Find recovery residence and sober living resources for Wisconsin: the Department of Health Services (DHS) recovery residence registry, voluntary WASH certification, and organizations that serve Wisconsin residents. Browse the guide below or choose your county.
Step by step
A Wisconsin recovery residence needs no state license. It must register with the Department of Health Services (DHS) only to be on the DHS referral list or to receive state or federal funds passed through the state treasury. To register, meet the standards in Wis. Stat. 46.234, accept residents who take medication-assisted treatment, and send DHS's Recovery Residence Registry Application (F-02706) to the Division of Quality Assurance.
The steps most new operators follow to open a recovery house in Wisconsin, in order. Each one links to the official form or rule behind it.
Registration with the Department of Health Services (DHS) is required only if the home wants DHS referrals or state or federal funds passed through the state treasury. A home that wants neither can operate without registering, but it may not call itself "registered" or "state approved."
Local governments set their own zoning and occupancy rules for group living. Call the zoning office before you sign a lease. The Fair Housing Act and Wisconsin's housing discrimination law protect people in recovery.
Wis. Stat. 46.234 asks registered homes to uphold residents' rights, involve residents in governance, stay free from alcohol and illicit drugs, keep courtesy rules, and respond to neighbors' concerns. Post your code of ethics, grievance procedure and grievance contact in the house.
Since April 1, 2022, DHS may not register a home that excludes a resident solely for taking medication-assisted treatment. Make sure your admission and medication policies say so.
Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH) certification is voluntary. It includes an application, a document review against the NARR standards, a virtual interview and a site visit, and it lasts two years. If you are certified, list WASH on your DHS application.
Complete the Recovery Residence Registry Application (F-02706) with your certifying and operating organizations, the address and the number of residents allowed, and email it to the Division of Quality Assurance. DHS adds the home 60 days after it receives a complete application and returns incomplete ones within 10 business days.
DHS encourages every operator to take its free Recovery Residence Overdose Support Program training on relapse prevention, overdose prevention and response, and resident support. It is not required for registration.
DHS asks for a new application every year. Email the Division of Quality Assurance if the home closes or its contact information changes. DHS revokes registration if a home stops meeting the standards.
Free launch consult
Talk it through with an operator for 30 minutes. We’ll go over your model, zoning, policies, and the license or certification you need, and you’ll leave with a clear next-step checklist.
Request a free launch consultLicensing and certification
In Wisconsin, recovery residences are not licensed. Under Wis. Stat. 46.234 (2019 Wisconsin Act 120), the Department of Health Services (DHS) keeps a registry of approved recovery residences, and registration is required only for homes that seek DHS referrals or state or federal funds passed through the state treasury. A home may not call itself "registered" or "state approved" unless it is on the registry. Certification from the Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH) is voluntary.
State requirements, local requirements, and voluntary certification are labeled separately. Confirm how they apply to your home with the agency or qualified counsel.
Wisconsin does not license recovery residences. Under Wis. Stat. 46.234, a recovery residence must register with the Department of Health Services (DHS) only if it seeks referrals from DHS's registry list or state or federal funds passing through the state treasury. DHS gives the list of registered residences to anyone who asks for referrals.
A registered residence agrees to operate with integrity and uphold residents' rights, involve residents in governance, provide a home-like, safe and healthy environment, support active recovery, stay free from alcohol and illicit drugs, keep courtesy rules and respond to neighbors' concerns, and post its code of ethics, grievance procedure and grievance contact. Since April 1, 2022, DHS may not register a residence that excludes anyone solely for taking medication-assisted treatment.
Send the Recovery Residence Registry Application (F-02706) to DHS's Division of Quality Assurance, with the name of any certifying organization, any operating organization, the address, and the number of residents allowed. DHS adds the residence 60 days after it receives a complete application, asks for a new application every year, and revokes registration if a residence stops meeting the standards. Only registered residences may call themselves "registered" or "state approved."
Cities, villages, towns and counties set their own zoning and occupancy rules, so check with your local zoning office before you open. The federal Fair Housing Act and Wisconsin's housing discrimination law protect people with disabilities, including people in recovery.
The Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH) is the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). Its certification is voluntary and separate from DHS registration. It includes an application, document review against the NARR standards, a virtual interview and a site visit, and it lasts two years. WASH charges annual membership dues and a certification fee based on the number of beds.
Recovery homes by county
296 homes in the DHS recovery residence directory appear on public lists in 33 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties (checked October 1, 2026).
Choose a county to see how many recovery houses appear on public licensing and certification lists, plus its county human services department, which can help with referrals and funding.
We show counts from public lists, not names or addresses. A home gets its own listing only when its operator asks for one, and the operator decides what it says: who the home serves, its licenses or certifications, and how to apply. The street address appears only if they want it to. Listing is free and doesn’t require ARKHE software.
Looking for a home now? Search the official lists linked above, or call your county’s county human services department.
List your home for freeCounty human services department
Adams County Health & Human Services Department
(888) 830-3454 · Website for Adams County Health & Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Ashland County Health & Human Services Department
(715) 682-7004 · Website for Ashland County Health & Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Barron County Department of Health & Human Services
(715) 537-5691 · Website for Barron County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Bayfield County Department of Human Services
(715) 373-6144 · Website for Bayfield County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Brown County Health & Human Services Department
(920) 448-6000 · Website for Brown County Health & Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Buffalo County Department of Health & Human Services
(608) 685-4412 · Website for Buffalo County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Burnett County Health & Human Services Department
(715) 349-7600 · Website for Burnett County Health & Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Calumet County Department of Health & Human Services
(920) 849-1400 · Website for Calumet County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Chippewa County Department of Human Services
(715) 726-7788 · Website for Chippewa County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Clark County Community Services
(715) 743-5198 · Website for Clark County Community Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Columbia County Department of Health & Human Services
(608) 742-9227 · Website for Columbia County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Crawford County Health & Human Services Department
(608) 326-0248 · Website for Crawford County Health & Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Dane County Department of Human Services
(608) 242-6200 · Website for Dane County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Dodge County Human Services & Health Department
(920) 386-3500 · Website for Dodge County Human Services & Health Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Door County Health and Human Services Department
(920) 746-7155 · Website for Door County Health and Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Douglas County Department of Health & Human Services
(715) 395-1304 · Website for Douglas County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Dunn County Department of Human Services
(715) 231-2755 · Website for Dunn County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Eau Claire County Department of Human Services
(715) 839-2300 · Website for Eau Claire County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Florence County Human Services Department
(715) 528-3296 · Website for Florence County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Fond du Lac County Department of Human Services
(920) 929-3500 · Website for Fond du Lac County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
List a home in Fond du Lac County · Suggest a local resource
County human services department
Forest County Human Services Department
(715) 478-3351 · Website for Forest County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Unified Community Services (Grant and Iowa counties)
(608) 723-6357 · Website for Unified Community Services (Grant and Iowa counties)
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Green County Human Services Department
(608) 328-9393 · Website for Green County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Green Lake County Department of Health & Human Services
(800) 664-3588 · Website for Green Lake County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Unified Community Services (Grant and Iowa counties)
(608) 723-6357 · Website for Unified Community Services (Grant and Iowa counties)
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Iron County Human Services Department
(715) 561-3636 · Website for Iron County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Jackson County Department of Health & Human Services
(715) 284-4301 · Website for Jackson County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Jefferson County Human Service Department
(920) 674-3105 · Website for Jefferson County Human Service Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Juneau County Department of Human Services
(608) 847-2400 · Website for Juneau County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Kenosha County Department of Human Services
(262) 697-4500 · Website for Kenosha County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Kewaunee County Department of Human Services
(920) 255-5457 · Website for Kewaunee County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
La Crosse County Human Services Department
(608) 784-4357 · Website for La Crosse County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Lafayette County Human Services
(608) 776-4800 · Website for Lafayette County Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
North Central Health Care (North Central Community Services Program)
(715) 848-4405 · Website for North Central Health Care (North Central Community Services Program)
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
North Central Health Care (North Central Community Services Program)
(715) 848-4405 · Website for North Central Health Care (North Central Community Services Program)
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Manitowoc County Human Services Department
(920) 683-4230 · Website for Manitowoc County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
North Central Health Care (North Central Community Services Program)
(715) 848-4405 · Website for North Central Health Care (North Central Community Services Program)
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Marinette County Health & Human Services Department
(715) 732-7700 · Website for Marinette County Health & Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Marquette County Department of Human Services
(608) 297-3124 · Website for Marquette County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Menominee County Human Services Department
(715) 799-3861 · Website for Menominee County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services
(414) 289-6897 · Website for Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Monroe County Department of Human Services
(608) 269-8600 · Website for Monroe County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Oconto County Department of Health and Human Services
(920) 834-7000 · Website for Oconto County Department of Health and Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Oneida County Human Service Department
(715) 369-2215 · Website for Oneida County Human Service Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Outagamie County Department of Health & Human Services
(920) 832-4741 · Website for Outagamie County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Ozaukee County Department of Human Services
(262) 284-8200 · Website for Ozaukee County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Pepin County Department of Human Services
(715) 672-8942 · Website for Pepin County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Pierce County Department of Human Services
(715) 273-6770 · Website for Pierce County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Polk County Community Services Division
(715) 485-8400 · Website for Polk County Community Services Division
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Portage County Health & Human Services Department
(715) 345-5350 · Website for Portage County Health & Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Price County Health and Human Services Department
(715) 339-2158 · Website for Price County Health and Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Racine County Human Services Department
(262) 638-6646 · Website for Racine County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Richland County Health & Human Services Department
(608) 649-5751 · Website for Richland County Health & Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Rock County Human Services Department
(608) 757-5200 · Website for Rock County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Rusk County Health & Human Services Department
(715) 532-2120 · Website for Rusk County Health & Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Sauk County Department of Human Services
(608) 355-4200 · Website for Sauk County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Sawyer County Health & Human Services
(715) 638-3423 · Website for Sawyer County Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Shawano County Department of Human Services
(715) 526-4700 · Website for Shawano County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Sheboygan County Health & Human Service Department
(920) 459-6400 · Website for Sheboygan County Health & Human Service Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
St. Croix County Health & Human Services Department
(715) 246-6991 · Website for St. Croix County Health & Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Taylor County Human Services Department
(715) 748-3332 · Website for Taylor County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Trempealeau County Department of Human Services
(715) 538-2311 · Website for Trempealeau County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
List a home in Trempealeau County · Suggest a local resource
County human services department
Vernon County Department of Human Services
(608) 637-5210 · Website for Vernon County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Vilas County Human Services Department
(715) 479-3668 · Website for Vilas County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services
(262) 741-3200 · Website for Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Washburn County Health and Human Services Department
(715) 468-4747 · Website for Washburn County Health and Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Washington County Health and Human Services Department
(262) 335-4600 · Website for Washington County Health and Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Waukesha County Department of Health & Human Services
(262) 548-7212 · Website for Waukesha County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Waupaca County Department of Health & Human Services
(715) 258-6300 · Website for Waupaca County Department of Health & Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Waushara County Department of Human Services
(920) 787-6550 · Website for Waushara County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Winnebago County Department of Human Services
(920) 236-4700 · Website for Winnebago County Department of Human Services
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
County human services department
Wood County Human Services Department
(715) 421-8600 · Website for Wood County Human Services Department
Each Wisconsin county runs a human services or community programs department (a county board under Wis. Stat. 51.42, listed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DHS) that is the local authority for publicly funded substance use services, so it can screen you, connect you to treatment and help you find funding and recovery housing; a few are shared by several counties.
For residents and families
To find a recovery residence in Wisconsin, use the county-by-county registry linked from the Department of Health Services (DHS) Recovery Residence Registry page, or the Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH) list of certified residences. Registered homes may not exclude residents solely for taking medication-assisted treatment. For help with substance use, call the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline by dialing 211, 24 hours a day.
Official directories for finding a licensed recovery house or sober living home, and programs that can help pay for a stay. Programs set their own eligibility, and funding or openings are never guaranteed. Contact each organization to confirm what it can offer.
Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing · Wisconsin
WASH's list of certified recovery residences, sorted by county, with each home's city and NARR level. WASH certification is voluntary and separate from DHS registration.
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Oxford House, Inc. · United States
Search tool for open beds in Oxford Houses (self-run, self-supported recovery homes), filterable by state (including Wisconsin), county, and house type, with an online application.
Oxford House, Inc. (301) 587-2916; toll-free (800) 689-6411
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Oxford House, Inc. · United States
Nonprofit that charters democratically run, self-supported Oxford House recovery homes, where residents split expenses equally and there is no house manager.
(301) 587-2916; (800) 689-6411
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Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) · Wisconsin
Pays monthly bed costs, security deposits and case management for people with an opioid use disorder who are homeless or unstably housed and are working with, or willing to work with, a recovery-oriented service provider, at DHS-recognized recovery residences that allow prescribed medication for opioid use disorder. DHS funds the program with opioid settlement money. Residents don't apply to the state: they contact the local RV Administrator for their area for intake and placement, and recovery residences take part by working with that administrator. Agencies that belong to a HUD-recognized Continuum of Care or Local Homeless Coalition, already serve people experiencing homelessness, and agree to cover their whole CoC or coalition territory can apply to be an administrator for 2027; that application window closes December 4, 2026.
[email protected]; 608-267-7971
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211 Wisconsin · Wisconsin
Wisconsin's substance use helpline, reached by dialing 211, which DHS lists as open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The page also offers other ways to reach it and a guided search.
Dial 211 (24/7)
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211 Wisconsin · Wisconsin
Free, confidential service connecting Wisconsin residents to local programs and services, with trained specialists available 24/7 and an online search by ZIP code.
Dial 211
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Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) · Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Medicaid health coverage, which includes mental health care. There's no open enrollment period, so you can apply at any time, most easily online through ACCESS, or in person, by phone or by mail.
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Wisconsin Voices for Recovery · Wisconsin
A statewide peer-run recovery movement that brings together people in and seeking recovery, family members, professionals and allies to advocate for recovery and reduce stigma.
608-262-9791; [email protected]
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Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development · Wisconsin
DVR helps people with disabilities find a job, keep a job, or get a better job. The applicant or a referring person completes a referral online or on a paper form.
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Funding
In Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services (DHS) uses opioid settlement money to fund the Recovery Voucher program. The program pays bed costs for people with an opioid use disorder who are homeless or unstably housed. The Department of Administration's Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) runs it through local administrators. Recovery housing is also an approved use of the settlement money that counties and cities receive. A home must be on the DHS Recovery Residence Registry to receive state or federal funds passed through the state treasury.
Grants and public programs that can pay operators or cover residents’ stays. Public funding often requires a state license or certification, and every program sets its own eligibility and timeline, so confirm details with the agency.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) · Wisconsin
The national opioid settlements' list of approved uses (Exhibit E), which includes access to recovery housing and recovery housing programs that allow or integrate FDA-approved medication with other support services. This is a list of what settlement money can pay for, not a grant with its own application. Ask your county or city whether it uses its settlement money for recovery housing and how it takes proposals.
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Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Foundation · Wisconsin
Grants of up to $50,000 per project for physical improvements to emergency/transitional or permanent housing: rehabilitation, accessibility, conversions, acquisition and new construction, but not operating costs or services. Nonprofits and cooperatives registered and in good standing with the Department of Financial Institutions, community development and housing authorities, local governments and Tribal housing entities can apply. The page does not name recovery housing, and the 2026 round is no longer accepting applications.
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USDA Rural Development · Wisconsin
Low-interest loans and grants to buy, build, or improve essential facilities, including transitional housing, in rural areas of 20,000 people or fewer. Open to public bodies, community-based nonprofits and federally recognized tribes, not for-profit operators. Applications are accepted year round; contact the Wisconsin Rural Development state office first.
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Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) · Wisconsin
Pays monthly bed costs, security deposits and case management for people with an opioid use disorder who are homeless or unstably housed and are working with, or willing to work with, a recovery-oriented service provider, at DHS-recognized recovery residences that allow prescribed medication for opioid use disorder. DHS funds the program with opioid settlement money. Residents don't apply to the state: they contact the local RV Administrator for their area for intake and placement, and recovery residences take part by working with that administrator. Agencies that belong to a HUD-recognized Continuum of Care or Local Homeless Coalition, already serve people experiencing homelessness, and agree to cover their whole CoC or coalition territory can apply to be an administrator for 2027; that application window closes December 4, 2026.
[email protected]; 608-267-7971
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Official documents
Each entry shows who issued it, where it applies, and when we last checked the source.
Wisconsin State Legislature · Wisconsin
The state law (2019 Wisconsin Act 120) that created the DHS recovery residence registry, its standards, the medication-assisted treatment rule, and the limits on calling a home "registered" or "state approved."
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Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Quality Assurance · Wisconsin
DHS's page on the recovery residence registry: who must register, how to apply, the 60-day timeline, and annual reapplication. It links the county-by-county registry and DHS's free Recovery Residence Overdose Support Program training for operators.
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Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing · Wisconsin
Wisconsin's affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). It promotes quality standards, ethics and education for recovery residences and runs training based on NARR Standards 3.0.
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Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing · Wisconsin
WASH certification is a two-year credential, renewed on a recurring two-year cycle, for residences operating in Wisconsin. Residences still building their policies can get technical assistance first.
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Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) · Wisconsin
The Word form a recovery residence completes and emails to DHS's Division of Quality Assurance to join the registry.
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Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing · Wisconsin
The application and review steps: review the NARR standards, submit the dwelling information form and application, then a document review, a virtual interview and a site visit. It explains annual membership dues and a biennial certification fee based on the number of beds.
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Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division · Wisconsin
Wisconsin law bars housing discrimination based on a protected class, including disability. Complaints to the Equal Rights Division must be filed within one year of the action.
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U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division · United States
DOJ's overview of the federal Fair Housing Act, which bars disability discrimination in housing and bars local governments from using zoning or land use rules to exclude group homes for people with disabilities.
Published or revised · Checked by ARKHE
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) · United States
HUD's page for reporting housing discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act.
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Resources for operators
Practical ARKHE guides that pair with the official sources in this guide.
ARKHE is recovery housing software built by operators. It keeps inquiries, intake paperwork, rent, house routines, staff training, and incident records in one place, so you can find them when an inspector or funder asks.
Book a demo →Whether you’re opening your first house or trying to fill the ones you have, tell us where you are and we’ll point you to the right next step.
Get help with your home →Common questions
No. Wisconsin does not license recovery residences or sober living homes. Under Wis. Stat. 46.234, a home must register with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) only if it wants DHS referrals or state or federal funds passed through the state treasury. Local zoning rules apply either way.
Complete the Recovery Residence Registry Application (F-02706) and email it to the Division of Quality Assurance at [email protected]. DHS adds the home 60 days after it receives a complete application, returns incomplete applications within 10 business days, and asks for a new application every year.
Not if it wants to be registered. Since April 1, 2022, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services may not include a recovery residence on its registry if the home excludes a resident solely because the resident is taking medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Only if it is on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services registry. Wis. Stat. 46.234 bars a recovery residence from calling itself "registered" or "state approved" unless it is included in the registry.
No. Certification from the Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), is voluntary and lasts two years. DHS registration is the state's list for referrals and pass-through funds. A home can have either, both, or neither, and the DHS application asks which organization, if any, has certified the home.
Request a free listing. You choose what it shows, such as who the home serves and its registration or certification. The street address is shown only if you want it to be. Listing never requires ARKHE software.
Wisconsin law defines a recovery residence as a home-like, residential environment that promotes healthy recovery from a substance use disorder and supports residents through peer recovery support. Registered residences agree to stay free from alcohol and illicit drugs and to post their code of ethics and grievance procedure.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) keeps a registry of more than 200 registered recovery residences, organized by county, and provides the list to anyone who asks for referrals. The Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH) publishes its certified residences by county, and Oxford House's vacancy site shows open beds in Oxford Houses.
Registered recovery residences may not exclude you solely because you take medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Homes that are not registered with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services set their own policies, so ask before you move in.
Dial 211 to reach the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline, which the Department of Health Services lists as open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 Wisconsin also connects people to other local services, and BadgerCare Plus, the state's Medicaid program, accepts applications at any time through ACCESS.
Ask about costs and what they include, house rules, the grievance procedure, whether medication-assisted treatment is allowed, and whether the home is registered with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services or certified by the Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH).
Sources and review
Last reviewed: . Each resource shows the date we last loaded its source.
Compiled by: ARKHE. Listing in this guide is free and never requires ARKHE software.
We include official agency pages, published regulations, and established statewide organizations. Each entry links to its source. Items we could not confirm from a primary source are left out until we can.
County home counts come from the public lists named above, on the dates shown. Closed homes are left out, and homes without a county on the list are placed by ZIP code.
Individual homes are listed only at the operator’s request, and the operator controls what the listing says. Licensing or certification status is shown only with a source and the date we checked it.
Found something out of date? Request a correction.
Operate a recovery home in Wisconsin, or know a resource we should include? Submit your information or suggest an update to help us keep this guide useful and accurate.
Listing your home is free and separate from ARKHE software. How submissions are reviewed