There are many people in the state of Louisiana that have financial struggles. Whether due to a lack of access to high-paying jobs or other reasons, it’s essential to ensure basic needs are being met. Those who need help paying for their housing will find that there are numerous Louisiana rental assistance programs they can turn to.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Federally funded, this government agency is the most significant source of rental assistance in the nation. They offer a voucher program that will help people pay for their rent. Additionally, they have a public housing option, which will provide people with a government-owned place to live for free. Their rental assistance programs are open to anyone who meets the low-income requirements. The grants that they provide to help pay the rent never have to be paid back. They are also given directly to the landlord, and your account will be credited. In addition to offering Louisiana rental assistance, HUD also provides weatherization services, and they will help home buyers avoid foreclosure.
Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program – This program is open to both landlords and tenants who need Louisiana rental assistance. In addition to emergency rental assistance, the program will also help people with utility bill payments. To qualify for emergency rental assistance, you have to meet the low-income requirement and have experienced a disruption in your earnings. If you have fallen behind due to your hours being reduced, losing your job, or another reason, you may be able to qualify for help. The program will help you pay up to 15 months of your past due rent. In most cases, the rental assistance payment is made directly to the landlord. For renters who receive the funds directly, they cannot receive more than six months’ worth of payments. You can apply for the program online.
Louisiana Housing Corporation – This agency offers a wide variety of services for people who live in Louisiana. One of their programs is providing rental assistance for those in need of help. If you are behind on your rent or have received an eviction notice, they will help you get caught up and avoid homelessness. In addition to rental assistance, they offer weatherization services, help pay energy bills, and help find affordable housing. Their mission is to help people find affordable housing and avoid being evicted from their homes. If you meet the low-income requirements or have had a disruption in your earnings, they may be able to help you get caught up. Their programs are for everyone who lives in the state.
Catholic Charities – A faith-based organization, they will help people even if they are not religious. Catholic Charities offers a variety of programs to help with meeting people’s basic needs. Their programs help in emergency situations, as well as provide people with food, shelter, clothing, and other essentials. They will also help people with Louisiana rental assistance if they have received an eviction notice. Additionally, they will provide help with paying utility bills if you have received a disconnection notice. They don’t usually have a strict set of requirements that you have to meet in order to get help. Their programs are open to everyone in the country who needs assistance. Contact the location closest to you to inquire about starting the application process for assistance.
City of Baton Rouge Emergency Solutions Portal – If you have an immediate need for rental assistance or have experienced a crisis situation, you may be able to get financial help here. This emergency solutions portal helps people in the Baton Rouge area with their emergency situations. They will provide rental assistance for those who are struggling to pay their rent or who have fallen behind. To qualify for rental assistance, you have to meet the low-income requirements and show that you are behind on your payments. This program will also help with paying utility bills. You can apply for financial assistance online.
Smile Community Action Partnership – This organization offers rental assistance for those who meet the low-income requirements. They focus on people who live in Lafayette County only. If you live in that county and need help paying the rent, you may qualify for assistance. The grants never have to be paid back, and they are paid directly to the landlord on your behalf. You can apply online or in person. They also offer help with paying utility bills and provide various other community services.
The Salvation Army – This organization has locations around the nation. You may be familiar with their fundraising efforts because they have people who set out the red kettle and ring a bell asking for donations each December. Many people put their change into the bucket each year. That money adds up to support their programs, including providing Louisiana rental assistance. If you need help paying your rent or avoiding being evicted, you may be able to get financial assistance through The Salvation Army. Contact the location closest to you to inquire about applying for help. In addition to rental assistance, they will also help people meet other basic needs, including shelter, food, clothing, and more.