Program Overview
The Homeless Case Management Services (HCMS) grant provides intensive case management services to eligible families experiencing homelessness. The program is funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant program and created through Wisconsin Act 59, statue §16.3085. All HCMS funds must be administered in accordance with applicable TANF requirements, rules, and regulations.
HCMS supports shelter facilities and motel voucher programs serving families experiencing homelessness. Each year, up to 10 annual grants of $50,000 may be awarded.
Who This Page Is For
This page includes information for:
- Shelter facilities and motel voucher programs interested in applying
- Current HCMS grantees and program administrators
- Service providers seeking referral information
- Community members looking for general program information or help accessing services
For People Looking for Help
What is the HCMS program?
The HCMS program helps eligible families experiencing homelessness receive intensive case management services designed to support housing stability. Services focus on practical areas that can help families move towards stability.
Who May Be Eligible?
To be eligible for HCMS-funded services, a household must meet both of the following requirements:
- Be staying in an emergency shelter or motel through a motel voucher program, and
- Meet an eligible TANF family category.
Eligible TANF family categories include:
- Homeless individuals accompanied by minor children (under age 18 for whom the homeless individuals are legally responsible, or under 19 but a full-time student in high school, working on an equivalency degree, or enrolled in basic vocational or technical education).
- Homeless pregnant individuals.
- Homeless individuals, unaccompanied by children, who are non-custodial parents of children under the age of 18.
- Homeless individuals who are younger than age 25 and accompanied by another person related by blood or marriage.
Families headed by a person under age 18 may be served. Priority is given to the first two family types listed above.
How to Access Services
HCMS services are not requested directly through the State.
To find help:
- Contact a local HCMS grantee or referral contact
- Complete any screening or intake steps required by the provider
- Work with the local provider to determine eligibility and available services
HCMS client referral contacts can be found here:
HCMS Client Referral Contacts 2025 (PDF)
If you or someone you know is looking for help, please visit the What Assistance Is Available to Me? section of this site for a list of programs, services, and assistance available by county. If you have further questions, please contact DOASupportiveHousing@wisconsin.gov.
For Agencies Interested in Applying
Eligible applicants are limited to:
- Shelter facilities serving families experiencing homelessness
- Motel voucher programs serving families experiencing homelessness
Applicants must also:
- Use the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) or an HMIS-comparable database
- Be able to provide intensive case management services consistent with HCMS requirements
- Meet all applicable contract, reporting, and program compliance requirements
Funding Information
- Maximum award: $50,000
- Number of awards: Up to 10 per year
- Funding source: TANF
- Performance period: July 1 - June 30
Application Process
Applicants should review the application materials and submit all required documents during the posted application period.
For questions about applying, contact the HCMS program staff listed below.
For Current Grantees and Program Administrators
Required Service Focus Areas
Families enrolled in HCMS must receive intensive case management services focused on at least one of the following areas:
- Financial management
- Employment
- Ensuring school continuation for children
- Enrolling unemployed or underemployed parents in W-2 or the Food Share employment and training program
Additional case management services may be provided, but at least one required focus area must be addressed prior to other intensive case management services are billed to the program.
Eligible Activities and Costs
HCMS funds are divided into two categories:
Case Management Costs
Case management funds may be used for:
- Social workers
- Case managers
- Associated services needed to directly provide case management to eligible families experiencing homelessness
Administrative Costs
Administrative costs may account for 0% to 15% of the total grant. Administrative costs may include:
- Office space
- Computers
- Office supplies
- Salaries for agency-wide administrative functions, such as accounting
Capital expenditures are not allowable. Administrative costs must be prorated based on the percentage of staff time or resources dedicated to the HCMS program. The final allocation between case management and administrative funding is set in the grantee contract.
Program Requirements
Grantees are responsible for:
Maintaining compliance with TANF and HCMS program rules
Documenting client eligibility
Delivering required intensive case management services
Maintaining complete program and client files
Using HMIS or an HMIS-comparable database as required
Completing required reporting and training activities
Program Resources, Forms, and Tools
