January 2026

The Milwaukee County Housing Division assumed the role of Coordinated Entry (CE) Lead on December 30, 2025. While the transition happened on a shortened timeline, the immediate focus is on maintaining the core functions that keep the CE system moving.

These core activities include facilitating shelter calls and population-specific staffing in partnership with the Institute for Community Alliance (ICA). The Milwaukee County Housing Division will continue partnering with IMPACT to ensure that 2-1-1 referrals from our unhoused community members are addressed. The Milwaukee County Housing Division will continue expanding referral pathways with healthcare partners, Milwaukee Public Schools, and other homelessness response system partners. These referrals prioritize people experiencing Category 1 homelessness and aim to connect them with street outreach, shelter, and diversion resources whenever possible.

To prevent communication gaps, emails sent to IMPACT’s [now expired] Coordinated Entry team, Healthcare Partnership, and Category 4 addresses, will continue to be forwarded to the Milwaukee County Housing Division CE Team. An updated CE Team email is provided below.

For individuals experiencing housing instability, calling 2-1-1 remains the first step for resources and initial support. The Milwaukee County Housing Division CE Team will receive referrals from 2-1-1 and follow up with an in-person or phone assessment as appropriate.

At this time, referral criteria for Category 2 households will be limited. The focus will be on those with an eviction notice to vacate within 14 days, access to short-term stabilization resources, and those who have exhausted other prevention options. As capacity grows, the plan is to expand both resources and assistance for this group.

Category 3 will continue as it currently operates, with Coordinated Entry supporting youth-serving agencies through CE enrollments and referrals. Category 4 will also remain unchanged. Emails sent to the current IMPACT Category 4 address will be forwarded to the Milwaukee County Housing Division CE Team. ICA and the Milwaukee County Housing Division will continue entering these referrals into Clarity on behalf of domestic violence agencies.

For professionals seeking to connect with CE, please email: CETeam@milwaukeecountywi.gov.



As a professional or concerned citizen to report or update a street outreach location, please email: CEOutreach@milwaukeecountywi.gov

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Update

In December, a judge ruled that HUD must begin processing grant renewal applications. HUD is required to use the FY 2024 selection criteria and may not use criteria from funding notices that were later withdrawn. This ruling allows applications to move forward but does not yet require HUD to award funding. A final decision on funding is expected as part of the judge’s ruling in February.

In addition, because the Coordinated Entry Lead has moved to a different agency, a Priority Listing must be submitted. MCHH is currently working on project renewal applications and will submit project rankings and ratings by HUD’s February 9, 2026 deadline.

Winter Warming Locations Face Increased Demand

Winter has settled in across Milwaukee, bringing freezing temperatures, snow, and overcast skies. For people experiencing homelessness, these harsh conditions make the search for safe shelter even more urgent.

As of early 2026, all Milwaukee-area warming shelters are at or beyond capacity. On an average night, shelters are serving approximately 250 individuals. While many people seeking shelter are from the Milwaukee area, shelters are also assisting individuals from northern Wisconsin, Madison, and Waukesha. Most are hoping to remain in Milwaukee long term and are receiving support to do so.

Shelters are also seeing a significant increase in families in need. Unity Lutheran Church, in particular, including several large households of five to eight people. Many of these families include young children under the age of 12 and, in some cases, newborns.

In addition, shelters have reported an increase in individuals seeking refuge with pets. While these animals may not be legally registered as service animals, they provide vital emotional support during times of crisis. Unfortunately, limited pet accommodations mean some individuals are unable to stay in shelters because they cannot be separated from their animals. To help address this challenge, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County has partnered with the Wisconsin Humane Society to support individuals experiencing homelessness with pets.

You can be part of the community effort to address winter homelessness. Consider supporting local shelters by making a monetary donation. Funds will go directly toward supporting the warming populations. The number of people at the City’s warming shelters has more than doubled, which has significantly increased the costs related to daily operations, linens, food, and staffing. Every action—big or small—helps keep people safe during dangerous winter conditions.

"Know Your Rights and Resources" Webpage Launched

Many Milwaukee residents—particularly those who are not U.S. citizens—are experiencing increased stress and uncertainty amid heightened attention on immigration enforcement nationwide. These concerns are real, and the Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness (MCHH) wants the community to know they are not alone.

The City of Milwaukee has launched a webpage that provides accurate, timely information and helpful resources. The MCHH is sharing this information as part of its commitment to keeping the community informed and supported. The webpage includes general guidance, preparedness materials, and legal support resources in one central location. Click here to visit the webpage.

Below are links to selected resources that may be useful. For additional information, visit the webpage.

Calling All Changemakers

Looking to make a meaningful impact in the Milwaukee community? Apply to join the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County as their Director of the Continuum of Care.