The state of Louisiana is famous for blues music and Cajun cuisine. The two go together, bringing in loads of tourists every year for a sample of each. It is also considered one of the poorest states in the country. As such, there are many people who live there that struggle financially. The good news is that there are programs they can turn to for assistance, helping to ensure their basic needs are met. The programs routinely provide financial help for African Americans in Louisiana.
The programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Louisiana are made possible largely by funding through the federal government. There are also some that are funded through the state government and some offered through organizations that simply want to help people in the community.
There is no limit to the number of programs you can apply for at one time or receive funds from. This creates a good opportunity to apply for all of the programs you feel qualified for, and hopefully you will be able to get assistance from more than one. This will ensure your basic needs are being met during this challenging financial period.
Financial Help for African Americans in Louisiana
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program offers financial help for African Americans by providing them with food each month. Those who are qualified will receive a monthly amount of money that is electronically added to a debit card. The card can then be used to pay for food at the grocery store. The amount that you will receive if you are approved by this program is determined by how many dependents you have. To qualify, you have to have a low income, and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (TITAP) – This program is the same as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families that is available in many other states. The program is federally funded and will provide financial help for African Americans in the form of cash. The cash is provided each month to be used on living expenses, including food, transportation, shelter, paying bills, etc. There is a limit to how long you can receive help through this program, and you must have at least one minor child you are providing for. The amount you will receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have. To get more information, click here.
Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) – This program provides a monthly cash benefit for children who live with relatives. The funds help the relative be able to take care of the child. To get more information, click here.
Medicaid – This federally funded program will provide help for African Americans by paying for medical expenses. If you are approved for Medicaid in Louisiana, you will be able to get free healthcare, including seeing a doctor, going to the hospital, obtaining prescription drugs, and more. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Housing and Urban Assistance (HUD) – This program offers financial help for African Americans by providing housing assistance. Some of the things they will do to help include paying rent, helping you avoid foreclosure, providing free weatherization services, and paying for necessary home repairs. They also have access to government owned housing units where people can live for free. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information about HUD in Louisiana, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Many people struggle to pay their utility bills. LIHEAP is a program that focuses on helping people to pay their utility bills. They receive a block grant from the government each year, which means they get one sum of money and when it runs out they can’t help anyone until the following year. If you need help, it’s a good idea to apply early and be sure to apply each year that you need help. If you are approved for the program they will send the funds directly to the utility provider on your behalf. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person who is responsible for paying the bill. To get more information or apply, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program offers free healthy food to women who are pregnant or have at least one child under the age of five. You also have to have a low income and be considered nutritionally at risk. The food they give is all considered healthy, so you will receive fruits and vegetables. To apply, you have to visit a WIC clinic. To locate a clinic near you and get more information, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization provides financial help for African Americans by providing services that will meet their basic needs. They offer free food, clothing, shelters, counseling, and more. This is a faith-based organization that is part of the national one that has over 3,000 locations around the country. They provide free help to those in the community who need assistance. To get help, find a location near you and contact them to see how you can move forward obtaining assistance. Anyone who has a low income can qualify for assistance from Catholic Charities. They do not expect you to be religious, even though they are affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. To get more info or find a location, click here.
Salvation Army – Similar to Catholic Charities, this is a faith-based organization with locations around the country. They have programs that help people in need in the community. Their programs will provide free food, shelter, clothing, transportation, bill payment assistance, job training, counseling services, and more. To qualify for help you need to have a low income. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.