Baton Rouge, LA Financial Assistance
Financial instability can affect anyone at any time. Fortunately, there are several options available in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to support individuals or families facing financial hardship. Government financial assistance, subsidies, and help from non-profit organizations are a few such avenues. This guide will provide an overview of these opportunities, their eligibility criteria, application process, and some additional strategies for overcoming financial difficulties.
Government Financial Assistance
There are numerous state programs designed to aid individuals and families facing financial difficulties:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Also known as food stamps, SNAP provides eligible low-income individuals and families with funds to purchase groceries.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program provides cash for a limited time to low-income families with minor children.
- Medicaid: It offers free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.
Eligibility and Application
Eligibility for these programs depends on several factors such as income, family size, age, and disability status. To apply, visit the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services website. The online application can guide you through the process. You can also apply in person visiting a local Department of Family Services office. Be prepared with necessary documentation such as proof of income and identification.
Government Housing Subsidies
The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) oversees the Federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides rental assistance to eligible low income individuals and families. To apply, visit the LHC's website.
Non-profit Agencies
Several Baton Rouge non-profits also provide various forms of financial assistance:
- The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank: It offers emergency food assistance.
- The Salvation Army of Greater Baton Rouge: This organization provides utility bill assistance, free meals, and more.
- The Society of St. Vincent De Paul Baton Rouge: The society offers help with utility bills, rent, and other emergency needs.
Strategies to overcome Financial Difficulties
While government aid and non-profit resources can provide immediate relief, it's also essential to work towards long-term financial stability. Here are some strategies:
- Budgeting: Create a budget to manage income and expenses effectively.
- Reduce unnecessary expenses: Limit spending on non-essentials, consider carpooling or using public transit, and cook at home instead of eating out.
- Consider additional income options: Look into part-time jobs, freelancing, or selling unwanted items.
- Debt counseling: Seek advice from reputable credit counseling agencies.
Getting out of a financial crisis isn't easy, but it's not impossible. Applying for government aid and reaching out to local non-profits can help address immediate needs. Meanwhile, adopting a strategic approach towards income and expenses can help secure a stable financial future.
Search for Financial Assistance in Louisiana
Latest additions in Louisiana
Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge
The
organization supplies hospital equipment, wigs on loan, food
supplements, supplies, medication assistance, oxygen, transportation,
and some financial assistance. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.4444492,-91.1110706
- Phone
- (225) 927-2273
- Location
- Baton Rouge, LA
Connections For Life
Connections for Life, through the
collaborative networking of support services, fosters the development of
a healthy lifestyle pattern for women who are single and indigent and
who are in transition from dependence to independence.
To accomplish
this, Connections for Life offers services in the areas of need,
including after care (a support group), substance abuse meetings,
assistance in finding housing and employment, education, and individual
counseling. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.4205829,-91.1872800
- Phone
- (225) 379-3640
- Location
- Baton Rouge, LA
Office of Community Development (OCD) - BATON ROUGE
*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program*
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness
Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness
Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed
based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program.
Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program
participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their
jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside
of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the
jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A
grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring
that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a
residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements.
Counties served:Terrebonne Parish
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.4500000,-91.1800000
- Phone
- (225) 3893039
- Location
- Baton Rouge, LA
Department of Social Services Office of Community Services - LA STATE PROGRAM
*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program*
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness
Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness
Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed
based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program.
Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program
participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their
jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside
of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the
jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A
grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring
that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a
residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements.
Counties served:Lafayette Parish
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.4503952,-91.1864828
- Phone
- (225) 3424583
- Location
- Baton Rouge, LA