Need help finding other resources? United Way of Dane County has a 24 hour helpline. Call 211 anytime.

A printer-friendly brochure listing is also available in English and Spanish.


Food Assistance

FoodShare Helpline Second Harvest volunteers will help you learn if you are eligible for FoodShare benefits. 1-877-366-3635
FoodShare Program Assistance to buy food at grocery stores. (608) 242-7441
Madison and Dane County Food Resource Guide Madison and Dane County food resource guide. In both English and Spanish.
WIC Program Women, Infants, & Children nutrition program. (608) 267-1111.

Health Care

Health Insurance Resources on getting health insurance.
Health Care Services Links to free and low cost clinics in Dane County.
Oral Health Services Links to low cost dental service providers.

Housing and Utilities

CAC Housing Resource Desk Information and referral to community housing resources & housing search assistance. (608) 237-1255
Tenant Resource Center Housing counseling, mediation services and information on community resources. (608) 257-0006
Energy/Utility Assistance Help with heating/electric costs and energy crisis. (608) 267-8601 or 1 (800) 506-5596
Housing Navigation Services Assistance with housing applications, guidance, and planning. (608) 826-8093
Homeless Services Consortium of Dane County For those who are homeless or in danger of losing housing. (608) 266-6254
Project Home Home repairs, accessibility modifications, and energy improvements. (608) 246-3737
Home Energy Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).
Assurance Wireless Free cell phone with minutes and texting for low income households who qualify. 1 (888) 321-5880
Lifeline Discounted phone and internet services for low income families. (608) 267-3595
Internet Discount Finder Matches eligible Wisconsin residents to low-cost home internet service and discount programs. Call the Wisconsin Internet and Phone Helpline at (608) 267-3595 for support by phone.

Resources for Families

Head Start/Early Head Start Parenting support and preschool education for families. (608) 275-6740
Babies & Beyond 24 hour helpline that has a variety of services. Does not refer to abortion services. Sharing Center has a variety of items including free new pack n plays. (608) 222-0008
Car Seat Program Low price car seats and free car seat checks by appointment.
Text (608) 333-6087. Email: safekids@uwhealth.org
4C's Community Coordinated Child Care helps find safe and accredited child care. (608) 271-9181
Respite Center Provides 24 hour emergency child care in a crisis, and planned care when looking for work, housing, or if you need a break. (608) 244-5700
Parental Stress Line Confidential listening support to parents 24 hours/day over the phone. 1(800) 632-8188
Bereaved Parents of Madison Inc Support for families after miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death. (920) 643-0217
Project Babies Provides portable bassinets, baby clothing, diapers, wipes and other items as needed. (608) 770-9588
Birth to 3 Program Developmental screening and support for children ages 0-3.
  • Madison School District (608) 252-1320
  • Outside of Madison (608) 273-3232
Early Childhood Screening and special education for children ages 3-5 in Madison School District. East: (608) 663-8471 West: (608) 516-2740.
Play and Learn Free program that provides 2 hours of fun learning activities for children 0-5 and their parents.
  • English (608) 204-6784
  • Spanish (608) 204-7918
  • Hmong (608) 212-4683
Madison Children's Museum Discovery learning and creative play. (608) 256-6445
Rise Provides parenting support, home visiting, and information. (608) 250-6634 
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food pantry, prescription assistance, and portable cribs made available to low income families. (608) 257-0919
Baby Depot Offers baby items if available. (608) 441-7680
Blackhawk Church Delivers box of baby items. Leave a message. Will not receive a call back, call again when mother goes into labor. 1st call: (608) 828-4232. 2nd call: (608) 669-3171

Legal and Immigration Services

Centro Hispano Immigration Services Program, with cost. (608) 400-9469
Community Immigration Law Center Immigration legal services, reduced fee and free. (608) 640-4444
RISE Law Center Family and immigration law. (608) 256-1015
Wisconsin Law School Immigrant Justice Clinic Legal services including rental housing, employment, and public benefits law. (608) 890-0678

Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Behavioral Health Resource Center Information and referrals for mental health and substance use. (608) 784-8669
Journey Mental Health Center Mental health and substance use services. (608) 280-2700
First Breath Free program to help all people quit smoking. (608) 251-1675
Wisconsin Tobacco QuitLine Information on how to quit smoking. 1-800-784-8669
DAIS Domestic violence support. (608) 251-4445 or 1-800-747-4045
NAMI Dane County Support for individuals and families with mental illness. (608) 249-7188
Comprehensive Community Services For those with MA and a mental health and/or substance use issue needing rehab services. Youth: (608) 283-1400. Adult: (608) 242-6415
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
The Rainbow Project Help for parents with children who have behavioral or emotional challenges. (608) 255-7356