Employment & vocational rehabilitation
Programs that pay for job training, placement, and coaching in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Funds job placement, coaching, training, and accommodations for people whose disability affects work. Register with DVR, then choose ACO as your provider.
800-442-3477dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvrSocial Security Ticket to Work
Free, voluntary program for SSI and SSDI recipients ages 18–64. ACO is an authorized Employment Network — you sign up through us.
866-968-7842choosework.ssa.govMilwaukee Job Center / Wisconsin Job Service
Free job search help, computer access, and workshops at local job centers.
888-258-9966jobcenterofwisconsin.comFood, health care & family services
Wisconsin Department of Health Services programs. Apply for most of them in one place at access.wisconsin.gov.
FoodShare Wisconsin (SNAP)
Monthly food benefits on a QUEST card for households that meet income limits. Apply online, by phone, or at your county office.
FoodShare Helpline: 888-947-6583dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshareBadgerCare Plus & Medicaid
Health coverage for eligible adults, children, pregnant people, and people with disabilities.
800-362-3002dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplusMedicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP)
Lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working and earning more.
800-362-3002dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid/mappFamily Planning Only Services
Covers birth control, related exams, and reproductive health services for people who qualify.
800-362-3002dhs.wisconsin.gov/familyplanningACCESS Wisconsin
One online application for FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, family planning, and other benefits.
access.wisconsin.govEnergy, heating & utilities
Help with heating, electricity, and emergency utility situations.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
Once-a-year help with heating and electric costs, plus crisis assistance if your service is disconnected or your furnace fails.
Energy Assistance Hotline: 866-432-8947energyandhousing.wi.govEnergy Services, Inc. (Milwaukee County intake)
The local agency that takes Milwaukee County energy assistance applications and schedules appointments.
414-270-4653esinc.usWeatherization Assistance
Free insulation, furnace repair, and efficiency work for income-eligible households.
866-432-8947energyandhousing.wi.govHousing & rent assistance
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, and homelessness help.
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM)
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing for City of Milwaukee residents. Waiting lists open periodically — check the site for openings.
414-286-5678hacm.orgHousing Authority of Milwaukee County
Rent assistance and vouchers for suburban Milwaukee County communities.
414-455-6800milwaukeecountyhousing.orgIMPACT 211
Free, confidential referrals for rent help, shelter, food pantries, and crisis support anywhere in Milwaukee County. Dial 211.
211impactinc.org/impact-211Transportation & disability advocacy
Getting to work, and knowing your rights once you are there.
Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS)
Bus routes, reduced fare program, and paratransit for riders with disabilities.
414-344-6711ridemcts.comDisability Rights Wisconsin
Free advocacy and legal information on employment rights, benefits, and accommodations.
800-928-8778disabilityrightswi.orgAging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Milwaukee County
Local starting point for long-term care, benefits screening, and disability supports.
414-289-6874county.milwaukee.govNot Sure Which Program Fits?
Call 414-239-6465 or send us a message. We will talk through your situation and point you to the right program — no cost, no obligation.
Phone numbers and eligibility rules for these public programs change. Please confirm details with the agency before you apply.