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Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness

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Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness

The Facebook account of MCHH is an official City of Milwaukee page.

The MCHH is a community-based alliance of housing providers, emergency shelters, service organizations, and local partners working side by side to end homelessness in Milwaukee.

09/25/2026

Understanding the Four Types of Homelessness: Hidden Homelessness

Hidden homelessness is more common than many people realize. It occurs when individuals temporarily stay with friends, family, or others because they do not have a permanent place to live. This can include couch surfing, living in overcrowded or unsafe conditions, or staying in temporary accommodations. This type of homelessness often goes unnoticed because people may rely on their personal support networks instead of accessing homelessness services. As a result, hidden homelessness is difficult to track, and there are no reliable national statistics showing how many people experience it. Young people are believed to make up a significant portion of those experiencing hidden homelessness, as many may lack the income or resources needed to support themselves independently. Without stable housing or access to resources, hidden homelessness can become prolonged or lead to other forms of homelessness.

09/24/2026

Understanding the Four Types of Homelessness: Chronic Homelessness

Chronic homelessness is often the type most visible in public spaces. It is generally defined as experiencing homelessness for at least one year while living with a disabling condition that makes it difficult to obtain or maintain stable housing. People experiencing chronic homelessness may face significant barriers to employment, housing, healthcare, and other essential services. Without access to the right resources and long-term support, finding a path to stable housing can be especially challenging. Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness may live on the streets, in vehicles, parks, or other places not meant for human habitation. They make up approximately 17% of people experiencing homelessness in the United States. Of the 4 types of homelessness, this is the one people are usually most familiar with.

Continue to follow along as we explore the four types of homelessness and the different circumstances that can lead to housing instability.

09/23/2026

Understanding the Four Types of Homelessness: Episodic Homelessness

Episodic homelessness occurs when a person moves between being housed and unhoused three or more times within a year. Rather than experiencing one continuous period without housing, individuals may face repeated cycles of housing instability. Younger adults and people living with disabling conditions, including substance use, mental health challenges, or medical issues, are more likely to experience episodic homelessness. Seasonal or minimum-wage employment can also make it difficult to maintain stable housing while covering basic living expenses. Without access to the right resources and support, repeated episodes of homelessness can become chronic homelessness.

Continue to follow along as we explore the four types of homelessness and the different circumstances that can lead to housing instability.

09/22/2026

Understanding the Four Types of Homelessness: Transitional Homelessness

Transitional homelessness is often the most common type of homelessness and can occur when a major life change or unexpected event causes someone to lose their housing. Job loss, a medical emergency, divorce, domestic violence, or other sudden circumstances can make it difficult to afford housing and basic needs. People experiencing transitional homelessness may stay in their cars, on the streets, or with friends and family. Some may also enter a transitional housing program. Many continue to work but still struggle to afford housing. By definition, transitional homelessness lasts less than a year and is often temporary as individuals and families work toward regaining stable housing. Young people make up a significant portion of those experiencing transitional homelessness.

Follow along this week as we explore the other three types of homelessness and the different circumstances behind each one.

09/21/2026

Did you know homelessness can look different from person to person? A common misconception is that homelessness is visible and permanent. However, people can experience homelessness in many different ways depending on their circumstances, support systems, and access to resources. There are four recognized types of homelessness, each reflecting different housing situations, challenges, and paths to stability. Understanding these differences can help us look beyond common misconceptions and recognize that homelessness can affect people from all walks of life.

Over the next week, we’ll take a closer look at each type, with a new post each day explaining what it means, who may experience it, and how it can affect individuals and families. Follow along to learn more and help us raise awareness about the many faces of homelessness.

09/18/2026

MCHH Myth Buster Series

MYTH: They live in unsanitary conditions because they don’t care.

FACT: Unsanitary conditions among people experiencing homelessness aren’t due to a lack of effort or care. They’re largely the result of limited access to basics like toilets, showers, and trash disposal. Without a permanent, private place to meet basic needs, staying clean becomes extremely difficult. Some people avoid shelters because of safety concerns, strict rules, or limited personal space. When the daily focus is on finding food, water, and a safe place to sleep, sanitation often takes a back seat to survival. Research shows many people experiencing homelessness still go to great lengths to stay clean—using baby wipes or water from public fountains—because hygiene matters deeply to them.

When we replace myths with facts, we move closer to real solutions.

Do you want to stay updated on homelessness in Milwaukee? Visit the MCHH website and subscribe to our newsletter.

09/17/2026

Homelessness impacts hundreds of lives in Milwaukee every day. Those affected are our neighbors, friends, and loved ones — individuals and families working to meet their most basic needs.

For 50 years, Community Advocates has been a trusted source of advocacy, support, and essential services for Milwaukee residents. MCHH proudly congratulates Community Advocates on five decades of dedication to empowering low-income individuals and families and helping them build more stable futures. Through more than 40 programs, Community Advocates provides critical resources, compassionate support, and opportunities that inspire hope and create pathways toward lasting change.

Thank you to everyone at Community Advocates for 50 years of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to our community. Your work continues to transform lives and strengthen Milwaukee every day. Congratulations!

09/15/2026

Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 through October 15. This 30-day celebration honors the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans and provides an opportunity to recognize their impact across many areas, including the arts, science, politics, business, military service, and civil rights advocacy. Today, Hispanic and Latino Americans make up 20% of the U.S. population, making them the largest racial or ethnic minority group in the country.

However, as the Hispanic population continues to grow, so does the number of Hispanic and Latino people experiencing homelessness. The 2025 National Point-in-Time Count identified 154,381 people of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, representing 20.7% of the total count.

These numbers may not tell the whole story. Hispanic and Latino families are more likely to experience housing instability by living in doubled-up situations, sharing housing with family or friends. Reliance on social networks and informal support systems can make homelessness less visible and result in lower reported rates. Factors such as immigration status, time spent in the U.S., English-language proficiency, and lack of cultural competency can also affect housing stability.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s celebrate the many contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans while also recognizing the unique challenges some face in finding and maintaining safe, stable housing.

Do you want to stay updated on homelessness in Milwaukee? Visit the MCHH website and subscribe to our newsletter.

09/10/2026

Every year on September 10, World Su***de Prevention Day is observed around the world. The day is dedicated to raise awareness, encourage conversations about mental health, and help reduce the stigma surrounding su***de.

Su***de is a serious public health issue, with nearly 800,000 lives lost worldwide each year. People experiencing homelessness face an increased risk of self-harm and su***de, with past studies finding that 21% of U.S. adults experiencing homelessness have attempted su***de.

There is no single cause connecting homelessness and su***de. The risk often comes from a combination of trauma, ongoing stress, mental health challenges, substance use, social isolation, and limited access to affordable support and services. Safe, stable housing and access to compassionate, appropriate support can make a difference.

On World Su***de Prevention Day, you can make a difference by learning the warning signs and risk factors, starting supportive conversations, wearing yellow or orange (the official awareness colors), promoting mental health education, and supporting su***de prevention efforts in your community.

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If you or someone you know is at-risk of homelessness or facing homelessness, dial 211 to get connected to help. Do you want to stay updated on homelessness in Milwaukee? Visit the MCHH website and subscribe to our newsletter.

09/08/2026

For generations, people experiencing homelessness have faced harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. They are often unfairly labeled as lazy, irresponsible, or unwilling to improve their circumstances. These assumptions can create distance, discourage others from offering help, and make an already difficult situation even more isolating.

Homelessness can happen for many reasons. Someone may have lost a job, been forced out of their home, experienced domestic violence, faced an unexpected financial crisis, or lost the support system they depended on. No single circumstance defines everyone experiencing homelessness.

The stigma surrounding homelessness can affect a person’s confidence, dignity, and sense of belonging. Judgment does not help someone move forward—empathy, compassion, understanding, and support can. We may not know someone’s story or the circumstances that brought them to where they are. Choosing empathy over judgment allows us to see the person, not just their situation.

Let’s challenge the stereotypes, lead with empathy, and treat every person experiencing homelessness with the dignity and respect they deserve.

If you or someone you know is at-risk of homelessness or facing homelessness, dial 211 to get connected to help. Do you want to stay updated on homelessness in Milwaukee? Visit the MCHH website and subscribe to our newsletter.

Address

City Of Milwaukee Department Of Administration, 200 E. Wells Street , Room 606
Milwaukee, WI
53202

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:45pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:45pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:45pm
Thursday	8am - 4:45pm
Friday	8am - 4:45pm

Telephone

(414) 286-3647

Website

http://milwaukeecoc.com/

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