Portage County Community Resources 


Click on the links below to jump right to the section you're looking for!


 Energy Cell Phone
 Food Clothing

Housing AODA
 Legal
 Healthcare



Other

Energy

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)


Provides assistance with heating costs, electric costs, and energy situations through federal and state funding. Households with income at or below 60% of the Wisconsin state median income may be eligible. In addition to regular heating and electric assistance, specialized services include:

  • Emergency fuel assistance;
  • Counseling for energy conservation and energy budgets;
  • Proactive co-payment plans;
  • Targeted outreach services
  • Emergency furnace repair and replacement

1224 Strong Ave.

Stevens Point, WI 54481

Ph: 715-344-5999 (call for an appointment)

Apply online here (will need valid e-mail address and Social Security Number to apply)


Please click HERE for eligibility requirements. 



Back to top of page

CAP Services Weatherization Program


Program assists income-qualified homes identified by WHEAP through sealing air leaks, insulation, energy-efficient light bulbs, and low-flow shower heads.


1725 West River Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Ph: 715-343-7145

Emergency Assistance


Primarily for housing crisis situations but also has energy assistance component.


Go to "Other Resources" section on this page or click HERE for more information.





 

    Cell Phone

    Lifeline


    Provides free or reduced cell phone and/or land line service to eligible households in Wisconsin. There are a number of national providers for Lifeline including Safelink and Q-Link. Both have service areas in Wisconsin but that does not mean that the cell coverage is very good. It is advised you research HERE for the best provider in your area.


    Eligibility Requirements: must be a recipient of one of the following public assistance programs:

    • BadgerCare
    • Food Share
    • Medical Assistance
    • Social Security (SSI)
    • Wisconsin Heating and Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
    • Wisconsin Homestead Credit (Scheduled "H" on the WI Tax Return
    • Wisconsin Works (W-2 Program)
    Back to top of page

    No Cost Cell Phone Programs


    There are a number of national providers for Lifeline including Safelink and Q-Link. Both have service areas in Wisconsin but that does not mean that the cell coverage is very good. It is advised you research at the above website for the best provider in your area.


    Telecommunications Assistance Program (TAP)


    The TAP is a program to distribute telecommunication equipment to low-income individuals who are hard of hearing or hearing impaired. Contact your local telephone company or Wisconsin Department of Hard of Hearing at 608-243-5626. 


    Affordable Connectivity Program


    The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. To apply, click HERE.

    Food

    The Salvation Army


    Offers free meals.


    Open Daily

    Breakfast: 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM

    Lunch: 12:00 PM

    Dinner: 5:30 PM


    1600 Briggs St

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-341-2437



    The Place of Peace


    Offers free meals.


    Dinner: Thursdays, 5:00 PM


    1948 Church St

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-496-0164



    St Vinnie's Food Pantry


    Open: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM


    2124 Rice Street

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-344-7395



    St. Paul's Food Pantry


    Open: Tuesdays, 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM


    1919 Wyatt Ave

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-344-5664



    UWSP Cupboard


    Must be a UWSP student to be eligible for this service

    Open: Monday - Wednesday, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM


    The last day to use the Cupboard walk-in hours will be the last Wednesday of regular classes each semester. Online orders are accepted anytime, including during finals week and all summer.


    1015 Reserve Street, DUC061

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-346-2174



    WIC Program

     

    This is a supplemental food program for infants and children through age 5 and for pregnant and/or nursing mothers to achieve better health and nutrition. Eligibility restrictions apply.

     

    Portage County Health and Human Services

    817 Whiting Ave

    Stevens Point, WI 54476


    Ph: 715-345-5744


    FoodShare


    Provides supplemental nutritional assistance to low income individuals and families. 


    Portage County Health & Human Services

    817 Whiting Ave

    Stevens Point WI

    Ph: 715-345-5350, Option 7

     

    You can apply one of three ways:

    • Online at access.wisconsin.gov
    • Call 1-888-445-1621 
    • Walk in to: Ruth Gilfry at Portage County Health and Human Services
    Back to top of page

    Interfaith Food Pantry


    Must be a Portage County resident and provide proof of residence.


    Open: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM


    2810 Post Rd

    Plover, WI 54467

    Ph: 715-347-2689


     

    New Hope Community Church Food Pantry


    **Updated Service Delivery**

    Open at usual times. Volunteer will bring food out to customers.


    Open: 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM


    117 W 2nd St

    Junction City, WI

    Ph: 715-457-3051


    Rosholt Food Pantry


    Open: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM


    247 Depot St

    Rosholt, WI 

    Ph: 715-570-3045


    TRACK - Tomorrow River Area Communities Kitchen


    Open: Mondays, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM & Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM


    Peace Lutheran Church

    293 S Main St

    Amherst, WI 54406

     

    Portage County Mobile Pantry


    Call to discuss eligibility and be added to the route. Delivers a supplemental supply of groceries to rural residents on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.


    Ph: 715-341-9922


    Operation Bootstrap


    Provides emergency food boxes through referrals at Emergency Services. Call Emergency Services to inquire. 


    Ph: 715-344-7438 (Emergency Services)


    Clothing

    Operation Bootstrap


    **By Referral Only** - Call Emergency Services for Referral


    5000 Heffron St

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-344-7438



    Evergreen Community Initiatives

    Kid's Closet


    Open Thursdays 2:00pm - 5:00pm


    1948 Church Street

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-252-7860





    Back to top of page

    Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store


    Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store offers ladies, men’s, and children’s clothing at a discounted price. Stop in to see the variety of items they offer.


    **Talk with your Case Manager if you are in need of free or reduced clothing. We can refer you to St. Vinnie's if you have specific clothing needs!** 

     

    STORE HOURS:

    Monday - 10:00am - 5:00pm

    Tuesday - 10:00am - 5:00pm

    Wednesday - 10:00am - 5:00pm

    Thursday - 10:00am - 5:00pm

    Friday - 10:00am - 5:00pm

    Saturday - 10:00am - 5:00pm

    Sunday - CLOSED


    2124 Rice Street

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-344-7395


    Hair Cuts


    Your FSET Case Manager may issue a Cost Cutter's haircut voucher which may be used to receive a professional groom in preparation for a job interview. Please contact your FSET Case Manager for this service.  


    AODA

    Ministry Behavioral Health - Outpatient Clinic


    209 Prentice St. North

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-344-4611


    Ascension Behavioral Health - Residential Treatment


    Treatment Center offers comprehensive drug or alcohol dependency treatment in a residential setting.


    201 Prentice St. North

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-345-0711



    Drug Rehab Guide for Addiction & Mental Health


    Guide to answer questions regarding drug rehab center facilities including their focus, treatment options, accreditation, and cost.


    Wisconsin Rehab List


    Guide to all inpatient and outpatient alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation facilities in Wisconsin.




    Back to top of page

    Ministry Behavioral Health - Women for Sobriety


    201 Prentice St. North

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-345-0711


    Oxford House


    Oxford House is a concept in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. In its simplest form, an Oxford House describes a democratically run, self-supporting and drug free home.


         Lindbergh Oxford House

         2916 Lindberg Ave

         Stevens Point, WI 54481

         Ph: 715-544-6336


         Riverside Oxford House

         1117 Smith St

         Stevens Point, WI

         Ph: 715-544- 0132


         Unity Oxford House

         2105 Division St

         Stevens Point, WI 54481

         Ph: 715-544-1112

    Legal

    Wisconsin Judicare


    Non-profit law firm dedicated to providing equal access to justice to Wisconsin residents. 


    401 5th Street Suite #200 

    Wausau, WI 54403

    Ph: 715-842-1681


    Justiceworks, Ltd.


    A volunteer network of Portage county residents coordinates services that help secure right relationships between victims, offenders, and their community.


    1578 Strongs Ave, Suite D

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-344-3677



    Lawyer Referral & Information


    Legal hotline offers general legal information and lawyer referral through the State Bar of Wisconsin.


    Ph: 800-362-9082



    Back to top of page

    Legal Action of Wisconsin (LAW)


    LAW provides FREE legal services to low income people with focus on benefits and health programs, family law, housing law, licenses, criminal records and employment, senior law,migrant farm workers, and social security disability. LAW does not have a local office in Wood County but does provide services for Wood County residents. Individuals can contact LAW at the Oshkosh office.


    Hours: 9AM-4PM on Mondays - Fridays


    LAW - Oshkosh

    404 N Main St, Suite 702

    Oshkosh WI  54901

    Ph: 800-236-1128 



    Healthcare

    Medical Assistance


    Medicaid is similar to a health insurance program, but with a few exceptions, such as Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP), there are no insurance premiums and very few limitations on coverage.  This program offers people with disabilities who are working or interested in working the opportunity to buy health coverage.

     

    The Central Income Maintenance Consortium administers a number of medical assistance programs including BadgerCare Plus, Family Planning, Community Waivers, Nursing Home and Elderly-Blind-Disabled medicare programs.

    You can apply one of three primary ways:


    Online at access.wisconsin.gov

     

    Call (888) 445-1621

     

    Walk in to:

    Portage County Health & Human Services

    817 Whiting Ave 

    Stevens Point WI


    Portage County HHSD Division of Public Health


    The Public Health Division provides a wide variety of health services including WIC, Community Health services and many others.


    817 Whiting Avenue
    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-345-5350


    Aging & Disability Resource Center of Portage County


    Lincoln Center 

    1519 Water Street

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph:715-346-1401


    Medicaid/BadgerCare Recipient Hotline


    Call the hotline to locate a health care provider in your area who accepts Medicaid/BadgerCare payment for services


    Ph: 800-362-3002






    Back to top of page
    Family Health La Clinica Dental Clinic 


    Provider of dental care. Accepts Medical Assistance/BadgerCare for customers living in Portage County


    3604 East Main Dr.

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-997-9802


    Family Health La Clinica


    Bilingual fee based medical care (primary care and behavioral health). 


    3125 Main Street

    Stevens Point, Wi 54481

    Ph: 715-254-9072


    Portage County Crisis Intervention Services


    Provides payment assistance for Portage county residents to obtain counseling, psychotherapy, or psychological evaluations from private agencies who participate in the program


    Portage County Health and Human Services

    817 Whiting Ave

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-345-5350, press option 2

    After hours emergency hotline: (866) 317-9362



    CAP Services, Inc. - Mental Heath Navigation Program


    Reduce the barriers to accessing services and increase follow-through with treatment plans toward the goal of improving mental health.


    1608 West River Dr.

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    (715)343-7104



    Ascension Behavioral Health - Outpatient Clinic


    Provides behavioral health services in AODA, mental health, and marriage and family therapy.


    209 Prentice St. North

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-344-4611


    New Life Therapy Center


    Sliding fee available


    23 Park Ridge Drive #1

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-342-4180

    Toll Free: 1-800-597-4220





    Housing


    The Salvation Army - Hope Center


    Provider of temporary shelter. Operates on a first come, first serve basis for single individuals and families. Inquire in person for availability at Salvation Army.


    1600 Briggs St

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-341-2437



    Family Crisis Center - CAP Services


    The Family Crisis Center (FCC) provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and their families, friends and care providers.


    1616 W River Drive

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-343-7125 or 800-472-3377


    Stevens Point Warming Center


    The Stevens Point Warming Center is run by Evergreen Community Initiatives and located at the Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church. Dinner is served at 5:00 PM..


    The Warming Center is open during winter months only, exactly open/close dates of the shelter varies. If seeking shelter at the Warming Center call between 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM to inquire about availability.


    Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church

    1300 Main Street

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-252-7860

    smileforchistssake@yahoo.com



    Catholic Charities Bureau

    Income-based housing property listing.

    https://ccbhousing.org/ 




    Back to top of page

    Emergency Services


    Emergency Services can help individuals and families avoid eviction by paying a portion of past-due rent or mortgage to individuals living in Portage County. 


    1224 Strongs Avenue

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-344-7438



    Emergency Assistance


    Primarily for housing crisis situations. Operated under the Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program.


    Go to "Other Resources" section on this page or click HERE for more information.



    Stevens Point Housing Authority


    Section 8 and public housing agency, which provides safe and affordable housing opportunities for families and elderly individuals.


    1300 Briggs Ct

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-341-3444, ext. 5


    Housing Authority of Portage County


    The Housing Authority of Portage County operates housing programs for the elderly, disabled and low-income households of Portage County, WI.


    1100 Centerpoint Dr, Suite 201B

    Stevens Point, WI 

    Ph: 715) 346-1392 or 715-344-2140 (TTY)



    Home Buyers Assistance Program - CAP Services


    1725 West River Driver

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-340-9391

    nthiede@capmail.org




    Childcare

    Wisconsin Shares (Child Care Assistance)


    The service provider for Wisconsin Shares in Portage County is:


    Portage County Health and Human Services

    817 Whiting Ave

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-345-5350


    You can apply for FREE in person, over the phone at (888) 445-1621, or online at access.wisconsin.gov


    Wisconsin Child Care Provider Listing


    The State of Wisconsin has an online directory of all regulated child care providers (certified, licensed family and licensed group centers).


    Back to top of page

    Child Caring (Child Care Resource and Referral Agency)


    Child Caring serves many of the counties in the NorthCentral FSET region including Adams, Langlade, Lincoln, Portage and Marathon.


    Ph: 800-628-8534





    Transportation

    Non-Emergency Medical Transportation


    Transportation service for non-emergency medical appointments for recipients of medical assistance. You can get rides to/from non-emergency medical appointments or you can get reimbursed for your trips to/from non-emergency medical appointments.


    To schedule a ride call: 866-907-1493

    Or schedule through the member portal


    Must call 2 days in advance.

    Trip logs can be found here.


    Stevens Point Transit


    Bus system run by the city of Stevens Point.


    2700 Week Street

    Stevens Point, WI 54482

    Ph: 715-341-4490

     

    In-A-Fix


    Contact United Way by calling 2-1-1 for more information.


    Ph: 715-341-6740


    WETAP


    No-interest vehicle repair and purchase loans across the service area. You need to be low-income to be eligible for a WETAP loan. You also need to

    • be employed or have a job offer
    • have car insurance
    • have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license


    Back to top of page

    Work-N-Wheels


    Work-N-Wheels is a 0% interest free loan program. The auto loan program is designed to help income eligible people in need of reliable transportation to get to and from work.


    For additional information and an application, contact:


    Jean Cook

    Ph: 715-343-7138

    jcook@capmail.org



    Job Access Loan


    A short term loan program for individuals with minor children to meet emergency needs related to employment.  


    Forward Service Corporation

    Application and Resource Hot Line

    Phone: 1-855-733-1311



    Other Resources

    Mental Health Resources


    Confidential over-the-phone crisis intervention by professionals who will provide a supportive listening ear for people in our community that are experiencing emotional distress.


    Portage County Crisis Line: 1-866-317-9362

    Text: HOPELINE to 741741


    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

    Call 988


    Resource available by call, text and online chat for anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis. 

    NAMI Portage-Wood Counties

    Virtual Mental Health Peer Support Groups
    First Thursday of each month from
    6:15 - 7:45pm - Call 715-254-1864 or 715-630-8227 to join the group.
    Second Monday of the month from
    6:15 - 7:45pm - Call 715-897-5215 or 715-897-1108 to join.


    Family Support Groups
    First Monday of the month - 6:30 - 8:00pm 
    715-254-5452

    Second Monday of the Month - 6:00 - 7:30pm 
    715-323-4437


    United Way of Portage County


    Call United Way for free and confidential non-emergency information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 

    • Community Information of Any Kind
    • Personal Family Matters
    • Volunteer Opportunities

    1100 Center Point Dr #302

    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-341-6740 or dial 211


    Sexual Assault Victim Services


    Provides assistance to victims of sexual violence, including sexual assault and sexual abuse, as well as to their families, friends and care providers.


    Stevens Point, WI
    Ph: 800-472-3377 or 715-343-7114


    Support seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families and caregivers by offering easy access to services.


    1519 Water St
    Stevens Point, WI 54481
    Ph: 715-346-1404

    Division of Vocational Rehabilitation(DVR)


    Assists individuals that want to work that have a disability find employment.


    320 W Grand Ave #102

    Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

    Ph: 715-422-5050

     

    Portage County Public Library


    **Mobile Hotspot Available for Check-Out**


    1001 Main St

    Stevens Point, WI 54481



    Back to top of page

    Emergency Assistance


    If you’re about to lose your home or have utilities shut off, Emergency Assistance may be able to help. You may qualify for Emergency Assistance if:

    • Can’t pay your rent or mortgage
    • You have received an eviction notice
    • You received a foreclosure notice
    • Your family is living in a shelter or temporary place
    • You received a disconnect notice for your utilities
    • Your heat or electricity is shut off
    • Lost your home through fire, flood, or natural disaster

    1100 Centerpoint Dr.

    Stevens Point, WI 54481 

    1-800-771-8420


    Wisconsin Works (W-2)


    W-2 is a time-limited program that provides temporary cash assistance and case management services to low-income parents and pregnant women. W-2 is a work program for adults willing to engage in work activities; it is not an entitlement.


    **This office is open by appointment only**
    Forward Service Corp
    1100 Center Point Drive, Suite D
    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Phone: 715-544-1562
    Fax: 715-544-1563


    Application and Resource Hot Line

    Phone: 1-855-733-1311



    Wisconsin Rapids Job Center


    Open Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm


    320 W Grand Ave Suite 102

    Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

    Ph: 715-422-5000


    Free Taxes


    Every household with a simple return, can file federal and state taxes for free through https://www.myfreetaxes.com/




    UpLiftWI


    ph# 534-202-5438 

    from Noon – Midnight daily


    Talk to someone who is there to listen and offer support.

    This is a non-emergency service, free and confidential.

     


    Stevens Point Child Safety Center, Inc.
    Safe Kids Portage County
    Car seat Program for Income Eligible Families


    35F Park Ridge Drive
    Stevens Point, WI 54481

    Ph: 715-341-7328


     

    Address: Wood County Human Services - River Block

    111 W. Jackson St., 2nd Floor, Wisconsin Rapids WI 54495  

    Phone: +1 (715) 421-8608 8

    ET

    Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software