Where to get help paying rent in Louisiana
Louisiana's rent assistance system runs in two layers. Parish-level community action agencies and charities handle most emergency help — they're the ones to call when rent is due immediately. Statewide organizations cover programs that reach every parish, including Housing Choice Vouchers, free tenant legal aid, and subsidized housing for rural areas. This page has information on all the various rental assistance programs - whether statewide or in a local Parish, with links to local options.
Louisiana has two separate statewide legal aid organizations that divide the state by region. If you've received an eviction notice, one of those two should be your first call — whichever serves your parish. Both provide free representation to income-eligible tenants and don't charge for their help.
Calling 211 is a reasonable starting point for a quick referral list toorganizations that may help pay rent or a security deposit, but local programs listed below — and the parish pages linked at the bottom — often include smaller organizations that 211 doesn't track.
Statewide programs
Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)
The state agency that administers Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), emergency housing vouchers, and a Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program that can cover rent and deposits for qualifying households. LHC also runs LAHousingSearch.org, a free tool to find income-restricted rental units across Louisiana. Applications for Section 8 go through your local housing authority; LHC oversees the statewide program. Contact 2415 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Phone: (225) 763-8700 | Toll-free: (888) 454-2001. Website: https://www.lhc.la.gov/. You can also see the NHPB guide to section 8 in Louisiana.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS)
Free civil legal aid for low-income tenants across 22 parishes in southeastern Louisiana, including the New Orleans metro, Baton Rouge, and parishes along the Gulf Coast. SLLS handles eviction defense, lease disputes, security deposit recovery, and habitability complaints. Seven offices are spread across the region — in Baton Rouge, Covington, Gretna, Hammond, Houma, and New Orleans. Income limits apply; most services require household income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Contact 1340 Poydras Street, Suite 600, New Orleans, LA 70112. Phone: (504) 529-1000. Website: https://slls.org. For other legal aid options, see the guide to free legal aid attorneys in Louisiana..
Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC)
Free civil legal aid for low-income tenants across 42 parishes in north, central, and southwest Louisiana. Covers eviction defense, habitability issues, housing benefits disputes, and related civil matters. Offices in Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches, Alexandria, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Franklin. ALSC generally serves households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, with expanded eligibility for people over 60 and survivors of domestic violence. Toll-free: (866) 275-2572. Website: https://www.la-law.org/
Community action agencies
Louisiana's network of community action agencies — one in each region — provides emergency rental assistance, security deposit help, and referrals to other programs. These agencies receive federal CSBG funding and typically also manage LIHEAP energy assistance. Funding is limited and often runs out before the end of the year, so applying early matters. The Louisiana Association of Community Action Partnerships has a list at https://acapla.org/agency-listings. For additional information, see the NHPB Louisiana community action guide.
USDA Rural Development – Louisiana
For renters living outside major cities, USDA operates subsidized rental housing at properties across rural Louisiana. These units serve low-income households, seniors, and people with disabilities. Tenants at USDA-financed properties pay income-based rent, with USDA covering the difference. These properties aren't always listed in standard HUD search tools, so contacting the state office directly is worth it if you're in a smaller community. Contact 3727 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 71302. Phone: (318) 473-7920. Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/la
Eviction Prevention Programs
People who rent a house or an apartment in Louisiana, that have an eviction notice, can seek help from statewide eviction prevention programs such as the Emergency Solutions Grant Program or local Continuum of Care agencies in each Parish. These homeless prevention options are often different than dedicated rent assistance programs and can be a resource too. See the Louisiana eviction prevention program page.
Community Discussion
Do you have questions or are looking for information on what other residents of Louisiana are saying about rent assistance programs or agencies that may have funds? Try our moderated discussion forum — where people share experiences and tips. The forum may have other options not listed on the site as funding always comes and goes. See the NHPB Louisiana rent assistance program forum topic.
Local parishes — apply for rent help in your area
Select a parish below for local organizations, contacts, and program details. Availability, eligibility rules, and application requirements for emergency rent payment help or other housing assistance varies by Parish, organization and area.
Ascension Parish
Baton Rouge
Calcasieu Parish
Jefferson Parish
Lafayette Parish
Livingston Parish
New Orleans
Ouachita Parish
Rapides Parish
Shreveport, Bossier and Caddo Parish
St. Tammany Parish
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