If you’re homeless or about to lose your housing in Louisiana tonight, hotel vouchers are available — and you may qualify right now. Louisiana has a statewide network of government agencies, nonprofits, and emergency assistance programs that can place you in a safe motel or hotel room while you work toward stable housing.
This guide covers every Louisiana-specific program, how to apply, who qualifies, and what to do if you need help immediately.
Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Louisiana — Quick Answer
Yes, hotel vouchers for homeless individuals are available in Louisiana through the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC), local Community Action Agencies, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and other nonprofits. The fastest way to access one is to dial 211, which connects you to local emergency housing resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Louisiana?
Several organizations in Louisiana can provide emergency hotel or motel vouchers:
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) — Louisiana’s primary social services agency manages emergency assistance programs that can cover short-term motel stays for eligible individuals and families. Contact your local DCFS office or visit dcfs.louisiana.gov.
Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) — LHC manages Louisiana’s state housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local nonprofits providing emergency shelter including hotel and motel placements. Visit lhc.la.gov.
Louisiana 211 — Dialing 211 connects you with a trained operator who can identify the nearest hotel voucher program with available funds in your specific parish or city.
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) — Louisiana has Community Action Agencies serving parishes across the state. These federally funded organizations are among the most reliable providers of emergency hotel and motel vouchers.
Salvation Army Louisiana — The Salvation Army operates locations in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and other cities and regularly provides emergency motel vouchers for individuals and families in crisis.
Catholic Charities Louisiana — Provides emergency housing assistance regardless of religion or background, with offices across the state including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and Alexandria.
American Red Cross Louisiana — If your housing crisis results from a hurricane, flood, or other disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations at no cost. Louisiana is one of the most disaster-impacted states in the country.
Local churches and faith-based organizations — Many Louisiana churches — from New Orleans parishes to rural north Louisiana communities — maintain emergency funds specifically for hotel and motel vouchers.
Who Qualifies for Emergency Hotel Vouchers in Louisiana?
Eligibility varies by program, but most Louisiana hotel voucher programs give priority to:
- Individuals and families who are currently homeless (sleeping outside, in a vehicle, or in an unsafe location)
- People facing imminent eviction within 24–72 hours
- Families with children — prioritized by most Louisiana programs
- Elderly individuals (60 and older)
- People with disabilities or serious health conditions
- Domestic violence survivors — most Louisiana programs fast-track DV cases
- Veterans experiencing homelessness
- Disaster survivors displaced by hurricanes, tropical storms, or flooding — Louisiana is one of the most hurricane-prone and flood-vulnerable states in the nation
- Individuals exposed to Louisiana’s extreme heat and humidity
Louisiana’s combination of extreme summer heat, high humidity, and severe hurricane season makes emergency housing a serious public safety issue. FEMA’s disaster housing programs are among the most frequently activated in Louisiana of any state. You do not necessarily need a photo ID to receive assistance in Louisiana, though having one speeds up the process.
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Louisiana (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Call 211
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone — it’s free. Tell the operator: “I need emergency shelter or a hotel voucher tonight in Louisiana.” Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with the nearest program that has funding available in your parish.
Step 2: Contact Your Local Louisiana DCFS Office
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has offices in every parish. DCFS administers emergency assistance programs and can connect you with temporary housing funds including motel vouchers for qualifying individuals and families. DCFS also manages FITAP (Louisiana’s TANF program) emergency funds that can cover hotel stays for eligible families with children.
Contact: dcfs.louisiana.gov | 888-524-3578
Step 3: Contact Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)
LHC funds emergency shelter and housing programs across Louisiana and can direct you to ESG-funded hotel voucher providers in your region.
Contact: lhc.la.gov | 225-763-8700
Step 4: Reach Out to a Community Action Agency
Louisiana’s Community Action Agencies serve parishes across the state and often have emergency motel voucher funds available same-day. Key agencies include:
- Total Community Action (TCA) — New Orleans / Orleans Parish
- Capital Area Community Action Agency — Baton Rouge / East Baton Rouge Parish
- Community Action Agency of South Central Louisiana — Houma / Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes
- Northwest Louisiana Community Action — Shreveport / Caddo Parish
- Acadiana Community Action Corporation — Lafayette / Acadiana region
- Central Louisiana Community Action — Alexandria / Rapides Parish
Call 211 for the Community Action Agency serving your specific parish.
Step 5: Contact the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has locations throughout Louisiana and can often provide same-day emergency motel vouchers. Call your nearest branch:
- New Orleans: 504-522-5656
- Baton Rouge: 225-383-3656
- Shreveport: 318-221-1221
- Lafayette: 337-234-5681
- Lake Charles: 337-436-1681
- Monroe: 318-322-8551
- Alexandria: 318-445-5500
Step 6: Contact Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities has offices throughout Louisiana and provides emergency housing assistance to anyone regardless of faith.
- New Orleans (Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans): 504-523-3755
- Baton Rouge (Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge): 225-336-8700
- Shreveport (Catholic Charities Diocese of Shreveport): 318-222-2279
- Lafayette (Catholic Charities Diocese of Lafayette): 337-235-6954
- Alexandria (Catholic Charities Diocese of Alexandria): 318-445-6424
Louisiana Government Programs for Emergency Housing
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) — Emergency Assistance
DCFS administers FITAP (Louisiana’s TANF program) and the Kinship Care Subsidy Program, both of which can cover emergency housing costs including temporary motel stays for qualifying individuals and families. DCFS also coordinates with LHC on state-funded homelessness prevention programs.
Contact: dcfs.louisiana.gov | 888-524-3578
Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)
LHC manages Louisiana’s affordable housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local service providers. They are the primary funder of emergency shelter and hotel voucher programs statewide and also administer Louisiana’s rental assistance programs.
Contact: lhc.la.gov | 225-763-8700
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) — Louisiana
Louisiana receives substantial federal ESG funding from HUD, distributed through LHC to local homeless service providers. ESG funds can cover emergency shelter including hotel stays when traditional shelter beds are unavailable.
Contact: LHC at lhc.la.gov
HUD Continuum of Care — Louisiana CoC Programs
Louisiana has several HUD-funded CoC programs managing regional homeless services. Key CoCs include:
- New Orleans/Jefferson Parish CoC (Unity of Greater New Orleans)
- Baton Rouge CoC
- Shreveport/Bossier City/Northwest Louisiana CoC
- Lafayette/Acadiana CoC
- Balance of State Louisiana CoC — all remaining Louisiana parishes
Find your local CoC: hudexchange.info | unitygno.org (New Orleans)
FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) — Louisiana
Louisiana is one of the most frequently disaster-declared states in the country. FEMA’s TSA program is regularly activated after hurricanes and floods, placing displaced residents in participating hotels and motels at no cost. If you have been displaced by a hurricane, tropical storm, or major flood, this program may be available to you.
Apply: disasterassistance.gov | 1-800-621-3362
Louisiana’s Road Home and Disaster Recovery Programs
Louisiana has extensive experience managing long-term disaster housing recovery following hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ida, and other major storms. The Louisiana Office of Community Development manages ongoing disaster recovery housing programs. Contact LHC or your parish’s Office of Emergency Preparedness for current disaster recovery housing assistance.
Contact: Louisiana Office of Community Development: 225-342-7000
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) — Louisiana
Homeless Louisiana veterans have dedicated resources through the VA. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays while longer-term housing is arranged.
Louisiana VA Locations:
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (New Orleans): 504-589-5300
- Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (Shreveport): 318-221-8411
- Alexandria VA Health Care System: 318-473-0010
- Baton Rouge VA Clinic: 225-761-3400
- Lafayette VA Clinic: 337-261-0734
- Lake Charles VA Clinic: 337-475-9100
National Veterans Homeless Hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)
Nonprofit Organizations Offering Hotel Vouchers in Louisiana
Unity of Greater New Orleans
Unity of Greater New Orleans leads the New Orleans CoC and coordinates emergency housing resources across Orleans and Jefferson parishes. They are the primary coordinator of hotel voucher programs, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing in the New Orleans metro area.
Contact: 504-821-4496 | unitygno.org
Salvation Army Louisiana
With locations in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Alexandria, the Salvation Army is one of Louisiana’s most consistent providers of emergency motel vouchers.
Website: salvationarmy.org
Catholic Charities Louisiana
Multiple dioceses across Louisiana provide emergency housing assistance and hotel voucher referrals regardless of faith background.
UNITY for the Homeless / NOLA for Life — New Orleans
In addition to Unity of Greater New Orleans, several other organizations in New Orleans provide hotel voucher connections including NOLA for Life and the city’s network of CoC-funded providers.
Contact: Dial 211 in New Orleans for the full network
Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans
VOA Greater New Orleans provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and connections to hotel voucher programs for homeless individuals and families in the New Orleans metro area.
Contact: 504-482-2139 | voagno.org
Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless — Baton Rouge
The Capital Area Alliance coordinates homeless services across East Baton Rouge Parish and connects individuals with emergency housing resources including hotel voucher programs.
Contact: 225-359-9357 | caah.net
Baton Rouge Salvation Army / Hope House
Hope House in Baton Rouge provides emergency assistance and connections to hotel voucher programs for homeless individuals in the Baton Rouge area.
Contact: 225-383-3656
Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission
The Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter and connections to hotel voucher programs for homeless individuals in northwest Louisiana.
Contact: 318-222-2424 | sbrescuemission.org
Grace Christian Ministry — Lafayette
Grace Christian Ministry provides emergency assistance and housing support for homeless individuals and families in the Lafayette and Acadiana region.
Contact: 337-234-5600
Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center (SWLA Center) — Lake Charles
SWLA Center provides health and social services in southwest Louisiana and can connect individuals with emergency housing resources including hotel voucher programs in the Lake Charles area, which has been heavily impacted by hurricanes Laura and Delta.
Contact: 337-439-6843 | swlacenter.org
American Red Cross — Louisiana
The Red Cross is one of the most active disaster response organizations in Louisiana, regularly assisting people displaced by the state’s frequent hurricanes and floods. If your homelessness stems from a disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations.
Contact: 1-800-733-2767 | redcross.org
Emergency Housing Help by City in Louisiana
New Orleans / Orleans and Jefferson Parishes
New Orleans has Louisiana’s largest concentration of homeless services. Key resources include:
- New Orleans 211: Dial 211
- Unity of Greater New Orleans: 504-821-4496
- Salvation Army New Orleans: 504-522-5656
- Catholic Charities New Orleans: 504-523-3755
- VOA Greater New Orleans: 504-482-2139
- UNITY/NOLA network: Dial 211
- Louisiana DCFS New Orleans: 504-838-5385
Baton Rouge / East Baton Rouge Parish
- Baton Rouge 211: Dial 211
- Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless: 225-359-9357
- Salvation Army Baton Rouge: 225-383-3656
- Catholic Charities Baton Rouge: 225-336-8700
- Capital Area Community Action: 225-346-4778
- Louisiana DCFS Baton Rouge: 225-925-4440
Shreveport / Northwest Louisiana
- Shreveport 211: Dial 211
- Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission: 318-222-2424
- Salvation Army Shreveport: 318-221-1221
- Catholic Charities Shreveport: 318-222-2279
- Northwest Louisiana Community Action: 318-222-7733
- Louisiana DCFS Shreveport: 318-676-7880
Lafayette / Acadiana Region
- Lafayette 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Lafayette: 337-234-5681
- Catholic Charities Lafayette: 337-235-6954
- Grace Christian Ministry: 337-234-5600
- Acadiana Community Action Corporation: 337-234-3272
- Louisiana DCFS Lafayette: 337-262-5000
Lake Charles / Southwest Louisiana
Lake Charles has faced extraordinary housing challenges following hurricanes Laura (2020) and Delta (2020):
- Lake Charles 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Lake Charles: 337-436-1681
- SWLA Center for Health Services: 337-439-6843
- United Way of Southwest Louisiana: 337-433-2486
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: disasterassistance.gov | 1-800-621-3362
- Louisiana DCFS Lake Charles: 337-475-8000
Monroe / Northeast Louisiana
- Monroe 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Monroe: 318-322-8551
- Northeast Louisiana Community Action Agency: 318-345-0867
- Grace Community Church Monroe (emergency assistance): 318-343-4473
- Louisiana DCFS Monroe: 318-362-3300
Alexandria / Central Louisiana
- Alexandria 211: Dial 211
- Salvation Army Alexandria: 318-445-5500
- Catholic Charities Alexandria: 318-445-6424
- Central Louisiana Community Action: 318-487-1452
- Louisiana DCFS Alexandria: 318-487-5800
Houma / Terrebonne Parish
- Houma 211: Dial 211
- Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government (emergency assistance): 985-873-6709
- Catholic Charities Houma-Thibodaux: 985-876-0490
- Community Action Agency of South Central Louisiana: 985-876-2498
- Louisiana DCFS Houma: 985-857-3668
What to Do After Your Hotel Voucher Runs Out
A hotel voucher is a bridge — not a permanent solution. While you have temporary shelter, take these steps toward stable housing:
Connect with a case manager. Ask the organization that gave you the voucher to assign you a case manager. Case managers in Louisiana can help you navigate housing programs, disaster recovery benefits, and resources specific to your parish.
Apply for Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) in Louisiana. RRH programs provide short-term rental assistance and support to help you move from homelessness into housing quickly. Contact your local CoC or dial 211 to find RRH programs available in your Louisiana parish.
Get on the Section 8 waitlist. The Housing Choice Voucher program provides long-term rental assistance. Contact LHC at lhc.la.gov or your local housing authority to apply. Apply as early as possible — waitlists in New Orleans and Baton Rouge can be long.
Apply for Louisiana Rental Assistance. Contact LHC at lhc.la.gov or dial 211 to ask about current rental assistance programs available in your parish.
Look into transitional housing. Organizations like VOA Greater New Orleans, Unity, Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission, and the Salvation Army offer transitional housing programs in Louisiana with support services to help you build long-term stability.
Apply for benefits you may qualify for. If you haven’t already, apply for SNAP food assistance, Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana), and FITAP (TANF) at your local DCFS office or at dcfs.louisiana.gov or benefits.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a hotel voucher in Louisiana tonight?
Call 211 right now. Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with emergency hotel voucher programs in your Louisiana parish. In New Orleans, you can also contact Unity of Greater New Orleans at 504-821-4496 or the Salvation Army at 504-522-5656 directly.
Are hotel vouchers available after a hurricane in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana is one of the most frequently hurricane-impacted states in the country. FEMA’s TSA program is regularly activated after major storms, placing displaced residents in participating hotels at no cost. Apply at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. The Red Cross also responds immediately to hurricane-related housing needs.
Does Louisiana DCFS provide hotel vouchers?
Yes. Louisiana DCFS manages FITAP (TANF) emergency assistance that can cover temporary motel stays for qualifying families with children. Contact your local parish DCFS office directly to ask about available emergency funds.
Are hotel vouchers available in rural Louisiana parishes?
Yes. The Balance of State Louisiana CoC and Community Action Agencies serve rural parishes across the state. Dial 211 for resources in your specific parish. In rural communities, local churches and Catholic Charities are often the most accessible resources.
Can I get a hotel voucher without an ID in Louisiana?
Many programs will still help you without a photo ID. If you’ve lost your ID in a hurricane or flood, ask your caseworker or local DCFS office about emergency identification assistance — Louisiana has specific protocols for disaster survivors who have lost documents.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Louisiana?
Yes. Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (24/7) or your nearest Louisiana VA facility. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays same-day for veterans in crisis.
Are there hotel vouchers for domestic violence survivors in Louisiana?
Yes. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7) or the Louisiana Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-888-411-1333 (24/7) for immediate safe housing assistance.
Does Louisiana have emergency housing during extreme heat?
Yes. Louisiana’s summers are among the hottest and most humid in the nation. Cooling centers and emergency shelter are activated during extreme heat events. Dial 211 for current cooling center locations in your area, or contact your parish’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
What if there are no hotel vouchers available in my parish?
If vouchers are unavailable, ask about shelter beds or contact the National Homeless Hotline at 1-877-466-4782 for additional options. In rural parishes, local churches and Catholic Charities are often the most accessible backup resources.
Final Thoughts
If you need a hotel voucher in Louisiana tonight, your first call should be to 211. From there, operators can connect you with the nearest available program — whether that’s Unity of Greater New Orleans, DCFS, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, a Community Action Agency, or another local organization serving your parish.
Louisiana has resources for you. Don’t wait to reach out — that’s exactly what these programs are here for.
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Louisiana DCFS, Louisiana Housing Corporation, HUD, FEMA, Salvation Army Louisiana
Program availability and funding levels vary by parish and change frequently. Always verify current availability directly with the providing organization.