Campus and Community Resources
This webpage provides a centralized list of campus and community resources available to support students and employees. Resources include financial assistance, basic needs assistance, wellness services, community organizations and more.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Whether you are experiencing financial challenges, housing concerns, food insecurity, healthcare challenges or need help understanding what support is available, reaching out is a great first step. MSOE faculty and staff members are here to help you navigate resources with care, respect and confidentiality whenever possible.
If you are unsure where to start or do not see a resource you need, please reach out to one of the following offices for assistance.
Jump to: Rental and Housing Assistance | Food Assistance | Utilities Assistance | Free and Low-Cost Healthcare Resources | Employment Assistance | Veterans Resources | Legal and Civic Resources | Financial Assistance (Emergency Grants, Financial Aid Information) | Emergency Resources | Overall Assistance Resources | Community and Faith Organizations
Rental and Housing Assistance
Rental and housing assistance is available in the Milwaukee area to help individuals access safe, stable, and affordable housing.
- Community Advocates, Inc: Offers a range of services including temporary housing, housing vouchers, applications for energy assistance, and rent assistance.
- Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Section 8 Housing Program: A voucher program offered by the City of Milwaukee to provide affordable housing. Please note that this program has income guidelines and other eligibility requirements.
- MSOE Residence Life: A webpage with resources on finding housing, roommates, and subleases for off-campus housing.
- Rental Housing Resource Center: Collaborative network of local housing and related assistance programs designed to guide individuals through a variety of rental housing related issues.
Food Assistance
Food assistance is available in the Milwaukee area to help individuals access nutritious meals and groceries during times of need.
- Foodshare Information: Many students are eligible for Food Share, including students who are eligible for Work Study.
- Hunger Task Force: Milwaukee’s only free and local food distribution center and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. Food is distributed to local food pantries and through mobile food banks at no cost to local food pantries.
- Kinship Community Food Center: Local community food center focused on providing nutritious food to those in need.
- Local Food Pantries: Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Find a Pantry Tool
Utilities Assistance
Utility assistance resources are available in the Milwaukee area to help individuals maintain essential services such as electricity, heating, water and internet.
- MKE Internet Access Programs: Low-cost internet, computers, and computer training for Milwaukee residents
- Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Resources: A list of resources available through the state of Wisconsin to lower the cost of internet.
- USAC Lifeline Support: A federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet services.
- Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program: A program designed to help with heating and electricity costs. Please note that this program has income guidelines. Individuals can complete the Wisconsin Home Energy+ Application to apply.
Free and Low-Cost Healthcare Resources
Free and low-cost healthcare resources are available in the Milwaukee area to help individuals access affordable medical, dental, vision, and mental healthcare.
- Good RX: Free Program that Provides Discounts on Prescriptions
- Mental Health Emergency Center: county-wide psychiatric emergency department
- MSOE Counseling Services: List of Free/Low-Cost Mental Health Services
- MSOE Health Services: List of Free/Low-Cost Health Services
- Prescription Drug Company Discounts: Google “rebate” and the name of your prescription to see if there are discounts advertised online. You may also try contacting the drug company directly to see if they have any programs to help people who cannot afford prescriptions. Often, they do (e.g., here is one for Humira).
Employment Assistance
Employment assistance resources available in the Milwaukee area to help individuals explore career opportunities, build job readiness skills, and connect with employers.
- Employ Milwaukee: A workforce development agency designed to help individuals find jobs and provide grant funding to help individuals develop the skills necessary for employment.
- Job Center of Wisconsin: A place to find jobs in the state of Wisconsin.
- MSOE Career Connections Center: A place to help you find a career path that will lead to a successful, happy future.
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development: A department dedicated to assisting job seekers and employees with finding jobs and ensuring equal employment rights.
Veterans Resources
Veterans resources are available in the Milwaukee area for military veterans and their families.
- Milwaukee County DHHS Veteran Services: An agency designed to help veterans and their dependents navigate federal and state veteran’s benefits.
- MSOE Veteran Resources: A list of resources MSOE provides to current military, veterans, and veteran dependents.
- VA Milwaukee Healthcare: Healthcare services available through the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Legal and Civic Resources
Legal and civic in the Milwaukee area are available to help individuals access information and services related to legal support and civic liberties support.
- American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin: An organization dedicated to protecting, defending, and expanding civil rights and liberties through nonpartisan advocacy, community education, litigation, and organizing.
- American Immigration Lawyers Association Know Your Rights ICE handouts.
- Law for Learners: An organization that provides free legal help with a wide variety of legal issues.
- Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee: An organization designed to ensure access to legal representation for all Milwaukee residents.
- Marquette Legal Clinics: Provides free, brief legal advice on civil matters.
- Refugee and Immigrant Center at Voces de la Frontera: Strong advocacy and support network for immigrant communities.
- Voces de la Frontera: ICE Emergency Hotline: (800) 427-0213
Financial Assistance (Emergency Grants, Financial Aid Information)
MSOE offers a variety of financial assistance resources to support students experiencing financial challenges.
- MSOE Financial Aid Office: Get information on scholarships, grants, and loans that are available to help assist you with your MSOE bill and other expenses.
- Student Emergency Financial Assistance Program: Short-term, one-time financial support to cover unexpected personal emergencies and small institutional balance gaps. Please note that an application is required and approval is not guaranteed.
Emergency Resources
Resources available to address urgent, emergency situations.
- Milwaukee Police Department
- Emergency: 911
- Non-emergency: (414) 935-7234
- Milwaukee Fire Department
- Emergency: 911
- Smoke Alarm Installation: 414-286-8980
- MFD Emergency Medical Services
- Emergency: 911
- MSOE Public Safety
- MSOE Sexual Assault Resources
Overall Assistance Resources
Overall assistance resources are available in the Milwaukee area that connect individuals to a broad range of support services.
- 211: A guide to a variety of resources in the Milwaukee Area:
- Local Library Resources: A list of non-traditional library materials to help enhance learning experiences and explore the Milwaukee area.
- Salvation Army of the Greater Milwaukee Area: Household Goods and Clothing Assistance:
- United Way of Greater Milwaukee: An access point for housing, food, mental health, and crisis resources
- Wisconsin Childcare Subsidy Program: Students must meet income requirements and be a resident of Wisconsin. The program helps with childcare expenses.
Community Connections
Whether you're looking to volunteer, deepen your faith, or connect with organizations making a difference in the community, this directory will help you discover connections beyond campus.
Organizations listed in this directory have requested to share information with students. Inclusion in this directory does not constitute a partnership with or endorsement by the university. If your organization is interested in being in the directory, email campuslife@msoe.edu.
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: A local fraternity that focuses on developing leaders through academic excellence, civic engagement, and advocacy for social justice and equality through national initiatives and local programming.
- Brew City Catholic: A young adult Catholic community offering social events, service opportunities, and faith formation in the Milwaukee area.
- CS Lewis Society of Milwaukee: A ministry of the Episcopal Church that fosters conversation and community by engaging with the writings and ideas of CS Lewis. Students can join weekly discussion, fellowship, food, and occasional events.
- Hillel Milwaukee Community Center: A space for Jewish students to connect through religious, cultural, and social programming.
- Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee: A network that supports and advances Hispanic professionals through career development, mentorship, and community engagement.
- Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee: An organization that fosters understanding and collaboration among diverse religious traditions through dialogue and community initiatives.
- International Institute of Wisconsin: A nonprofit that assists immigrants and refugees with resettlement, education, and cultural integration services.
- Islamic Resource Center: A nonprofit providing educational, cultural, and outreach programs to promote understanding of Islam and support the Muslim community.
- Milwaukee LGBT Community Center: A community hub providing resources, support services, and programs for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
- The Milwaukee Urban League: A historic organization working to advance economic empowerment, education, and civil rights for African American communities.
- Muslim Women’s Coalition: An organization dedicated to empowering Muslim women through education, leadership development, and community engagement.
- Organization of Chinese Americans: A civic organization that promotes the well-being, civic engagement, and cultural heritage of Chinese Americans.
- Shambhala Meditation Center of Milwaukee: A meditation community offering mindfulness practices and teachings rooted in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition.
- Urban Indian Health Institute: A health-focused organization providing culturally informed services and support for Native American communities in the region.