Low-Income Resources in Louisiana

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with Louisiana SNAP through the Department of Children & Family Services. Nutrition support for families with young children and local food pantry options are also available statewide.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — Louisiana DCFS

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.

Program overview: Louisiana SNAP (DCFS)
Apply: CAFÉ Customer Portal

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Louisiana Department of Health

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and find a local WIC clinic.

Program overview: Louisiana WIC Program

Find a food bank or pantry — Feeding Louisiana

Helps with: Locating food banks, pantries, and meal programs across Louisiana.
How to start: Use the food finder to search by location.

Feeding Louisiana Find Food

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are a concern, Louisiana offers assistance through energy programs and housing agencies. Many services are delivered locally through community action agencies.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Louisiana DCFS

Helps with: Help paying home heating and cooling costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details and contact a local provider.

Program overview: Louisiana LIHEAP
Find a local agency: LIHEAP local offices

Housing programs and renter resources — Louisiana Housing Corporation

Helps with: Affordable housing programs, rental assistance information, and renter guidance.
How to start: Review renter resources and linked programs.

Louisiana Housing renter resources

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In Louisiana, these programs are administered through the Department of Children & Family Services.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — Louisiana DCFS

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible families.
How to start: Review program information and apply when ready.

Program overview: Louisiana Child Care Assistance
Apply: CAFÉ Customer Portal

Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) — Louisiana DCFS

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment supports for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility and apply when ready.

Program overview: Louisiana FITAP
Apply: CAFÉ Customer Portal

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Louisiana offers Medicaid and LaCHIP for eligible residents. Applications are handled through the state benefits portal.

Louisiana Medicaid & LaCHIP — Eligibility and enrollment

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible individuals and families.
How to start: Review eligibility information and apply online when ready.

Program overview: Louisiana Medicaid & LaCHIP
Apply: CAFÉ Customer Portal

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 Louisiana

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or use the online directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
211 Louisiana

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Helps with: Confidential support and connection to local domestic violence programs.
How to start: Call the statewide hotline or find local services.

Call: 1-888-411-1333
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/louisiana/