Louisiana faces some of the most acute homelessness challenges in the South. High poverty rates, a history of hurricane displacement, limited affordable housing stock, and significant rural homelessness all contribute to a persistent housing crisis across the state. New Orleans has the highest rate of unsheltered homelessness of any major Southern city, while Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and smaller communities also face significant need.
Emergency hotel and motel voucher programs operate across Louisiana through a combination of state, parish, and local nonprofit resources. This guide from House for Homeless explains how to access emergency hotel assistance anywhere in Louisiana tonight. For programs in other states, see our hotel vouchers for homeless national guide.
Need a hotel voucher in Louisiana tonight? Call 211 immediately — Louisiana 211 is available 24 hours. Tell the operator your parish and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. Veterans call 877-424-3838.
How Emergency Hotel Vouchers Work in Louisiana
Louisiana does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel and motel assistance is funded and administered locally — through parish social services offices, Community Action Agencies, Continuums of Care, and local nonprofits.
Louisiana uses parishes rather than counties as its primary administrative unit. Each parish has its own social services infrastructure, and resources vary significantly between the New Orleans metro area, Baton Rouge, and rural parishes.
The fastest route to what is available right now in your parish: call 211.
Louisiana-Specific Programs Supporting Hotel Assistance
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
DCFS administers emergency assistance programs across Louisiana parishes, including the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — and in some parishes, emergency housing assistance funds.
DCFS statewide: 1-888-524-3578 Website: dcfs.la.gov
During state-declared emergencies, DCFS activates additional emergency housing funds that can include hotel vouchers. Call to ask about current program availability.
Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD)
OCD distributes federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds to local organizations providing emergency housing assistance statewide.
OCD contact: 225-342-7412 Website: doa.la.gov/ocd
FEMA and Disaster Housing in Louisiana
Louisiana has experienced repeated devastating hurricanes — Katrina, Rita, Ida, Laura, and others. After any federally declared disaster, FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program activates hotel placements for displaced households.
If you were displaced by a hurricane or other declared disaster, register with FEMA at disasterassistance.gov immediately. FEMA TSA hotel placements are separate from standard homeless hotel voucher programs.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Louisiana by Region
New Orleans and Greater New Orleans (Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany Parishes)
New Orleans has the most robust emergency housing infrastructure in Louisiana.
Unity of Greater New Orleans The lead CoC agency coordinating homeless services in the Greater New Orleans area. Unity manages the region’s coordinated entry system and connects people to emergency housing resources including hotel placements.
- Phone: 504-821-4496
- Address: 2475 Canal St, Suite 300, New Orleans, LA 70119
- Website: unitygno.org
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; call 211 after hours
New Orleans Mission Comprehensive homeless services in New Orleans including emergency shelter, meals, case management, and housing assistance.
- Phone: 504-523-6945
- Address: 1130 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Intake: Daily — call for current hours
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans Emergency assistance including housing help for anyone in need.
- Phone: 504-523-3755
- Website: ccano.org
Ozanam Inn (men) Emergency shelter and services for men experiencing homelessness in New Orleans.
- Phone: 504-523-1184
- Address: 843 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Covenant House New Orleans (youth ages 16–24) Emergency housing and services for young people experiencing homelessness.
- Phone: 504-584-2000
- Address: 611 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Website: covenanthouseno.org
Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans Emergency housing, veterans services, and substance use treatment housing.
- Phone: 504-482-2130
- Website: voagno.org
UNITY Homeless Hotline (New Orleans): 504-821-4496 — for immediate New Orleans area emergency housing referrals
Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish)
Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless (CAAH) The lead CoC agency for the Baton Rouge area, coordinating emergency housing resources.
- Phone: 225-923-9554
- Website: batonrougecoc.org
Baton Rouge Area Foundation — Emergency Assistance
- Phone: 225-387-6126
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 225-336-8708
- Website: ccdiobr.org
The Salvation Army Baton Rouge
- Phone: 225-924-4922
- Address: 7361 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge Emergency assistance and housing support.
- Phone: 225-924-0123
- Website: fsgbr.org
Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana
Volunteers of America of North Louisiana Comprehensive homeless services including emergency housing assistance in Shreveport.
- Phone: 318-221-7669
- Website: voano.org
Christian Service Program Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers for Shreveport residents.
- Phone: 318-221-7699
The Salvation Army Shreveport
- Phone: 318-222-5022
- Address: 3301 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport, LA 71109
Northwest Louisiana Human Services District Emergency housing and crisis services for the Shreveport area.
- Phone: 318-938-3400
Lafayette and Acadiana
Acadiana Outreach The lead CoC and primary homeless services provider in the Acadiana region.
- Phone: 337-237-3560
- Website: acadianaoutreach.org
Catholic Social Services — Diocese of Lafayette Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 337-235-5218
The Salvation Army Lafayette
- Phone: 337-235-4393
Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana
Southwest Louisiana CoC / SOWELA Community Action Coordinates emergency housing resources in Calcasieu and surrounding parishes.
- Phone: 337-491-2080
Christian Neighbors of Calcasieu Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 337-433-8778
Alexandria and Central Louisiana
Central Louisiana CoC / Community Action Agency of Central Louisiana
- Phone: 318-487-5300
The Salvation Army Alexandria
- Phone: 318-445-7872
Rural Louisiana Parishes
For rural parishes, the primary resources are:
- Your parish Department of Social Services (DCFS office)
- Local Catholic Charities if present in your diocese
- Local churches — in rural Louisiana, faith-based organizations are often the main source of emergency hotel assistance
- 211 — always the best first call, even in rural areas
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Louisiana
| Priority Group | Louisiana-Specific Notes |
|---|---|
| People sleeping outside or in vehicles | Primary target statewide |
| Families with children | Top priority across all programs |
| Hurricane and disaster survivors | FEMA TSA separate program; DCFS emergency funds activated |
| Domestic violence survivors | Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-888-411-1333 |
| Veterans | Strong VA resources in New Orleans, Shreveport, and Alexandria |
| People with HIV/AIDS | NO/AIDS Task Force and HOPWA funds available in New Orleans |
| Seniors (60+) | Priority in most parish programs |
| People with serious mental illness | Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership programs |
| Couples | Hotel placements address gender-separated shelter limits |
| People with pets | Limited — call 211 and ask specifically |
No income requirement for most emergency placements — current homelessness is the primary criterion.
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Louisiana — Step by Step
Step 1: Call 211 — available 24 hours across Louisiana. Give your parish and explain your situation clearly.
Step 2: If you are in New Orleans, call Unity of Greater New Orleans at 504-821-4496 or the UNITY Homeless Hotline.
Step 3: If you are in Baton Rouge, call Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless at 225-923-9554.
Step 4: Contact your local Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or Volunteers of America directly.
Step 5: Contact your parish DCFS office and ask specifically about emergency hotel assistance.
Step 6: If you are a veteran, call 877-424-3838 immediately — do not use general programs first.
What to Do During Your Louisiana Hotel Placement
Apply for food assistance immediately: Apply for Louisiana SNAP at dcfs.la.gov or call 1-888-524-3578. With zero income you qualify for maximum SNAP benefits. See our guide on how to apply for SNAP when homeless.
Apply for Medicaid: Louisiana expanded Medicaid — apply at ldh.la.gov/medicaid for free healthcare.
Enter coordinated entry: In New Orleans, call Unity at 504-821-4496. In Baton Rouge, call CAAH at 225-923-9554. In other areas, call 211. Being in the coordinated entry system is your pathway to rapid rehousing and permanent housing. See our guide on types of housing assistance programs for all your options.
Apply for rapid rehousing: Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid rehousing referrals in your area. See our guide on emergency rental assistance as another fast option. Louisiana CoCs have active rapid rehousing programs — this is your fastest path to a permanent apartment.
Apply for Section 8: Contact your local Louisiana PHA. New Orleans Housing Authority: 504-670-3300. See our Section 8 guide for the full process. Browse all housing voucher programs for additional options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free hotel voucher for homeless in Louisiana?
Call 211 from anywhere in Louisiana — available 24 hours. Tell the operator your parish and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. In New Orleans, also call Unity of Greater New Orleans at 504-821-4496. In Baton Rouge, contact the Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless at 225-923-9554. Your local Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and Volunteers of America are also good contacts.
Does Louisiana have a statewide hotel voucher program?
No. Louisiana does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel assistance is funded and administered locally through parish social services, Community Action Agencies, CoCs, and nonprofits. Resources vary significantly by parish — call 211 for what is available in your area.
Are there hotel vouchers for hurricane and disaster survivors in Louisiana?
Yes — but through a separate program. After a federally declared disaster, FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program provides hotel placements for displaced households. Register at disasterassistance.gov. This is separate from standard homeless hotel voucher programs administered by parishes and nonprofits.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless families in Louisiana?
Yes. Families with children are the top priority across Louisiana’s emergency housing programs. Call 211 and specify that you have children. In New Orleans, Unity of Greater New Orleans coordinates family emergency placements. In Baton Rouge, contact CAAH at 225-923-9554.
Can I get a hotel voucher in Louisiana without ID?
Many Louisiana programs serve people without identification. Do not let lack of ID prevent you from calling 211. Ask specifically for low-barrier emergency housing options. Louisiana also has free ID programs available through DCFS — ask 211 for help obtaining free identification in your parish.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Louisiana?
Yes — veterans should call 877-424-3838 rather than general 211 lines. Louisiana has VA resources in New Orleans (Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System), Shreveport (Overton Brooks VA), and Alexandria (Central Louisiana Veterans Health Care System) with dedicated homeless veteran programs including HUD-VASH and SSVF rapid rehousing.
What about hotel vouchers in rural Louisiana parishes?
Rural Louisiana has fewer formal hotel voucher programs than urban areas. Your best resources are your parish DCFS office, local Catholic Charities (if present), and local churches — which are often the primary source of emergency assistance in rural Louisiana communities. Call 211 even in rural areas — operators can identify the nearest resources available.
How long do hotel vouchers last in Louisiana?
Most Louisiana emergency placements last 1–7 nights, with possible extensions while longer-term housing is arranged. In disaster situations with FEMA involvement, placements can last significantly longer — 14 days at a time, extended as needed. Use your stay to connect with a case manager and pursue rapid rehousing immediately.