We’re here for you.
During these extraordinary times, many people find themselves needing help from our community for the first time in their lives. We understand that asking for help is difficult, and you may not know where to turn. Here are some resources that can give you the support your need with compassion and dignity.
Emergency Funding
J-Help
J-Help offers crisis funding for individuals who need assistance with rent/mortgage, food, transportation, clothing, utilities (phone/internet), and other emergent needs. Call Jewish Family Services at 414-390-5800 for more information.
Free Loans
Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association (MJFLA) offers confidential, interest-free loans to people who find themselves in a time of financial need, for any purpose. Call 414-961-1500 or visit MJFLA.org.
Food
Jewish Community Pantry
The Jewish Community Pantry, a program of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, provides emergency food to individuals and families in crisis throughout the greater Milwaukee community.
The pantry is located at 2900 W. Center St. (entrance on 29th Street).
Pantry Hours:
Thursdays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
3rd & 4th Sunday of each month 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Clients are served on a first come, first served basis. The pantry maintains a general food section, infant section, and a Kosher section. Identification is required for all visits.
Social services
Mental health
Jewish Family Services is open for business. They are available to meet the social service and mental health needs of all ages and stages of life. They are also able to meet the unique cultural needs of Jewish clients. Call JFS at 414-390-5800. Visit JFS’s website at JFSMilw.org.
Domestic violence
The combination of social isolation and increased societal stress caused by coronavirus creates an increased risk for domestic violence for many of our friends and family members. SHOFAR is an initiative of Jewish Family Services and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation that focuses on meeting the unique needs of Jewish individuals and families who are dealing with domestic violence.
Friendly Caller Program
Are you or someone you know struggling with fear and isolation related to the COVID-19 crisis? Self-isolation to reduce risk of exposure and illness can cause intense feelings of anxiety and depression and can exacerbate prior experiences of loneliness and isolation. Jewish Family Services (JFS) seeks to help alleviate this loneliness and isolation with a Friendly Caller Program. Calling hours are Mon. – Thurs. 8:30 am – 5 pm; Fridays: 8:30 am – 2 pm. Get in touch with JFS to receive a call or have someone you know receive a call. Contact info: Call (414) 225-1374; Email; Text: 414-376-0711
Late Life Counseling
As seniors age, the can face a wide range of physical and mental health challenges that negatively impact their level and quality of life. Jewish Family Services’ Late Life Counseling program provides seniors with convenient access to mental health counseling services in their own home, allowing seniors who are home-bound or otherwise unable to travel to community based locations to address their mental health concerns. Serving adults age 60 and older living in Milwaukee county. To schedule an appointment contact Adrienne O’Neil, Clinic Service Coordinator, at 414-225-1374 or aoneil@jfsmiw.org.