Housing Assistance for Seniors in Louisiana

Last updated: December 09, 2025

---

If You Need Emergency Help

• Call 911 if you are in danger or need urgent medical help.
• Call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7).
• Dial 211 or visit the statewide resource hub at Louisiana 211 for emergency shelter, rent/utility help, and disaster resources: https://www.louisiana211.org/
• Find nearby shelters and affordable housing through HUD’s Resource Locator: https://resources.hud.gov/
• If you’re facing eviction, contact legal aid right away:
  • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS): https://slls.org/
  • Acadiana Legal Service Corporation: https://www.la-law.org/
  • Legal Services of North Louisiana: https://www.lsnl.org/
• For elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, report to the Louisiana Department of Health’s Adult/Elderly Protective Services. Start here and follow the instructions for reporting: https://ldh.la.gov/ (search “Adult Protective Services” or “Elderly Protective Services”).

---

Key Takeaways

• Most seniors get housing help through a mix of federal programs (Section 8 Vouchers, Public Housing, Section 202 housing), state programs (Louisiana Housing Corporation’s energy/weatherization), and local nonprofits.
• Homeowners age 62+ in rural areas may qualify for USDA Section 504 home repair grants and low-interest loans to fix safety hazards.
• Energy bills and home weatherization assistance are run statewide by the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) through LIHEAP and WAP.
• Medicaid waivers (Community Choices Waiver) can help seniors remain at home by covering in‑home care and some supports that reduce housing costs.
• Waitlists are common. Apply in multiple places, ask about “preferences” for elderly or disabled households, and use HUD’s Resource Locator to find openings.
• Always verify details on official websites. Funding windows open and close, and rules change.

---

What This Guide Covers

• Rent help and affordable senior apartments (Section 8, Public Housing, Section 202)
• Home repair, accessibility, and weatherization (USDA Section 504, WAP, local rehab programs)
• Utility bill relief (LIHEAP, utility company programs)
• Medicaid in-home and community supports (Community Choices Waiver; Money Follows the Person)
• Disaster recovery and insurance basics in a hurricane‑prone state
• Special tips for LGBTQ+ seniors, veterans, disabled seniors, tribal communities, and rural households
• Regional resources and who to call

We link directly to official sources so you can act with confidence.

---

Quick-Start Table: Where To Begin

Sources: U.S. HUD; USDA Rural Development; Louisiana Housing Corporation; Louisiana Department of Health.

---

How Housing Help Works in Louisiana: The Basics

Louisiana uses a mix of federal and state programs delivered locally through:

• Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) for vouchers and public housing
• The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) for energy/weatherization and select housing initiatives
• Parish and city community development offices for home rehab and CDBG/HOME-funded programs
• Nonprofits and Continuums of Care (CoCs) for homelessness prevention and rehousing
• Medicaid waivers through the Louisiana Department of Health to help seniors remain at home

Reality check:

• Many programs have waitlists.
• Funding cycles open and close during the year.
• You improve your odds by applying with multiple agencies, checking frequently, and asking about preferences for elderly or disabled applicants.

Use HUD’s Resource Locator to map affordable housing and local contacts: https://resources.hud.gov/

---

Rent Help and Affordable Senior Housing

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

• What it is: A rent subsidy that caps your share of rent at about 30% of your adjusted income. The voucher pays the rest to a participating landlord.
• Who it helps: Very low-income households. Some PHAs give priority to elderly (62+) and disabled households when local policies allow.
• How to apply: Find your local PHA, check if the waitlist is open, and follow application instructions. Many PHAs use online portals.

Start here:

• HUD’s PHA contact directory for Louisiana: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
• Program overview: https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8

Tips and realities:

• Waitlists can be long. Sign up for email alerts if available.
• Ask about preferences (elderly, disability, veteran, homeless prevention).
• Keep documents ready: ID, Social Security card, income proof, bank statements, award letters (Social Security/SSI), and current lease.

Public Housing

• What it is: Apartments owned/managed by PHAs with income-based rent.
• Who it helps: Low-income individuals and families; many buildings have senior/disabled-only units.
• How to apply: Contact your local PHA via HUD’s directory and apply for public housing. Be prepared for eligibility screening and potentially a waitlist.

Learn more:

• Public Housing overview: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly

• What it is: HUD-funded apartments for adults age 62+ with below-market rents. Many sites offer service coordinators, transportation links, or activities.
• Who it helps: Low-income seniors 62+.
• How to find units: Use HUD’s Resource Locator and filter for “Elderly” properties.
• HUD Resource Locator: https://resources.hud.gov/
• Program description: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/eld202

Reality check:

• Section 202 properties often have closed or lengthy waitlists. Apply to multiple properties and ask when lists will open.

Other Affordable Rentals in Rural Areas

• USDA Rural Development Multifamily (Section 515) and Rental Assistance (Section 521) support many small-town and rural complexes, including senior-designated properties.
• Search USDA rural rentals (filter by Louisiana): https://rdmfhrentals.sc.egov.usda.gov/

---

Homeowners: Repairs, Accessibility, Weatherization

USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants (Rural)

• What it is: Loans up to $40,000forverylow-incomehomeownerstorepair,improve,ormodernizehomes;grantsupto$10,000 for age 62+ to remove health/safety hazards. Grants do not need to be repaid unless the home is sold within three years.
• Who it helps: Owner-occupants in eligible rural areas who cannot obtain affordable credit elsewhere and meet income limits.
• How to apply: Contact your local USDA Rural Development area office or apply through the program page.
• Program page (eligibility, forms, contacts): https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
• Check rural address eligibility: https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

Reality check:

• Funds are limited and competitive. Apply early in the fiscal year and respond quickly to requests for documentation.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

• What it is: Free energy-saving improvements (insulation, sealing air leaks, HVAC tune-ups, lighting, minor repairs to improve efficiency).
• Who it helps: Income-eligible homeowners and renters. Priority often given to seniors and people with disabilities.
• How to apply: Administered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation through local providers.
• LHC Weatherization overview: https://lhc.la.gov/ (search “Weatherization”)
• Federal program info: U.S. DOE WAP: https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program

Typical documents:

• Photo ID, proof of residence, income verification, utility bills. Renters usually need landlord permission for measures.

Local Owner-Occupied Rehab (City/Parish)

• What it is: Cities and parishes use federal HOME/CDBG funds to run owner-occupied rehab programs, often prioritizing seniors, disabled homeowners, and urgent health/safety hazards (e.g., roof, plumbing, accessibility, code issues).
• Where to look:
  • New Orleans Office of Community Development (search “Owner-Occupied Rehab”): https://nola.gov/
  • East Baton Rouge (Office of Community Development): https://www.brla.gov/
  • Shreveport Community Development: https://www.shreveportla.gov/
  • Lafayette Consolidated Government (Housing): https://www.lafayettela.gov/
  • Lake Charles (Community Development): https://www.cityoflakecharles.com/
• Tip: On each site, search for “owner-occupied rehab,” “housing rehab,” or “CDBG/HOME.”

Reality check:

• Programs open for short windows and may use lotteries. Bookmark pages and sign up for alerts.

Nonprofit Repair Programs

• Rebuilding Together (multiple Louisiana affiliates) often assists low-income seniors with critical repairs and accessibility modifications. Find local affiliates:
  • Rebuilding Together New Orleans: https://www.rtno.org/
  • Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge: https://www.rtbtr.org/
  • Rebuilding Together Acadiana (Lafayette area): https://www.rtaacadiana.org/
  • Rebuilding Together Northwest Louisiana (Shreveport area): https://www.rtnwla.org/
• Habitat for Humanity affiliates sometimes offer critical home repair programs for seniors. Find local affiliates at Habitat for Humanity: https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/near-you/find-your-local-habitat

---

Utility Bills and Energy Assistance

LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

• What it is: Help with electric or gas bills; in some cases, crisis assistance to prevent disconnection.
• Who it helps: Income-eligible households (thresholds set by LIHEAP guidelines; priority often given to elderly, disabled, and families with young children).
• How to apply in Louisiana: Through parish providers coordinated by the Louisiana Housing Corporation.
• LHC LIHEAP page and list of local providers: https://lhc.la.gov/ (search “LIHEAP”)
• Federal LIHEAP overview (for program rules): https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap

Reality check:

• Funding is limited and allocated by parish. Apply early; bring ID, proof of income, and utility bills.

Weatherization Assistance (WAP)

See the Weatherization section above for free energy-saving repairs that can permanently lower bills.

Utility Company Programs

• Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans: Payment arrangements, bill credits during high-bill months, and The Power to Care (customer/donor-supported aid). Start here:
  • Entergy Louisiana assistance: https://www.entergy-louisiana.com/ (search “bill help” or “The Power to Care”)
  • Entergy New Orleans: https://www.entergy-neworleans.com/
• Cleco: Payment assistance and budget billing options: https://www.cleco.com/
• SWEPCO (AEP) in northwest Louisiana: Payment assistance and efficiency programs: https://www.swepco.com/
• Tip: Ask your utility about medical necessity forms, budget billing, and senior discounts (where available). Requirements vary.

---

Medicaid and Long-Term Care Supports That Keep You at Home

Community Choices Waiver (CCW) — Louisiana Department of Health

• What it is: A Medicaid home- and community-based services waiver that helps eligible seniors remain at home, avoiding or delaying nursing facility care.
• What it may cover: Personal care, home-delivered meals, respite, home modifications, personal emergency response systems, and more (service mix varies).
• Who it helps: Generally age 65+ or adults who meet nursing facility level of care and financial eligibility for Medicaid.
• How to apply: Contact the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS), and ask about CCW screening and the Request for Services Registry.
• OAAS (programs and contacts): https://ldh.la.gov/ (search “Office of Aging and Adult Services” and “Community Choices Waiver”)

Money Follows the Person (My Place Louisiana)

• What it is: Helps eligible Medicaid participants move from institutions (like nursing homes) back into the community with services and supports.
• How to start: Ask OAAS or your case manager about “My Place Louisiana.”
• Overview: https://ldh.la.gov/ (search “My Place Louisiana” or “Money Follows the Person”)

Reality check:

• Waitlists exist for CCW. Get on the list as early as possible and keep your contact info current.

---

Disaster Recovery and Insurance Basics (Louisiana)

• Disaster assistance: If your home is damaged in a declared disaster, apply for federal help at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/. You can also contact your parish emergency office or 211.
• State emergency planning: The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness provides preparedness guidance (“Get A Game Plan”): https://www.getagameplan.org/
• Homeowners insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance can help you compare policies, understand claims, and learn about the state’s insurer of last resort (Louisiana Citizens): https://www.ldi.la.gov/
• Insurer of last resort: Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation: https://www.lacitizens.com/

Reality check:

• After disasters, repair scams increase. Use licensed contractors and never pay in full upfront. Verify licensing with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors: https://lslbc.louisiana.gov/

---

Property Taxes, Homestead Exemption, and Assessment Freeze

• Homestead Exemption: Louisiana offers a homestead exemption that reduces taxable value on your primary residence. Details are managed locally by parish assessors and overseen by the Louisiana Tax Commission.
  • Learn more: Louisiana Assessors’ Association — homestead info: https://www.louisianaassessors.org/
• Special Assessment Level (sometimes called the “frozen assessment”): Homeowners age 65+ may qualify to freeze their assessed value if their income is below a state-set limit (adjusted annually). Apply with your parish assessor and bring proof of age, income, and residency.
  • Contact your parish assessor via the Louisiana Assessors’ Association directory: https://www.louisianaassessors.org/assessors
  • For statewide guidance and FAQs, see the Louisiana Tax Commission: https://www.latax.state.la.us/

Reality check:

• The income limit changes annually. Always verify the current threshold with your parish assessor before applying.

---

Fair Housing and Tenant Rights

• Anti-discrimination: It’s illegal to discriminate in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), familial status, or disability under the federal Fair Housing Act and related laws. If you are turned away, steered to certain neighborhoods, quoted higher rents, or harassed because you belong to a protected class, that may be illegal discrimination.
  • File a fair housing complaint with HUD:
    https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp
  • Learn about Louisiana-specific fair housing protections and resources from the Louisiana Housing Corporation:
    https://www.lhc.la.gov/fair-housing
• Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center (LaFHAC): Statewide nonprofit that investigates fair housing complaints, provides free legal help for victims of discrimination, and offers education and outreach.
  Website: https://lafairhousing.org/
• Reasonable accommodations and modifications: If you have a disability, you generally have the right to reasonable changes in rules (for example, allowing an assistance animal in a “no pets” building) and sometimes physical modifications (grab bars, ramps) so you can use and enjoy your home. Put requests in writing and keep copies.
• Eviction protections: Landlords still must follow Louisiana’s eviction procedures, give proper notice, and cannot lock you out or remove belongings without a court order. If you receive any eviction papers, contact legal aid immediately.

---

Documents Checklist: What To Gather Before You Apply

Having paperwork ready makes it easier to apply for vouchers, senior housing, Medicaid waivers, home repair grants, and energy assistance. Make a folder (paper or digital) with:

• Identification & household details
  • Photo ID for each adult (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
  • Social Security cards or numbers for everyone in the household
  • Birth certificates or immigration documents, if required
• Income and benefits
  • Recent award letters: Social Security, SSI, SSDI, veterans benefits, pensions
  • Recent pay stubs (if anyone works)
  • Bank statements (usually last 2–3 months)
  • Proof of other income (alimony, self-employment, rental income)
• Housing & bills
  • Current lease or proof of homeownership (deed, mortgage statement, property tax bill)
  • Recent utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, phone)
  • Any shut-off, past-due, or eviction notices
• Health & disability documentation (if applicable)
  • Doctor’s letters describing mobility limits or other disabilities
  • List of medications and medical equipment
  • Proof of disability benefits (SSDI/SSI, VA disability rating)
• Other helpful items
  • Names and phone numbers for current and recent landlords
  • Emergency contacts
  • Insurance information (homeowner’s, renter’s, flood, Medicare, Medicaid, private plans)

If gathering all of this at once feels overwhelming, start with ID, Social Security numbers, income proof, and your current lease or tax bill. Those four items unlock most housing and utility programs.

---

Special Considerations & Inclusive Resources

Veteran Seniors

• HUD-VASH vouchers: Homeless veterans or those at risk may qualify for Housing Choice Vouchers paired with case management through the VA. Louisiana Housing Authority and local housing authorities administer HUD-VASH in partnership with VA medical centers. Check with your VA social worker or homeless program coordinator and ask specifically about HUD-VASH.
• Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA): LDVA has at least one Veterans Service Office in each parish to help with federal and state benefits, including housing-related programs, veterans homes, and property tax relief.
  Website: https://vetaffairs.la.gov/
• Action step: If you are a veteran facing homelessness, contact both your nearest VA medical center social work office and your parish Veterans Service Office. Ask about HUD-VASH, emergency shelter options, and possible stays in a Louisiana Veterans Home if long-term care is needed.

LGBTQ+ Seniors

• Local support in New Orleans: New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders (NOAGE) hosts programs, social events, and maintains a list of senior living and housing resources that are welcoming to LGBTQ+ elders.
  Website: https://www.noagenola.org/
• National support: The SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline (877-360-LGBT) provides 24/7 emotional support and referrals for LGBTQ+ older adults and caregivers.
• Tip: When you call housing providers, you can ask neutrally about their non-discrimination policies and whether staff receive training on serving LGBTQ+ residents. If you experience harassment or unequal treatment, document everything and contact LaFHAC or SAGE for guidance.

Disabled Seniors

• Medicaid waivers & My Place Louisiana: In addition to the Community Choices Waiver, My Place Louisiana (the state’s Money Follows the Person program) helps Medicaid-eligible people transition from nursing homes or other institutions back to community housing, including apartments and family homes.
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Louisiana’s ADRCs, branded as “Louisiana Answers,” serve as a one-stop info hub for long-term services and supports (LTSS), including home care, assistive technology, and housing-related help.
• Tip: When applying for housing, ask about units with accessibility features (elevator, roll-in shower, zero-step entry) and whether the landlord will allow reasonable modifications if needed.

Tribal Members and Native Elders

• Federally and state-recognized tribes in Louisiana often operate their own housing departments or housing authorities and may access Indian Housing Block Grants and other tribal-specific housing funds.
• Examples include:
  • Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Housing Department (Marksville), which provides rental/mortgage assistance and other housing supports for tribal members.
  • Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana Housing Authority (Charenton), providing affordable, safe, and sanitary housing to eligible tribal members on the reservation.
• Action step: If you are a tribal member, contact your tribe’s housing office first, then look at federal and state options (HUD, USDA, LHC) if you still need assistance.

Rural Seniors

• Rural seniors may have fewer rental complexes but more access to USDA programs (Section 504 repairs and Section 515/521 rural rental housing) and parish-based Councils on Aging.
• Use:
  • USDA rural rentals search tool (for subsidized rural apartments)
  • USDA single-family repair loans/grants (Section 504) for home safety fixes
  • Your parish Council on Aging / Area Agency on Aging for transportation to town, help with applications, and meals.

---

Utilities, Renters’ Insurance, and Safety Tips

Keeping Utilities On

• Combine LIHEAP + utility company programs: Apply for LIHEAP first for bill payment or crisis assistance, then ask your utility (Entergy, CLECO, SWEPCO, municipal utility) about payment plans, budget billing, medical necessity forms, and any senior discounts.
• Document medical needs: If electricity is crucial (oxygen, CPAP, dialysis transport), ask your doctor for a letter stating what equipment you use and how loss of power would affect your health. Utilities may have special processes for such customers, especially during extreme heat or storms.

Renters’ Insurance & Disaster Risk

• Renters’ insurance: Even if you live in subsidized housing, renters’ insurance can be relatively low cost and may help replace belongings after fire, theft, or some disasters. Flood damage, however, usually requires separate flood coverage.
• Flood and wind risk: Work with your landlord to understand whether the building is in a flood or high-risk wind area. Review any evacuation plans or backup power arrangements, especially if you live in an independent senior building.
• State guidance: For help comparing homeowners coverage, understanding deductibles, or learning about Louisiana Citizens (insurer of last resort), contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance:
  https://www.ldi.la.gov/

Contractor & Repair Scams

• After hurricanes or floods, avoid door-to-door contractors who demand full payment upfront or refuse to give written contracts.
• Use licensed contractors and verify licenses with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors:
  https://lslbc.louisiana.gov/

---

Application Steps That Save Time

1. Clarify your main goal. Decide whether you most need:
   • Lower rent (voucher or subsidized apartment)
   • Home repairs/accessibility
   • Utility help
   • In-home support so you can remain safely at home
2. Start with one “front door.” For many seniors, that’s:
   • Louisiana 211 (dial 2-1-1 or visit https://www.louisiana211.org/) for local housing, utility, and emergency resources, or
   • Your local Council on Aging / Area Agency on Aging for help navigating benefits and filling out forms.
3. Get on key waitlists early. Even if you are managing for now, join:
   • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waitlist at your PHA
   • Public housing and Section 202 senior buildings near you
   • Community Choices Waiver and My Place Louisiana registry (if you think you might need in-home care within a few years)
4. Ask directly about “preferences.” Each PHA and program has its own rules. Seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and people experiencing homelessness may receive priority for certain units or vouchers.
5. Track your applications. Keep a simple notebook or folder:
   • Program name, date applied, confirmation number or case number
   • Who you spoke with and any promised follow-up
   • What documents they still need

---

Common Roadblocks (and What To Do)

• “Waitlists are closed.”
  Ask:
  • When they expect to reopen
  • If they post openings by email, social media, or local newspaper
  • Whether nearby PHAs or rural USDA properties have open lists
• “You don’t meet the income or documentation requirements.”
  • Double-check whether they are using gross income or adjusted income.
  • Ask if medical expenses or disability-related expenses can be deducted.
  • If you are missing documents, ask what alternative proof they will accept (benefit verification letters, bank printouts, etc.).
• Language, disability, or technology barriers.
  • Request reasonable accommodation: extra time, help filling out forms, paper forms instead of online only, or communication by mail if you do not use email.
  • Councils on Aging, ADRCs, and legal aid staff can often help seniors complete online applications or upload documents.
• Eviction or homelessness before your name comes up.
  • Call 211 and ask about emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, and rapid rehousing in your parish.
  • Contact your region’s Continuum of Care (CoC) using HUD’s CoC contact list and ask for coordinated entry or assessment for homeless services.
  • Call legal aid immediately if you receive an eviction notice.

---

Statewide Contacts You Can Trust

Need	Who To Contact	How They Help
General housing, utilities, food, and crisis resources	Louisiana 211 – dial 2-1-1 or visit Louisiana 211	Statewide referral line to local shelters, rent help, utility aid, disaster services, and more.
Senior services, aging in place	Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs & Area Agencies on Aging directory: AAA Directory	Connects you to Councils on Aging, meal programs, transportation, caregiver support, ADRCs, and more.
Energy assistance & weatherization	Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC): https://lhc.la.gov/	Oversees LIHEAP and WAP and partners with local agencies to deliver assistance.
Medicaid long-term care & in-home services	Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Aging & Adult Services (OAAS): https://ldh.la.gov/	Community Choices Waiver, My Place Louisiana, and other supports to help you remain at home.
Fair housing & discrimination	Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center (LaFHAC): https://lafairhousing.org/	Investigates discrimination, provides legal help, and offers fair housing education.
Veterans’ benefits & housing	Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA): https://vetaffairs.la.gov/	Parish Veterans Service Offices, veterans homes, and help with VA benefits and housing programs.
Legal help with housing and benefits	SLLS, Acadiana Legal Service Corporation, Legal Services of North Louisiana	Free or low-cost legal help with evictions, subsidized housing rules, benefits, and some consumer issues.

---

Home Repair and Weatherization: Side-by-Side Snapshot

Program	Who It Helps	What It Can Do	Where To Start
USDA Section 504 Home Repair	Very low-income rural homeowners; grants for age 62+	Loans for repairs, modernization; grants to remove health and safety hazards	USDA Rural Development local office or online program page
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)	Income-eligible homeowners and renters	Insulation, air sealing, minor repairs to improve energy efficiency and lower bills	LHC website (search “Weatherization”); apply through local provider
Local rehab programs (HOME/CDBG)	Low-income owner-occupants; seniors and disabled often prioritized	Roof repair, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, code issues	City/parish community development offices (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, etc.)

---

Region-by-Region: Examples of Who To Call

This is not a complete list, but it shows the types of organizations that usually work together in each region. Always start with 211 and your local Council on Aging if you are unsure.

• New Orleans area (Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard)
  • Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) for vouchers and public housing in the city.
  • New Orleans Council on Aging (NOCOA) for senior services and referrals.
  • Jefferson Council on Aging (JCOA) for seniors in Jefferson Parish.
• Baton Rouge & Capital area
  • East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority (EBRPHA) for vouchers and public housing.
  • Capital Area Agency on Aging for meals, case management, ADRC services, and benefits counseling.
• Shreveport & Northwest Louisiana
  • Housing Authority of the City of Shreveport (HACS) for vouchers and public housing.
  • Caddo Council on Aging for in-home services, meals, and senior support.
• Acadiana / Lafayette area
  • Local PHAs and nonprofit developers; check HUD’s PHA directory and USDA rural rental search for options in Lafayette and neighboring parishes.
  • Cajun Area Agency on Aging and local Councils on Aging for senior services and application help.

For other parishes, use the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs AAA directory plus HUD’s Resource Locator and CoC contact list to find the closest senior service hub and homeless services network.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. I own my home but it needs repairs I can’t afford. Where do I start?

Start with your parish Council on Aging and ask about home repair programs for seniors. Then check USDA Section 504 (if you are in a rural area) and your city/parish community development office for owner-occupied rehab programs. Rebuilding Together and Habitat for Humanity affiliates may also have critical repair programs for seniors, especially for roofs, accessibility, and safety hazards.

2. I’m on a fixed income and my rent keeps going up. Do I have any options?

Apply for Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing where waitlists are open. Use HUD’s Resource Locator and USDA’s rural rental search to look for subsidized senior buildings (including Section 202 and rural senior complexes). Ask any building you contact whether they accept vouchers and whether they have income-based rents for seniors.

3. I can’t live safely alone anymore but I don’t want a nursing home. What should I ask about?

Ask the Office of Aging and Adult Services about the Community Choices Waiver and My Place Louisiana. These programs may fund in-home aides, adult day health, respite, and some home modifications so you can stay at home or move into more supportive community housing. Some seniors also explore assisted living or supportive senior apartments, paying for care with a combination of income, Medicaid, and family help.

4. I’m behind on utilities and worried about shutoff. Who can help quickly?

Call 211 and ask about LIHEAP crisis assistance in your parish, then contact your utility provider’s customer service and ask about payment arrangements, medical necessity programs, or bill assistance partners like The Power to Care (Entergy) or local charities that help seniors. Apply as early as possible in the month; LIHEAP funds in particular can run out.

5. English is not my first language / I have trouble with forms. Can I still apply?

Yes. You can request free language interpretation or reasonable accommodation for a disability from most public agencies and many nonprofits. Councils on Aging, ADRCs, and legal aid organizations regularly help seniors complete online applications and gather documents, and some can provide interpreters or connect you with community groups that speak your language.

---

Additional “What To Do” Guides

If You Receive an Eviction Notice

1. Do not ignore it. Court dates move quickly and missing one can lead to a lockout.
2. Call legal aid immediately. Mention your age, disabilities, and whether you live in subsidized housing or use a voucher. Some legal aid programs have special priorities for seniors.
3. Call 211. Ask about homeless prevention funds, emergency grants, and mediation services in your parish.
4. Gather documents. Lease, rent receipts, any notices from your landlord, photos of conditions, and proof of any repairs you requested.
5. Keep paying what you can. Showing good-faith payments, even partial, may help in negotiations or court.

Key Online Tools To Bookmark

• HUD Public Housing Agency (PHA) directory (for vouchers & public housing)
• HUD Resource Locator (to find subsidized and senior properties)
• USDA rural rental search tool (for rural apartments)
• Louisiana Housing Corporation (LIHEAP, WAP, disaster housing updates)
• Louisiana 211 (for statewide referrals)
• Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs AAA directory (for local Councils on Aging)

---

Disclaimer

Program rules, income limits, and funding levels change frequently. This guide is for general information only and is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always confirm current eligibility, documentation requirements, and application procedures with official agencies or a qualified professional before making major housing decisions.