Assistance programs East Baton Rouge Parish area and city of Baton Rouge.
Find free food, money for paying rent or paying utility bills, clothing, and case management in the Baton Rouge area. Find how to apply for financial help from local churches, the government, non-profit organizations, as well as charities. The groups offer grants, loans, information on emergency financial assistance and even free advice on budgeting or paying down debts among other services.
Or the local agencies may give items including free furniture, back to school supplies to students, gasoline vouchers. Christmas toys and more. There are a number of financial assistance as well low income or working poor programs available (as noted below) in the city and parish of Baton Rouge.
Financial help for paying bills, finding jobs, counseling, and more
One of the local non-profit agencies that offers the widest range of financial assistance programs is Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The organization can be reached at 225-336-8700.
- Emergency and Crisis Financial Assistance- The Catholic Charities organization provides Baton Rouge Louisiana residents with emergency financial assistance. They focus their aid on people who are about to be homeless (such as become evicted, have their utilities turned off, or lose their home to foreclosure) and they also help people who are currently homeless. It is not meant to be a charity program, but focuses on people who have had a loss of income, maybe due to a job loss or medical condition.
Financial assistance is provided to qualified individuals in Baton Rouge Parish at most once per year. The applicant may also need to meet with a counselor. There are qualifications and documentation must be provided. If the applicant is accepted, they may be able to receive money to pay their rent, utility or energy bills, security deposits, or maybe even a mortgage payment.
- Employment Services- If you are unemployed, the agency may be able to help you find a job. They are a highly regarded job resource center, and they operate throughout the parish for people of all faiths and ages. In addition, special employment programs exist for older workers, the disabled, and disaster survivors.
- Family Achievement Center- This service can help you become self-sufficient. Counselors will provide education, career development, and job training. Some of the services offered include credit and debt counseling, community-based support groups for vulnerable populations, advice and education for first time home-buyers, budgeting classes, foreclosure prevention counseling, and even so called family strengthening activities.
There are a number of services available. Whether financial, counseling, debt reduction, or something else, find more details on Catholic Charities in Baton Rouge assistance programs.
The Salvation Army of Greater Baton Rouge is another non-profit agency to turn to for assistance with bills and information on how to get help. They offer the following services. For assistance or more information please call them at (225) 355-4483. Or find additional details on low income programs.
- Financial Assistance and Social Services - The Baton Rouge Salvation Army social service program can help low to moderate income families, the unemployed, elderly, and others pay their bills and help them meet the basic needs of their daily life. The services and programs they offer can provide those in need with free food, rent help and shelter. There may also be ently used clothing, financial assistance to pay utility bills, and other necessities based on the applicants need. Or register for the free Christmas toy or school supply giveaway events. More on Salvation Army assistance in Baton Rogue.
- Casework and Counseling - In addition to the social services, counseling and casework are additional components offered. For example, you can turn to them for financial planning, debt and credit repair services, and job placement. They may from time to time be able to offer health care and residential assistance for a family dealing with disease or medical issue. Also, receive counseling and advocacy for a victim of domestic or spousal abuse. Click here to read more on how to get help with reducing debts.
West Baton Rouge Helping Hand offers job counseling, referrals, job placement, and emergency financial assistance. The agency also works closely with organizations such as United Way to distribute funds and grants to the needy. The focus is on emergency assistance as well as helping a Baton Rogue family obtain a job. More on West Baton Rouge Helping Hand assistance programs.
The East Baton Rouge Parish does not have a community action agency, but the Baton Rouge Office of Social Services is the next closest thing. The office can be reached at (225) 358-4561. The assistance programs and social services they offer include the following. All funds are limited. Apply for the CSBG Emergency Assistance – which is Funds for Rent, Utilities and Medicine. Or residents can get help from The Commodity Food Program and pantries. Or tenants/homeowners can benefit from the federal grant resource known as FEMA - Emergency Rental / Mortgage Assistance Program.
Staff from the social service office can also assist with Income Tax Service and Preparation and give referrals to HOPWA – Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS. There is also the Federal Government Funded LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for utility bills and the Project Care – which is Emergency Utility Assistance for the Elderly & Disabled.
This organization is also the Baton Rouge equivalent non-profit community action agency. A focus is on homeless prevention. So in addition to the resources above, the agency may also have assistance for paying back rent, security deposits on a new home, and coordinate eviction counseling with landlords. Other programs are run from the office too, and get more details on Baton Rouge Office of Social Services.
East Baton Rouge Council On Aging is located at 5790 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge LA, 70806. Programs are for seniors in the region. Specifically, they include Congregate Meals (Anyone age 60+), Food Vouchers for purchase from Farmers Markets, or free Personal Care Attendant Services. There are also Meals on Wheels - Home Delivered Meals (for Disabled, home-bound seniors age 60+) and Utility Service Payment Assistance. Call 225-923-8000
Chaneyville Community Center runs an extensive number of assistance programs for Zachary Louisiana families. A listing of the resources are below.
- Heath and Medical Care- This includes Prescription Expense Assistance as well as General Health Evaluation and checkups for seniors.
- Food and clothing – A food pantry is run, as well as Congregate Meals distributed. Quarterly Government Commodities Distribution is offered too.
- Housing – This includes rent and mortgage help, utility bill assistance, and other eviction and housing expenses.
- Education – Assistance programs administered include head start for children, as well as Computer Assistance for seniors.
The center is located at 13211 Jackson Rd, Zachary Louisiana. Call (225) 654-3309
Delmont Service Center. Phone number is 225-357-5013. The center is located at 3535 Riley St., Baton Rouge Louisiana, 70805. People with an eviction notice or disconnection may qualify for emergency rent or utility assistance. Other resources that may be provided to the needy include medications, food and groceries, and the Headstart Program for 3-4 year olds.
Look into assistance through East Baton Rouge Office of Social Services, which is located within Dr. Leo Butler Community Center at 950 E Washington St. Or call 225-389-4814. They offer many government and public assistance programs, such as LIHEAP and homeless prevention and rapid rehousing. Surplus government food items may be offered as well to those who need help feeding their families. Or apply for food stamps or WIC here. Learn more on public assistance in Louisiana.
St. Vincent De Paul Society charity aid is offered at Our Lady of Mercy. This charity program helps people of all races, religion, and backgrounds, including in Baton Rouge It is one the country’s largest charity organizations and millions of people across the nation turn to them from time to time.
SVDP may have emergency financial assistance or cash grants can be offered for expenses such as rent or utilities. Also get vouchers that can be used to pay for gasoline or food. 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge Louisiana, 70806, main # 225-928-7612, or more St. Vincent Baton Rouge.
Churches in East Baton Rogue Parish help the very low income, unemployed, and those faced with a crisis. Programs include Bus Passes for the city bus system, Utility and Electric Bill assistance, funds for paying rent, prescription expense assistance, which will be for new, and generic prescriptions only. While a church may help, each parish has different funding levels and application processes.
Financial assistance is only provided for a part of a bill, so a client will need to show evidence of a money order with the client’s ability to pay the balance of that bill or expense. Some faith based groups only offer material support, and this may be food, hot meals, or clothes. There are numerous locations to try, and find East Baton Rogue church assistance programs.
Options Foundation can help with housing needs for the homeless and mentally ill adults. If you do meet qualifications, including are mentally challenged, then funds can be issued for paying rent or deposits. 8540 Quarters Lake Rd., Baton Rouge LA, 70809. Dial 225-388-5045.
Baton Rouge Parish eviction, rehousing, and legal aid - All of this can stop homelessness. There is financial help for families with a pay or quit notice or rehousing/shelter for homeless clients. The programs combine grants along with gently used furniture for a new home, utility and water deposit help, money for rent, and more. Continue with Baton Rouge homeless prevention and rehousing help.
Families on the verge of losing their home or apartment have additional places to turn too. There are charities in the Parish (as well as national resources) that focus ending homelessness in Louisiana. Various forms of assistance is available from these programs that stop evictions.
Community Service Centers - There are several of these around the Baton Rogue Parish region. A number of social services and emergency assistance programs are administered by the centers.
- The federal government Commodity Food Program can provide groceries and meals to both children and senior citizens. Meals are offered too. An emergency food pantry is also available. Or find other places for free food near you.
- Emergency financial assistance may be offered for paying rent, utilities, and medications. Or look into government grants from FEMA - Emergency Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program or utility bill help from LIHEAP, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. These programs may provide one time assistance to East Baton Rogue Parish individuals and families facing eviction or a disconnection. Various income and other guidelines need to be met by applicants.
- The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is a key partner. It may be able to offer free groceries or food to individuals and families who are faced with a crisis.
- HOPWA, or Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, is a resource for low-income persons who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. It both creates and supports access to affordable private housing by assisting clients. Funds can provide assistance with rent payments, mortgage, and energy bills.
- CSBG, or Community Service Block Grant Emergency Assistance, may also offer housing, prescription medications, funds for cooling bills, and other forms of financial assistance to the needy. All resources are contingent upon the availability of donations and government funds.
- Project Care can help seniors and the elderly pay utility bills. It is for for persons 60 and older and persons with a disability who are facing an emergency. More details utility bill assistance in Louisiana.
Community Service Centers also supports Public and Social Services, and this is part ff Baton Rouge Parish. Assistance may be provided for rent or utilities. Meals may be served as well, especially around Christmas and Thanksgiving. Additional programs include Income Tax Preparation; Information and Referral; LIHEAP Emergency Support; and programs for residents to get GEDs. Or seek help from Social Services such as Emergency Clothing Distribution; Health Programs; FEMA Rent/Mortgage Payments; Food Pantries; and USDA Surplus Commodity Groceries.
There are several community centers around Baton Rouge Louisiana. They include the following.
- Chaneyville Community Center, (North of Hooper Rd.), 13211 Jackson Road, Zachary, LA 70791, call (225) 654-3309 or 225-658-9790
- Delmont Service Center, 3535 Riley Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70805, telephone 225-357-5013
- Dr. Leo Butler Community Center, 950 East Washington Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802, call 225-389-4814
- Dr. Martin L. King Community Center, 4000 Gus Young Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, dial 225-389-7679
- Jewel Newman Community Center, 2013 Central Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, 778-1007
- Rural Program, 5736 Rollins Road, Zachary, LA 70791, call 654-6751
Volunteers of America in Greater Baton Rouge will mainly focus on homeless prevention and rapid rehousing. Secondary services include day care (such as Partnerships in Child Care) as well as support for the disabled. The non-profit operates shelters, runs transitional housing, and can help place homeless veterans and women/children. They may also have referrals to rental assistance programs, including section 8 housing vouchers. Read Volunteers of America Baton Rouge assistance programs.
Free meals and gifts are available during the holidays. East Baton Rogue Parish charities provide assistance. The programs can offer children free Christmas toys or clothing items. Seniors and the homebound (and anyone that needs one) can also be given free Thanksgiving or Christmas themed food or meals. Assistance is wide ranging, and more on East Baton Rouge Parish free holiday assistance.
Utility issues are very common. Too many low income families, often with kids, need their power and a disconnection would be terrible. There are laws and protections plans in place to prospect families. Find details and learn more on various topics, such as can a utility company turn off the power if you have a kid.
Emergency help with paying rent - A number of services are offered in Baton Rouge Louisiana that focus on solving housing issues. If you have been sent an eviction notice, or are just having difficulty in keeping up, then look into rent assistance programs as soon as possible. The earlier you look into your options the better your chance of receiving help. Read more on emergency rent assistance in Baton Rogue.
Free or discounted clothes or household stuff is provided by thrift stores, furniture banks, churches and non-profit clothing closets. Regardless of your income or financial situation, residents of Baton Rogue Parish have several options available to them. Free stuff can be offered by the charities or churches.
Many people receive items for work or school, such as suits, free shoes, slacks, or backpacks. Some centers have free furniture banks or household goods. Other programs provide items around Christmas, including gifts and toys for children. Continue with free clothing closets, furniture and school supplies in Baton Rogue.
DCFS of Baton Rouge process applications for government aid. This is mostly for very low income families, the unemployed and the working poor. Other services, such as SSI disability, can help with a medical condition. Programs ranging from SNAP food stamps to grants from FITAP are offered along with many other public assistance programs. Click here for details on Baton Rouge public assistance.
Free food and groceries
The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank (225-359-9940) partners with dozens of local charities and non-profit aid organizations to provide free food and household items to people who need help. If you call them they can direct you to the facility that is most convenient to you that can provide you with free, nutritious food. The non-profit can also direct people to government food programs such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Other organization to contact include Saint Paul Catholic Church (call (225) 383-2537) as well as United Methodist HOPE Ministries (dial (225) 355-0702). Or find information, phone numbers, and addresses of a few dozen other food pantries and clothing closets in Baton Rogue. Locate additional free food pantries in Baton Rouge.
Discounted or free health and medical care
There are several free community clinics, doctors, and other medical professionals throughout the Baton Rouge Louisiana area that provide health care services to local patients. They are organized under the Community Health Charities of Louisiana Affiliated Agencies (call 211), and this agency coordinates the medical services provided. Click here to read more on how to get access to free state and local health care.
Some of the facilities and clinics that offer free health care to the low income as well as uninsured. Or the centers have a requirement that requirement payments based on a sliding scale, include the Greater Baton Rogue Community Clinic and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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