Get Rental Assistance in Lafayette, LA: Your Local Resource List

For Lafayette Parish residents facing financial hardship, securing rental assistance in Lafayette, LA, can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the threat of eviction. Help with rent is available through a network of dedicated local organizations designed to provide financial support, prevent homelessness, and offer a path back to stability. This resource centralizes the information you need, providing clear, direct guidance on which agencies to contact, the documents required for your application, and the specific steps to take to access housing support.

Immediate Crisis Support: Your First Steps for Eviction or Utility Shut-Off

If you are facing an immediate housing crisis, such as a pending eviction or a utility shut-off notice, taking swift and correct action is critical. The following resources are your first line of defense.

First Call for Help: Dial 2-1-1 (232-HELP)

Your first and most important call should be to 2-1-1. In the Acadiana region, this service is operated by 232-HELP. This is a free, confidential information and referral hotline that connects individuals and families to essential health and human services. A trained specialist will assess your situation and provide referrals to the most appropriate local agencies in Lafayette Parish that can assist with rent, utilities, food, and healthcare services. Think of 2-1-1 as your starting point for navigating the local support system.

If You Have an Eviction Notice: Contact Legal Aid Immediately

Receiving a formal eviction notice is a serious legal matter that requires a specific response. It is highly recommended that you seek legal guidance to understand your rights and obligations as a tenant.

Acadiana Legal Services Corp. provides free legal assistance to low-income residents throughout the region, including Lafayette Parish. Contacting them can be a critical step in preventing an eviction. Their attorneys can help you understand the legal process, ensure your rights are protected, and may be able to negotiate with your landlord on your behalf.

Engaging legal aid is not just for those with a court date. The application process for rental assistance often requires documents that only your landlord can provide, such as a completed W-9 form or a detailed rental payment history, known as a rental ledger.

In a strained landlord-tenant relationship, obtaining these documents can be a significant roadblock. An uncooperative landlord can stall or completely halt your application for aid. Acadiana Legal Services can provide crucial support in these situations by advising you on your rights and potentially communicating with the landlord to secure the necessary paperwork, thereby unblocking your path to receiving financial help.

Key Emergency Rental Assistance Providers in Lafayette Parish

While the statewide Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program has closed, Lafayette Parish is one of seven parishes that administers its own local funds. This means assistance is still available, but it is distributed through a few key community organizations.

Understanding which agency to contact is essential. The local system is fragmented, with each organization having distinct rules and application processes. Contacting the right one from the start can save valuable time and prevent your application from being discarded.

A. SMILE Community Action Agency: Your Primary Contact for LEAP

For over 50 years, the St. Martin, Iberia, Lafayette Community Action Agency (SMILE) has been a cornerstone of support for residents. It is a primary administrator for several government-funded programs aimed at alleviating poverty.

• Programs Offered: SMILE manages multiple funding streams for housing support. The main program is the Lafayette Emergency Assistance Program (LEAP), which offers direct rental assistance. Additional funds may be available through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (FEMA), which can also be used for rent and mortgage payments.
• How to Apply at SMILE: The main office is located at 501 St. John Street, Lafayette, LA 70501, and their phone number is (337) 234-3272. Historically, SMILE has specific intake days for different types of assistance. Critically, applications for rent and mortgage assistance have often been accepted on Tuesdays only. It is vital to call the office beforehand to confirm their current application schedule and hours.

B. Catholic Charities of Acadiana (CCA): Financial and Utility Support

Catholic Charities of Acadiana (CCA) is a faith-based organization offering a broad range of services, including emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness, primarily through its Msgr. Sigur Center.

• Programs and Eligibility: CCA provides aid to individuals and families experiencing a temporary financial crisis that threatens their housing or essential utilities. However, there are critical eligibility restrictions. CCA generally   cannot provide rental assistance to tenants in subsidized housing, such as Section 8 or public housing. Assistance is also typically unavailable for those subleasing or renting from a relative.
• "Share the Light" Program: CCA administers the "Share the Light" program with Lafayette Utilities System (LUS). This fund, supported by customer donations, provides LUS customers with a one-time grant of up to $300 for utility bills. To qualify, you must be an LUS customer and provide a current bill, a photo ID, and either proof of income or written proof of a recent crisis.
• How to Apply at CCA: Call (337) 235-4972 to inquire about available funds and the current application procedure. Be prepared for a process that may involve email and submitting documents electronically.

Navigating the System: SMILE vs. Catholic Charities

The distinction between these two main providers is crucial. Because the centralized state program is no longer active, help is delivered through this local, decentralized network.

SMILE and Catholic Charities of Acadiana both administer LEAP funds, but they operate under different rules and do not share an application system. In fact, SMILE's application explicitly states that it will not process applications originally submitted to CCA. This means applying to the wrong agency first can cause critical delays.

Therefore, a clear path is necessary. If you live in Section 8 or other subsidized housing, your primary contact for rental assistance should be SMILE. If you are in non-subsidized housing, you may be eligible for help from either agency, but you should start by contacting only one to avoid having your application discarded.

C. Specialized and Targeted Housing Support

Beyond the two main LEAP providers, other organizations offer housing assistance for specific populations.

• The Outreach Center: This organization's Rapid Re-Housing Program is designed for individuals and families who are currently experiencing homelessness. It is not an eviction prevention program. Services focus on moving people into permanent housing by helping with rental deposits, short-term rental payments, and case management. The contact number is (337) 237-7618.
• Acadiana Cares: This agency provides short-term financial assistance with rent and utilities, but this support is generally directed toward their established clients. Eligibility is often linked to specific circumstances, such as being a person living with HIV, experiencing substance use disorder, or facing homelessness. Contact them at (337) 233-2437 to inquire about their services.

Your Application Success Kit: Documents and Tips

The application process for assistance can be demanding. Being prepared with the correct documentation can significantly reduce stress and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

A. Master Document Checklist

Before you make your first call or visit, gather the following documents. Nearly all programs will require some or all of these items.

• Personal Identification:
• A current, valid Louisiana State-issued Photo ID or Driver's License for every adult.
• Social Security Cards for every person in the household (or a W-2 showing the number).
• Birth certificates for any dependents.
• Proof of Income:
• Pay stubs from the last 30 days for all employed household members.
• Current award letters for benefits like Social Security, SSI/SSDI, Unemployment, or TANF.
• Bank statements showing direct deposits may also be accepted.
• Housing and Crisis Documentation:
• A complete copy of your current, signed lease agreement.
• The formal eviction notice (e.g., 5-day "pay or quit" notice).
• Copies of past-due utility bills or disconnect notices.
• Landlord-Provided Documents:
• A completed and signed W-9 form from your landlord.
• A rental ledger or payment history from your landlord showing what you owe.
• A landlord invoice or a specific "past due rent" form from the agency.

B. Tips for a Smoother Process

• Prepare in Advance: Gather every document on the checklist before you start. Use your smartphone to take clear pictures or scans of each document so you have digital copies ready.
• Communicate with Your Landlord: When requesting the W-9 and rental ledger, be professional and clear. Explain that you are applying for an assistance program and these documents are required for the agency to make a direct payment to them.
• Be Persistent and Patient: The demand for assistance is extremely high, and funds are limited. It may take time to get through on the phone or to have your application processed. Be polite but persistent in your follow-up.

Long-Term Housing Solutions: Section 8 and Public Housing in Lafayette

Emergency rental assistance is a short-term grant to resolve an immediate crisis. In contrast, the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and Public Housing are long-term federal programs that provide ongoing rent subsidies. These programs are not a source of immediate help, as they typically have waitlists that can last for years.

A. Understanding the Programs

• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): This program provides a voucher to an eligible family to find a rental unit in the private market. The family pays approximately 30% of its income toward rent, and the housing authority pays the rest to the landlord.
• Public Housing: This program involves renting a unit owned and managed directly by the Lafayette Housing Authority (LHA).

B. The Lafayette Housing Authority (LHA): The Source for Vouchers and Public Housing

The sole entity managing these long-term programs for Lafayette, Louisiana, is the Lafayette Housing Authority (LHA). Their official website is https://www.thelha.com/. Be cautious during online searches. There are similarly named housing authorities in Lafayette, Indiana , and Lafayette, Tennessee , which are entirely separate and cannot provide assistance in Louisiana.

C. How to Check the Waitlist Status for 2025 and Beyond

Waitlists for Section 8 and Public Housing open infrequently, sometimes only for a few days at a time and often with little notice. The most valuable skill is learning how to check the official status for yourself.

For example, the LHA announced it would open its Public Housing waitlist for a limited number of applications starting on January 15, 2025. This kind of time-sensitive announcement is how openings are communicated. By knowing where to look, you can stay informed and be ready to act.

Follow these steps to find the current, official status:

1. Navigate to the official Lafayette Housing Authority website: https://www.thelha.com/.
2. On the homepage, look for sections labeled “News & Events,” “Announcements,” or “Apply Online”.
3. Read the most recent posts carefully. These announcements will specify which waitlist—Public Housing or Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)—is open or closed.
4. If a waitlist is open, follow the application instructions exactly. The process is almost always online and must be completed within a strict, short timeframe.
5. If the waitlists are closed, check the website frequently for new announcements.

Lafayette Rental Assistance: Quick-Reference Contact Directory

This directory provides a consolidated list of the key organizations and programs available to assist Lafayette Parish residents.

 Frequently Asked Questions