Help for the Hungry
There are people in Louisiana who face hunger every day. Adults and children who do not have enough food despite living in the land of plenty. No one has to be hungry. There are programs and organizations whose sole purpose is to make sure everyone has enough food. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was created to help qualified low-income individuals and families stretch their food purchasing power. SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, provides food dollars through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card is similar in appearance to a bank debit card and works like one as well.
SNAP benefits are for purchasing most foods in retail groceries. Food dollars cannot be used for hot meals or meals that are ready to eat, soap and paper products, alcohol, tobacco or pet food. SNAP funds are a supplement to a healthy diet. Recipients are expected to spend their money and use food pantries, community gardens, and other community food resources.
Energy Assistance for single mothers
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists low-income households with their home energy bills. LIHEAP may provide bill payment assistance and/or energy crisis assistance. The LIHEAP is a federally funded service administered by state human resource counselors to help those in greatest need. Both renters and home owners are eligible to receive LIHEAP assistance. For more information on how to apply for single mother assistance call 888-454-2001 or go to this page.
The Mission of the Louisiana Housing Corporation is to ensure that every Louisiana resident is granted an opportunity to obtain safe, affordable, energy efficient housing. Each day this ongoing challenge is met by a dedicated staff of professionals who allocate federal and state funds to help low-to-moderate income citizens make their housing dreams a reality. Call the Louisiana Housing Corporation at 225-763-8700 or 888-454-2001
The Power to Care is helping neighbors in need. The Power to Care will help low-income, elderly, single mothers or disabled customers pay their energy bills in times of financial distress 800-368-3749.
Use this resource list to learn ways to save energy everyday in your home.
Eviction Prevention
Is your landlord threatening to evict you and your family? You have legal rights and you need to know them. If you cannot afford professional legal help there are organizations that can provide qualifying persons with free legal assistance. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) provides free legal assistance for low-income single mothers. If you are being evicted contact SLLS or apply online.
Telephone Discount for single mothers
While some people are willing to pay an enormous amount for the latest really smartphone there are those at the other end of the spectrum who cannot afford any phone at all. Because a phone is a necessity, the federal government created a program called Lifeline. The service provides a discount to the elderly, people with disabilities, and low-income qualified households.
Lifeline is a federal program that offers a discount on monthly telephone service. This discount is applicable for either wireless or wireline (landline) telephones. The program was created to make access to telephone service affordable for all. To find out more on single mother assistance. contact your local telephone service carrier or continue reading.
Homeless Shelters
Do you need a place to stay? Are you in a dangerous environment? Fortunately, there are numerous shelters throughout Louisiana.
Kaleidoscope 225-343-6300 Baton Rouge
Homeless or runaway youth, male and female, 10 – 17 years of age
Bridges (Safe Havens Program) 318-865-1422 Shreveport
Serving unaccompanied men and women, persons who are homeless, mentally ill, single and two parent families, adult couples
The House of Ruth 504-784-1162 New Orleans
For the elderly and disabled homeless
Here is a comprehensive list of shelters.
Medical Care
Do you have diabetes or asthma? Are you in need of medical care for chronic problems such as respiratory or heart conditions, or HIV? The Martin Luther King Health Center and Pharmacy in Shreveport can help. The center has nine outreach clinics in the surrounding parishes and serves as a safety net for patients who have no resources to obtain health care and pharmacy services. Call 318-227-2912 for more information or to make an appointment. Visit this page to learn more about the Martin Luther King Health Center and Pharmacy and the services offered.
Prescription Assistance
Do you need help with paying for prescription medications? Not everyone has insurance coverage for prescriptions. Some people have no health insurance at all.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) helps uninsured and financially struggling patients who lack prescription coverage get access to prescription assistance programs that offer medicines for free or low-cost. The prescription program is free, confidential and offers a single access point to information on more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, and more than 40 assistance programs that focus on the health needs of children.
Here is a list of medications and companies that donate low-cost or free prescriptions to eligible persons.