DeSoto Parish assistance programs

The DeSoto Parish community services is the local community action agency. They are located in Mansfield, but service the entire parish of DeSoto. The phone number is (318) 872-6311

Rent Help

If you are struggling with paying your rent, or facing an eviction, the agency may from time to time have funds that they can provide to help you make it through a short term crisis. They have recently received additional federal government funding from the The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (also known as the stimulus plan) which has allowed them to help more people than normal.

Weatherization Assistance

This is another federal government funded program that will help people save hundreds of dollars per year on their utility bills. It is free to qualified families.

Contractors will inspect your home and provide free energy saving improvements. The extensive work includes weather stripping, additional floor, attic and wall insulation, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, combustion tests on all appliances, minor wall, floor and roof repair, sunscreens, caulking for air infiltration, unvented space heater replacement, tuning and repairs of air conditioning units, energy efficient light bulb replacement and an overall assurance that homes are properly ventilated for desired air quality. All of the work that is completed  on the homes and apartment is designed to conserve energy for at least 10 years.