Louisiana 211
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Louisiana. You can also text your ZIP code to 898211.
Official page: louisiana211.org
Find Help Near You in Louisiana
Free, private help lines for Louisiana, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Louisiana who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local parish office or community action agency. They can point you to energy help and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In New Orleans, the New Orleans Office of Community Development at 504 658 4200 can tell you about help with rent and bills. Ask what is open now.
Official page: louisiana211.org, nola.gov/community-development
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Call Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at 844 244 7871, and they can point you to help for your area.
Official page: slls.org/en/contact-us, lasc.org
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. LIHEAP, run by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, helps households who qualify pay heating and cooling bills through local community action agencies. Dial 211 or contact your local agency to apply. Funds can run low, so it helps to ask early.
Official page: lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Louisiana Commission on Human Rights takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: gov.louisiana.gov/page/lchr
How do I find my local community action agency?
Dial 211, or use the agency finder on the Louisiana Association of Community Action Partnerships website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Louisiana
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
LA HELP U customer service (SNAP)
The Louisiana Department of Health line for SNAP and other benefits. Parish offices serve all 64 parishes.
Official page: ldh.la.gov/page/snap-faqs
Louisiana LIHEAP (energy help)
Help paying winter and summer heating and cooling bills for households who qualify, through local community action agencies.
Official page: lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Civil legal help for people who qualify, with problems like housing, family and benefits. It can point you to legal aid in other parts of Louisiana too.
Official page: slls.org/en/contact-us
Louisiana Commission on Human Rights
The state office that looks into housing discrimination complaints. Its website explains how to file.
Official page: gov.louisiana.gov/page/lchr
Louisiana Housing Corporation
Information for renters and homeowners in Louisiana, including affordable rental homes and housing programs.
Official page: lhc.la.gov
Louisiana Association of Community Action Partnerships
Local community action agencies across Louisiana help with energy bills, emergency needs and job support. Find your local agency on the website.
Official page: lacap.org
Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO)
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in New Orleans.
Official page: hano.org/contact-us
New Orleans Office of Community Development
City programs for New Orleans residents, including shelter, outreach and help to stay housed.
Official page: nola.gov/community-development
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (New Orleans)
Civil legal help for people who qualify in the New Orleans area, including housing and eviction support.
Official page: slls.org/en/contact-us
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (Baton Rouge)
Civil legal help for people who qualify in Baton Rouge and nearby areas.
Official page: slls.org/en/contact-us
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Lafayette
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could ask your local community action agency or 211 about energy help. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Shreveport. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call your local community action agency or 211 and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for other local programs, and call legal aid if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (parish)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if electricity and water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Louisiana
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.