Homeless Assistance in Louisiana

Homeless Assistance in Louisiana

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Louisiana residents.

10,500+
People experiencing homelessness
220+
Assistance programs statewide
$120M+
Federal housing funds
64 Parishes
With local resources
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Need help right now? Contact us here — we can connect you to local shelters and services in Louisiana.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Louisiana residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Louisiana. Contact us for help locating the nearest open shelter and available resources in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Louisiana. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Louisiana veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Louisiana residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Louisiana. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Louisiana receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Louisiana Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Louisiana locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Louisiana community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Louisiana residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Louisiana State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Louisiana for residents experiencing homelessness.

Louisiana Homeless Programs (LHC)

Louisiana Housing Corporation administers state and federal funding for emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing statewide.

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TANF – Louisiana (FITAP)

Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program provides cash and employment services to eligible Louisiana families. Apply at any DCFS office.

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Louisiana Medicaid

Health coverage for eligible Louisiana residents. Apply at louisianabenefits.gov. Expanded Medicaid covers adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

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Louisiana Housing Programs

Louisiana Housing Corporation provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Louisiana residents.

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Louisiana Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Louisiana’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Louisiana households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Contact us to find your nearest provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Louisiana cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

New Orleans

Unity of Greater New Orleans — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for New Orleans area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Baton Rouge

Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Baton Rouge area.

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Shreveport

Volunteers of America North Louisiana — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Shreveport area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Louisiana.

Contact NHREA here and we will connect you to available shelter beds in Louisiana. You can also visit 211.org to search for local resources.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Louisiana. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Louisiana benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. Louisiana has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • Louisiana Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Louisiana veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Contact NHREA to find rapid re-housing programs in Louisiana.
Apply at Louisiana’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.