Lafayette Louisiana Financial Assistance

Lafayette, LA Financial Assistance

A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Assistance for Residents of Lafayette, Louisiana

If you're a resident of Lafayette, Louisiana and find yourself struggling with financial difficulties, don't despair. The government provides several financial assistance options for individuals and families in need. Additionally, there are a number of trusted non-profit agencies in your area that can also contribute to ease your economic stress. This guide will discuss what these resources are, their eligibility criteria, and how you can apply for them. It will also offer a few strategies that might help you uplift your financial situation.

Government Financial Assistance Options

Several programs at the federal, state, and local level provide financial assistance spanning various needs.

1. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides funds to households who may not have enough income to pay for nutritious food. Eligibility is determined by income, assets, and number of household members. You can apply online at the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services website.

2. Medicaid

Louisiana Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families, including some low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. To see if you qualify, check the Louisiana Department of Health’s eligibility pre-screening tool and apply online.

3. Section 8 Housing

For those in need of housing assistance, the Housing Authority of Lafayette provides Section 8 vouchers to eligible individuals and families. You must meet income eligibility requirements and apply directly through the Housing Authority’s website.

4. Louisiana Earned Income Tax Credit (LA EITC)

If you have earned income and meet certain requirements, you might be eligible for a refundable tax credit. The Louisiana Department of Revenue administers the EITC and applications can be made when filing your yearly state income tax return.

Non-profit Agencies

In addition to government aid, there are non-profit organizations in Lafayette that provide financial help for urgent needs.

1. Acadiana Outreach Center

This center provides financial assistance, meals, shelter, and resources for employment and education. If you’re in crisis, reach out to them directly for help.

2. Catholic Charities of Acadiana

Catholic Charities offer a suite of services including emergency financial assistance, food for families, and numerous programs for the homeless. Contact them directly to see if they can aid your situation.

Strategies to Improve your Financial Situation

Even while you’re receiving help, taking steps to improve your overall economic situation can make a difference.

1. Debt Management

Debt can be a significant source of financial stress. Seek assistance from non-profit credit counseling agencies, which can help devise a debt management plan.

2. Budgeting and Savings

Creating and maintaining a budget can help you gain control of your finances. Prioritize necessities over non-essentials and aim to set aside an emergency fund.

3. Workforce Development Programs

Consider participating in employment and training programs that can help you land a better paying job. The Louisiana Workforce Commission offers a number of opportunities in this area.

By leveraging government aid, non-profit resources, and strategic steps to improve your financial outlook, financial stability can be achieved. The key is to be proactive in understanding what’s available and taking action.

Search for Financial Assistance in Louisiana


Cities near Lafayette Louisiana


Latest additions in Louisiana

Acadiana CARES Substance Abuse Treatment Program

Acadiana CARES Substance Abuse Treatment program is a secondary care facility offering extended residential treatment to a mixed population of men & women age 18 or older in recovery and having completed an appropriate primary treatment program and have a primary diagnosis of chemical dependency or substance abuse. . Completion of the program takes seven to nine months and includes counseling and treatment by trained staff. While in the program, clients work and/or go to school, pay their way and take care of their responsibilities by doing their share of chores and attend 12 step meetings. Aftercare is available for former clients who qualify. The programs offers a home-like atmosphere for those who do not have a stable setting to return to upon completion of primary treatment. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.2511360,-92.0231340

Phone
(337) 233-8114
Location
Lafayette, LA

Acadiana EAP, LLC

Acadiana Employee Assessment and Referral Services (EAP), LLC is designed to help employers recognize and address personal and/or work related issues before problems become overwhelming. The EAP is designed to help improve job performance, strengthen the bond between employer and employee and reduce health care costs through proactive measures. The EAP will help employers to : decrease employee absenteeism, productivity problems and turnover, provide readily accessible wellness services to your employees and meet employees needs in cost effective manner. Mental Health counseling is also offered. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.2233500,-92.0190700

Phone
(337) 993-0000
Location
Lafayette, LA

Acadiana Outreach Center

Acadiana Outreach is a non-profit administrative center assisting the poor and homeless through homeless case management services, general case management through TRAC, food assistance to the needy(.FOOD DISTRIBUTION: 10:00-Noon/Wednesday), shelter for men (Joshua House...transition shelter), women (Naomi House) and day shelter (Recovery Action Center). See individual programs for more details. In addition, Acadiana Outreach offers THE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES CENTER: a multi-use facility for summer and after-school tutoring and other community programs. The Job Opportunities and Training Center/JOTC offer a recovery and rehabilitation program which includes job placement, transportation, food, lodging and counseling groups. Case management for hurricane katrina and rita. The center will be accepting intakes for comprehensive case management, unmet needs and limited financial assistance (for evacuees and residents) living in LAFAYETTE PARISH.Intake will be on Tues & Thurs - mornings only. Advise clients to be their by 8:30 because this will be on a first come/first served basis. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.2293130,-92.0165810

Phone
(337) 237-7618
Location
Lafayette, LA

American Cancer Society Acadiana Area Office

Financial assistance is available to indigent cancer patients. The assistance may be used for the purchase or rental of sickroom equipment, dressings, or liquid diet. Six week educational program for patients and family members. Ostomy program provides information and brochures, emotional support group and non-medical counseling. Laryngectomy program provides pro and post-operative hospital visits to the patents. Numerous support groups in cooperation with local hospitals include: Look Good-Feel Better, Man to Man, Cancer Support Group, I Can Cope, Reach to Recovery, CanSurmount. Physician referral may be necessary for certain hospital visitation programs. The American Cancer Society may be able to arrange a low cost hotel room for those receiving cancer treatments. This program is offered on an availability basis Contact the local American Cancer Society Office at the number above for information .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.1935980,-92.0171740

Phone
(337) 237-3736
Location
Lafayette, LA

Department of Children;& Family Services/Lafayette

The Economic Stability section of DCFS (formerly OFS) assists families with needed assistance programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP), the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), and the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). These programs are as follows:CASH-BASED ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM/(SNAP) (formerly known as Food Stamps) - provides monthly benefits tat help low income households buy food needed for good heath.CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CCAP):Provides assistance to parents to help pay for the child care they need to work or attend school or training. KINSHIP CARE SUBSDY PROGRAM (KCSP):Provides cash assistance for eligible children who reside with qualified relatives other than parents.FAMILY INDEPENDENCE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE PROGREM (FITAP):Provides temporary cash assistance to families in need. * Strategies to Empower People Program (STEP); Assists FITAP recipients with educational, training, and work related activities designed to lead to employment and self-sufficiency.Contact DCFS at 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) or visit www.dcfs.louisiana.gov. for more information on all programs, how to apply and office locations.You can apply for DCFS services only, by mail, or at any DCFS parish office. Economic Stability offices specialize in cash-based assistance, but applications can be picked up, completed, and mailed in or dropped off at Child Welfare offices as well.LOCAL ECONOMIC STABILITY OFFICES - MAILING ADDRESSES - CONTACT NUMBERS:300 E. First st.p. O. Drawer 1060Crowley,, LA 70527-1060Phones: (337) 788-75401-888-583-0381Fax: (337) 788-7609705 Bayard St.New Iberia, LA 70560-5738Phones: (337) 373-00601-888-276-8308Fax: (337) 373-0111825 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Bldg VI, Suite 100Lafayette, LA 70508-4235Phones: (337) 262-51111-888-583-0384Fax: (9337) 262-59886069 I-49 Service Rd., Suite AOpelousas, LAPhones: (337) 942-01211-877-320-0276Fax: (337) 948-0294 .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.1798550,-92.0208710

Phone
(337) 262-5111
Location
Lafayette, LA

Louisiana Department of Revenue/Lafayette

Assistance with any type of Louisiana state tax matter such as provide tax forms, answering questions concerning state sales, withholding, corporation income/franchise, and inheritance tax, etc. Seen by appointments only.free tax assistance sites:assist agency, 11 n. Parkerson ave, crowley, la 337-788-7550vermilion council on aging, 1928 graceland ave., abbeville, la 33-893-2563assist agency, 407 charity st., abbeville, la 337-898-9550eunice public library, 222 s. Second st., eunice, la 337-457-7664st. Mary community action, 1407 barrow st., franklin, la 337-828-5703first presbyterian church, 1130 johnston st., lafayette, la 337-234-6750smile community action agency, 501 st. John st., lafayette, 337-232-6810the greenhouse, 110 ne evangeline thruway, lafayette, la 337-291-5456ull moody hall, room 335, 214 hebrard blvd., lafayette, la 337-482-6218acadiana high school, 315 rue du belier, lafayette, la 337-948-2324clifton chenier library, 200 willow st., lafayette, la 337-2912941 continuous links, 7935 highway 71, lebeau, la 225-202-0424avoyelles council on aging, 224 s. Preston St., Marksville, LA 318-253-9771Iberia Parish Library, 445 E. Main st., new iberia, la, 337-373-0075opeousas public library, 212 e. Grolele st., opelousas, la 337-0948-3693 .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.1798550,-92.0208710

Phone
(800) 469-8784
Location
Lafayette, LA

Miles Perret Center: Cancer Services of Acadiana

Miles Perret Center is a comprehensive resource center and clearinghouse for cancer patients and their families and local cancer care health professionals. Services include: information and educational resources through an on-site library and through connections to other non-profit and professional cancer care providers to cancer patients, their families and health care professionals; access to everyday support for life activities for cancer patients and their families to the extent its resources make it possible through volunteers, education, support groups and other social service networks throughout the community, which services include assistance with nutritional supplements, equipment and supplies, family relief sitters, wigs, hats, scarves, hospital beds, feeding tables, etc.; assistance with insurance filings and claims; assistance with locating prescription drugs, out-of-area transportation, specified medical supply reimbursement and prostheses; access to appropriate and available services throughout the health care and non-profit social service network; support groups, art and music therapy, children's play therapy, journaling and other support activities identified as being useful to patients and families; a place for comfort conversation, companionship and quiet meditation; access, referrals and support for physical, nutritional and spiritual therapy; advocacy for cancer care and research through the community as well as specific patient advocacy when needed and as appropriate. Now offering a SUPPORT GROUP for gynological cancer patients. Kaplan cancer support group for women in vermilion parish. Call for more information. SMILES Support Group for children under age 15 with cancer. Call for more information. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.1654940,-92.0399599

Phone
(337) 984-1920
Location
Lafayette, LA

Missionaries Of Charity

Services provided include emergency food, after school program, visiting shut-ins at family homes, nursing homes, hospitals and prisons. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.2234290,-92.0226220

Phone
(337) 233-3929
Location
Lafayette, LA

Progressive Baptist Church

Progressive Baptist Church's (PBC) Benevolence Program provides services to persons in the community with needs such as utility and gas bills, rent, and lodging needs. Requirements for this service is a copy of the bill and a request application filled out by the applicant. PBC is also a Food Net Pantry which provides groceries for families. Families can pick up food once a month with a food voucher from a church, The Well or any outreach center/agency. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.2273080,-91.9954080

Phone
(337) 234-3924
Location
Lafayette, LA

Regional Nutrition Assistance, Inc.

Regional nutrition assistance, inc. administers the Family Day Care Home Program which reimburses child care providers (does not have to be a paid provide) for the meals served to children of working parents or parents enrolled in school. The providers are allowed to enroll 1-6 children up to age 13. The child care provider must be caring for these children in the provider's home. The provider is required to keep daily meal records. Menus furnished, monitoring on unannounced visits every 3-5 months. Spot check for abuse, check smoke alarms and refrigerator thermometer every 3-5 months. Providers may include paid provides, grandparents, babysitters, etc. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.1700000,-92.0600000

Phone
(337) 232-7471
Location
Lafayette, LA

SLEMCO Electric Foundation

The SLEMCO Electric Foundation provides grants to needy individuals requiring assistance with a wide variety of needs. Funds for these grants are provided voluntarily by thousands of SLEMCO customers who allow their monthly bills to be rounded up to the next highest dollar. Prescription medications, artificial limbs, eyeglasses, wheelchairs, ramps or other handicap renovations are examples of the grants awarded each month. No utility bills or existing debts are paid through this program. Grants are awarded to SLEMCO and non-SLEMCO customers. For more information about Operation Round-UP, contact the SLEMCO Marking Department. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.3030440,-92.0263360

Phone
(337) 896-5384
Location
Lafayette, LA

SMILE Community Action Agency, Inc. ( Lafayette Office)

SMILE Community Action Agency helps with prescription medications (except pain medications) once a year for a maximum of $100 per family (no pain medications), utilities, rent and mortgage payment assistance (refer to US Dept. of Housing & :Urban Development 800-750-8956). Applications for medication, utilities, held on Mondays thru Thursday with appointments scheduled for the last Tuesday of the month; applications Tuesdays only for rent and mortgage assistance or refer to HUD at 800-750-8956. Hours for taking applications are 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-3:00. There is a limit of $50. Documents needed: Disconnect notice, eviction notice, proof of income for every household member, Social Security cards for every household member and dates of birth, as well as documented reason why you need the help. For clients who have previously been assisted must wait one year and one day from the date they received that assistance before applying for additional help. In addition, SMILE also operates the following programs:TRANSPORTATION: SMILE provides non-emergency medical and general transportation to Lafayette parish residents. For general transportation the cost is $8 in Lafayette Parish; must call the day before to schedule. Those persons having the Medicaid card can call the Medical Dispatcher who will schedule transportation with Smile. Medicaid approved transportation has priority, then elderly and handicapped.HEAD START - offers a part-day program for preschool children who come primarily from economically-disadvantaged households. Also offers head start disability services, training and technical assistance and early head start. COMMUNITY SERVICE BLOCK GRANTS - provides support services for community-based, anti-poverty programs and projects such as emergency assistance, transportation, weatherization, etc..LiHEAP: LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: - provides payment to energy suppliers on behalf of persons needing help with their utility bills, particularly the elderly and handicapped and families with children. Program is funded through the LA Department of Social Services. Applications are taken on the last Tuesday of the month at 8:00am. Applicants can either call or go in. There is a waiting list. (NOTE: funds are not credited to clients account for 6-8 weeks)WEATHERIZATION - (Cassandra Griffin, Coordinator) an energy conservation program that assists low-income persons, elderly and handicapped by weatherizing their homes with cost-saving measures and maintenance. EMERGENCY FOOD/SHELTER - program that provides emergency food and shelter for the needy and disadvantaged and helps with rent or mortgage payments HOMELESS ASSISTANCE - helps the homeless during their transitional period out of poverty; accepts families with children under age 9 (will accept a woman and children or a man and children). Exceptions to this rule is made on a case-by-case basis.HUD APPROVED HOUSING COUNSELING PROGRAM - provides information and assistance to clients with housing needs. Housing counseling activities include mortgage default (for payment assistance refer to HUD 800-750-8956), pre-purchase activities, consumer education, pre-occupancy rental, rental delinquency, relocation assistance, home ownership counseling and others.RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP) - recruits and places retired senior citizens in meaningful volunteer assignments for non-profit agencies and individuals. Must be 55 years or olderMEDICAID AND CHIP ENROLLMENT CENTER - by appointment only. They accept applications on Tuesday.EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE GRANTS PROGRAM - facilitates self-sufficiency by providing temporary housing and supportive services for homeless families.FINDWORK (PROJECT INDEPENDENCE) - TRANSPORTATION - provides transportation for qualified participants, including clients and their preschool children who are transported to education sites and day care facilities, respectively. Previously referred to as the JOBS Program, it is designed to assist certain groups of TANF clients in securing independence from outside resources.FAMILY RESOURCE/PARENTING CENTER - Provides ongoing community education in St. Martin Parish on development and self sufficiency of protecting children. The primary target population is parents under 20 years of age who are at risk of becoming abusers (high school dropouts, parents from abused families, low income), the extended family members and children six year and under.COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY CENTERS - Provides computer technology and internet services for community residents. Introduces low-income families to computers and various programs and targets youth with afternoon activities. Also serves as a community lab, enabling families to enhance their computer skills and explore the Information Superhighway. Located in St. Martin and Iberia Parishes. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.2291530,-92.0225740

Phone
(337) 232-6810
Location
Lafayette, LA

United Christian Outreach

UCO helps the needy in emergency situations. They help individuals living within the city limits of Lafayette and those living in Lafayette Parish on a case by case basis. Assistance provided includes: clothing, utilities (maximum help of $50...every 3 years, with church referral, disconnect notice and social security number required), food, medication (referral from 232-HELP/211 for food) and referrals to other agencies. If they do not receive food stamps, they are given groceries. All workers are volunteers; no paid staff workers. Funding is from individual contributions and church donations. The United Christian Outreach Food Net Pantry is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.2339634,-91.9980795

Phone
(337) 234-0162
Location
Lafayette, LA

Acadiana Concern For Aids Relief Education And Support, Inc.

Lafayette Concern For AIDS Relief Education And Support (CARES) was founded with a four-fold mission: 1) to improve the quality of life of those affected directly and indirectly by HIV; 2) to provide education and information on HIV; 3) to encourage behavioral changes to halt the spread of HIV; and 4) to encourage attitudinal changes about HIV infection. Direct Financial Assistance provides eligible persons with short-term financial assistance with mortgage, rent, utility and other critical need payments. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.2511360,-92.0231340

Phone
(337) 233-2437
Location
Lafayette, LA

LCG Department of Community Development ( DCD) - LAFAYETTE

*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:Orleans Parish .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
30.2276425,-92.0147366

Phone
(337) 2918402
Location
Lafayette, LA