Free Furniture and Household Items for Single Mothers in Louisiana

Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Louisiana

Last updated: September 2025

— Bold note — Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This is a practical, step‑by‑step hub to help you land real furniture, beds, cribs, small appliances, and basic household goods in Louisiana—fast. Every program, agency, or group named here includes an in‑text, italic link so you can click through right away.

If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Call right now: dial Louisiana 211 or text your ZIP code to 898‑211 and ask for “furniture vouchers” and “household goods.” Ask for nearest Community Action Agency for LIHEAP crisis help and any church or charity doing same‑week furniture deliveries. (louisiana211.org)
Apply for LIHEAP crisis: start at Louisiana Housing Corporation – LIHEAP and contact your local provider for “disconnect notice” or “crisis” slots; tell them you need “utility on” to run a fridge/AC for children. This unlocks emergency case management and referrals for furnishings in some parishes. (lhc.la.gov)
Ask St. Vincent de Paul today: call your area’s St. Vincent de Paul or SVdP New Orleans and request “furniture voucher” or “House in a Box” if you suffered a disaster. Many conferences give same‑week assistance when stock is available. (svdpbr.net)

Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

Utility shutoff help (electric/gas): LHC LIHEAP + your parish Community Action Agency; for Entergy customers, also ask about Power to Care. (lhc.la.gov)
Water bill help (New Orleans): call 504‑52‑WATER and ask about the Water Help Program administered by Total Community Action. For Shreveport, ask about SWAP 10% credits via City Water Assistance. (swbno.org)
Free diapers/period supplies: see JLNO Diaper Bank and Junior League of Baton Rouge Diaper Bank. (jlno.org)
Legal help if a landlord blocks your furniture delivery or you’re facing eviction: Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) intake 1‑844‑244‑7871, or apply online. (slls.org)
WIC/baby items & safe sleep referrals: call Louisiana WIC 1‑800‑251‑BABY (2229) or Partners for Healthy Babies. (louisianawic.org)

How to Use This Guide

Skim first: each section starts with the most important action.
Apply quickly: many programs cap daily intakes.
Bring documents: ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, lease, and any disconnect or disaster paperwork.

What “Free Furniture” Usually Looks Like in Louisiana

Vouchers to shop at a partner thrift store (you won’t pay at the register).
House‑in‑a‑Box–style kits after disasters (bed, table, chairs, dressers, linens; exact contents vary).
Direct deliveries from volunteer groups (beds for kids; basic household kits).
Free pickup listings from neighbors (Buy Nothing, Freecycle, Craigslist “free” pages).

Stock changes daily. Always call to confirm before you travel.

The Fastest Paths to Household Goods

Furniture & Vouchers You Can Request This Week

Ask Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) for “furniture voucher” or “House in a Box” in disaster cases. Start with SVdP Baton Rouge or SVdP New Orleans and request your nearest parish conference. Many councils redeem vouchers at their own thrift or a partner store. (svdpbr.net)
Check Catholic Charities for case‑managed help and small household kits; start with CCANO for New Orleans or call 1‑866‑891‑2210 to reach programs and partners. Some offices issue thrift vouchers via Goodwill or ReStores. (ccano.org)
United Way SWLA (Lake Charles) has coordinated large in‑kind furniture donations after storms; ask about upcoming distributions or partner lists at United Way Southwest Louisiana. (unitedwayswla.org)
Habitat for Humanity ReStores sell furniture dirt‑cheap and sometimes provide vouchers through partner agencies. Check New Orleans Habitat ReStore and Habitat Greater Baton Rouge ReStores. Ask your caseworker or church about vouchers. (habitat-nola.org)
Household items by neighborhood: Join Buy Nothing Project or pick up curb‑alerts on Freecycle New Orleans. New freebies post daily. (buynothingproject.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Louisiana 211 and ask for “furniture voucher programs” and “thrift store voucher partners,” then ask 3 churches nearest your address for referrals (many can sponsor a one‑time voucher). (louisiana211.org)

Beds, Cribs, and Baby Gear

Beds for kids: Apply to Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) and locate Louisiana chapters like SHP Bossier Parish. They build and deliver twin beds, mattresses, and bedding to children who have none. (shpbeds.org)
Safe‑sleep cribs: Use Cribs for Kids — Find a Crib (partner map) for local hospitals and agencies that provide portable cribs after safe‑sleep education. Also ask Partners for Healthy Babies at 1‑800‑251‑BABY for any crib or car‑seat safety events near you. (cribsforkids.org)
Diapers and period supplies: Get monthly kits through JLNO Diaper Bank or find East Baton Rouge pickup points via Junior League of Baton Rouge Diaper Bank. (jlno.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Louisiana WIC for referrals to baby pantries and cribs; ask about car‑seat inspection stations through your parish sheriff or hospital NICU social worker. (louisianawic.org)

Where to Find Low‑Cost Furniture Today (With Pickup)

Habitat ReStores: Browse inventories and ask about low‑cost delivery. Start with New Orleans ReStore and Lafayette ReStore. Many will pick up donated items and sometimes provide partner‑agency vouchers. (habitat-nola.org)
Out of the Closet Thrift (NOLA): Affordable household goods; proceeds fund HIV services; limited pickup availability. Visit Out of the Closet – Magazine St. and ask about furniture donations/pickups. (mapquest.com)
Goodwill: Ask your case manager about shopping vouchers. Partners like Catholic Charities of Acadiana confirm voucher access via Goodwill of Acadiana. For North LA stores and donation pickups, see Goodwill NLA. (catholiccharitiesacadiana.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use the “free” section on Craigslist New Orleans and local Buy Nothing groups; bring a friend and confirm pickup before you rent a truck. (neworleans.craigslist.org)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Louisiana Today

Call your electric/gas utility and ask for a “payment arrangement” and any “senior/disabled fund” right now. For Entergy, use bill help and ask about late fee waivers and The Power to Care; for CLECO, ask about the Power of Sharing Fund. (entergy.com)
Know Louisiana’s extreme weather rules: Regulated utilities cannot disconnect during an NWS heat warning or when yesterday’s high was ≤32°F and the next 24 hours are at/below 32°F. If someone’s health is at risk, ask for a medical delay (up to ~30–63 days) and a payment plan. See LPSC consumer guidance and the LIHEAP Clearinghouse summaries. (lpsc.louisiana.gov)
Apply for LIHEAP crisis with your parish Community Action Agency through LHC’s LIHEAP page. Crisis cases get priority; bring your disconnect notice and a current bill. Cooling season runs Apr 1–Sep 30; heating Nov 15–Mar 15. (lhc.la.gov)
Water help: New Orleans customers can request up to $200/year credits via the Water Help Program administered by Total Community Action. Shreveport residents can apply for a 10% SWAP credit if on SNAP/Medicaid or ≤133% FPL. (swbno.org)
Local utilities: Lafayette residents can seek $10-$ 300 from LUS Share the Light. SWEPCO customers can request a Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor grant at local agencies; start at SWEPCO assistance. (lus.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 and ask for an appointment with your nearest Community Action Agency and any “church funds” for disconnection prevention. Document every call and keep confirmation numbers. (louisiana211.org)

Core Programs That Indirectly Help You Afford Household Items

FITAP (TANF cash): Monthly cash can free up money for furniture or a crib. As of DCFS’s current chart, benefits are about $244 f oro n e p erso n,$ 376 for two, $484 for three. Apply via DCFS CAFÉ or call 1‑888‑LA‑HELP‑U. (dss.louisiana.gov)
SNAP and WIC: Cover groceries so you can redirect cash to household goods; ask Louisiana WIC or call 1‑800‑251‑BABY for clinic referrals. (ldh.la.gov)
FEMA (after declared disasters): Apply for “Personal Property” under IHP to replace essential furnishings and appliances; renters are eligible too. Start at FEMA’s IHP page and see what’s covered. (fema.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If a benefit is denied, connect with SLLS for appeals support and ask your caseworker about short‑term charity funds for household basics. (slls.org)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Program	What it can cover	How to apply	Get help
LIHEAP (LHC)	Crisis or regular utility payments; needed to keep fridge/AC on	Contact your parish Community Action Agency; seasons: Apr–Sep (cooling), Nov–Mar (heating)	LHC Energy Assistance (lhc.la.gov)
SWEPCO Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor	One‑time electric bill grant	Apply via local partner agency	SWEPCO Contact (swepco.com)
Entergy Power to Care	Help for elderly or disabled households	Apply with participating United Way/partners	Entergy bill help update (uwcl.org)
SWBNO Water Help	Up to $200/year water/sewer credit	Apply at Total Community Action (NOLA)	SWBNO Contact (swbno.org)
JLNO Diaper Bank	Diapers/period/adult incontinence	Visit public access partners map	JLNO HQ (jlno.org)
SHP Beds for Kids	Free twin bed, mattress, bedding for kids	Request a bed; check Bossier Parish chapter	SHP Contact (shpbeds.org)
Cribs for Kids	Portable crib after safe‑sleep education	Find a partner via map	PHB Helpline 1‑800‑251‑BABY (cribsforkids.org)

Application Checklist (print or screenshot)

Photo ID: driver’s license or state ID for you and any adult in the home.
Social Security cards: for all household members.
Proof of income: last 30–90 days of pay stubs, benefits award letters, child support printouts.
Lease: or proof of residence with your name and address.
Utility bills: current bill and any disconnect notice.
Disaster documents: FEMA number, insurance letters, photos of loss (if relevant).
Referral: from a case manager, school social worker, or faith group (often needed for furniture vouchers).
Transport plan: truck or friend who can help move items if pickup is required.

How to Apply Effectively (and Faster)

Front‑load documents: Upload everything at once in DCFS CAFÉ and ask for an email confirming receipt. This speeds FITAP/SNAP decisions. (dcfs.la.gov)
Use the correct door: For Orleans Parish LIHEAP, follow TCA’s posted intake days/hours to avoid being turned away when they hit the daily cap. For Baton Rouge, use the Office of Social Services online LIHEAP link. (tca-nola.org)
Ask for case‑manager referrals: Many thrift vouchers are “by referral only.” Request a letter from WIC, a school, a clinic, or your Community Action Agency.
Expect timelines: Non‑crisis utility cases often take 10–15 business days; crisis/“disconnect” cases can be same‑day to 72 hours depending on parish funding and season. Always call to confirm current processing time; in Orleans, TCA has paused or reopened intake several times in 2025. (tca-nola.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: File an appeal if benefits are denied and ask SLLS to review your case; ask your church for a one‑time “starter kit” for cookware/linens while you wait. (slls.org)

Louisiana Utility & Water Help — Quick Table

Company/Area	Program	How it helps	Apply/Contact
Entergy Louisiana	Power to Care; late‑fee waivers (limited)	Bill grants for seniors/disabled; temporary fee relief	See Entergy bill help or United Way Power to Care pages regionally. (entergy.com)
CLECO	Power of Sharing Fund	Elderly customers get help via Councils on Aging	Call 1‑800‑622‑6537 or your parish COA. (cleco.com)
SWEPCO	Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor	One‑time grants prevent disconnects	Apply at local agency linked in SWEPCO site. (swepco.com)
LUS – Lafayette	Share the Light	$10-$ 300 once per 12 months	Apply through Catholic Charities of Acadiana. (lus.org)
SWBNO – New Orleans	Water Help Program	Up to $200 annual credit	Apply via Total Community Action (TCA). (swbno.org)
Shreveport Water	SWAP	Ongoing 10% bill credit if eligible	Apply via City or United Way NLA partner intake. (shreveportlawater.gov)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

SVdP: Parish‑based help with vouchers and disaster kits; see SVdP Baton Rouge and SVdP New Orleans to find your nearest conference. (svdpbr.net)
Catholic Charities: Case management and basic household items; start with CCANO (toll‑free 1‑866‑891‑2210) or Catholic Charities of Acadiana partners. (ccano.org)
The Life of a Single Mom (Baton Rouge): Support groups, coaching, and referrals; contact TLSM 225‑341‑8055 for training, emergency resource lists, and local group connections. (bbb.org)
Habitat for Humanity: Very low‑cost furniture and appliances at NOAHH ReStore and Habitat BR ReStores; ask your caseworker about retail vouchers. (habitat-nola.org)
United Way: For your parish, use Louisiana 211 to reach the closest United Way list of furniture/household resources; in SWLA, see United Way SWLA in‑kind donations. (louisiana211.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Reach out to your child’s school social worker and ask for a “starter household kit” referral; many school‑linked nonprofits keep emergency inventory.

Resources by Region (Parish‑Level Highlights)

Greater New Orleans (Orleans/Jefferson/St. Bernard/Plaquemines)

Start here: Request LIHEAP intake dates at Total Community Action (TCA). Then ask for SWBNO Water Help via SWBNO Assistance. (tca-nola.org)
Furniture/accessories: Contact SVdP New Orleans for vouchers; shop low‑cost at Habitat ReStore or Out of the Closet. (svdpneworleans.org)
Rehousing after homelessness: Call UNITY of Greater New Orleans or Coordinated Entry lines listed through LHC to connect to rehousing and furnishings when housed. (coc.unitygno.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask JLNO’s network via JLNO Diaper Bank which often knows partner pantries that also store small household goods. (jlno.org)

Capital Area (East/West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston)

Start here: Apply for LIHEAP and rent aid through the City–Parish Office of Social Services (online intake link on the page). (brla.gov)
Furniture: Call SVdP Baton Rouge for vouchers and watch pickup windows at Habitat BR ReStores. (svdpbr.net)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact SLLS Baton Rouge office if a landlord blocks deliveries or rejects reasonable move‑in requests. (slls.org)

Acadiana (Lafayette/Iberia/St. Martin and neighbors)

Start here: Apply at SMILE Community Action Agency for LIHEAP and ask for household referrals; LUS clients can request Share the Light. (smilecaa.org)
Furniture: Try Lafayette Habitat ReStore and ask Catholic Charities if voucher partnerships are open. (habitatlafayette.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use regional Freecycle groups like New Iberia Freecycle and arrange a shared truck with another mom to save on costs. (freecycle.org)

Southwest Louisiana (Lake Charles, Calcasieu, Cameron)

Start here: LIHEAP through Calcasieu Human Services (see LHC provider finder) and call United Way SWLA for any scheduled furniture distributions. (lhc.la.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask Entergy customers about Power to Care via your local United Way office; older adults or disabled heads of household may qualify at once. See Power to Care overview. (uwcl.org)

Northwest Louisiana (Shreveport/Bossier/Caddo/Desoto)

Start here: Apply at Caddo Community Action Agency (LIHEAP; SWAP for water) and check SWEPCO Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor. (caddocaa.org)
Furniture: Watch Goodwill North Louisiana for low‑cost stock and ask SVdP parish conferences about vouchers. (goodwillnla.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: request a bed for children via SHP Bossier Parish. (shpbeds.org)

Central/Northeast Louisiana (Rapides/Avoyelles/Ouachita and nearby)

Start here: Apply at Cenla Community Action Committee (Rapides) and use LHC provider finder to locate your parish agency. (cenlacac.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Search Freecycle towns near you and ask pastors for a one‑time household kit; rural groups often deliver when you cannot travel.

Step‑by‑Step: Applying for LIHEAP (Energy Bill Help) to Unlock Household Referrals

Find your parish agency: Use LHC’s provider search or call 211 and ask for your “LIHEAP intake site.” (lhc.la.gov)
Choose the right track: Crisis (disconnect notice or life‑threatening situation) vs. regular assistance (no emergency). Cooling season is Apr 1–Sep 30; heating is Nov 15–Mar 15. (lhc.la.gov)
Bring documents: ID, SSNs, last 4 pay stubs, utility bill, lease. If crisis, bring the disconnect notice.
Ask for referrals: During intake, say “We’re setting up a home with kids; do you have furniture vouchers or partner referrals?” Agencies often connect you to SVdP, Habitat, or church partners.
Track approvals: Save a copy of your application and note the promised decision date. If not heard in 10–15 business days for non‑crisis, call politely and ask for status.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your parish is paused due to funding (as happened in NOLA this year), ask when they reopen or check another intake site in a neighboring parish if allowed; watch TCA updates weekly. (tca-nola.org)

Free & Low‑Cost Furniture Sources — Comparison Table

Source	Typical items	Cost	How to qualify	Where to start
SVdP (parish conferences)	Basic bedroom, dining, housewares	Free with voucher	Referral & home visit common	Call SVdP office nearest you. (svdpneworleans.org)
SHP – Beds for Kids	Twin bed, mattress, bedding	Free	Child lacks bed; local chapter	Submit bed request; ex: Bossier Parish. (shpbeds.org)
Cribs for Kids partners	Portable cribs	Free with safe‑sleep session	Newborn/infant; agency partner	Search partner map or call PHB 1‑800‑251‑BABY. (cribsforkids.org)
Habitat ReStores	Sofas, tables, appliances	Low‑cost; occasional vouchers via agencies	Anyone (public retail)	Check NOLA/BR/Lafayette ReStores. (habitat-nola.org)
Goodwill (with voucher)	Clothing, kitchenware, small items	Free w/ partner voucher	Active case with partner agency	Ask your case manager for a voucher. (catholiccharitiesacadiana.org)
Buy Nothing/Freecycle	All household categories	Free	Join group or app	Join by ZIP and post a “Need” request. (buynothingproject.org)

Real‑World Examples

Disaster recovery in SWLA: After the 2020–2021 storms, United Way SWLA distributed over 180 tons of donated new furniture to families. This pattern repeats after big weather events—ask if another furniture drop is planned. (unitedwayswla.org)
Water bill relief in NOLA: A grandmother raising two kids used SWBNO’s Water Help and TCA to secure a $200 credit and avoid shutoff in July; she got a referral to SVdP for a table set. (swbno.org)
Beds in Bossier: A mom with three kids received two SHP beds and bedding from SHP Bossier Parish, then grabbed plates/pans from a Freecycle curb‑alert the same weekend. (shpbeds.org)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing documents: Many denials happen because a Social Security card or proof of income is missing. Upload all at once via CAFÉ or bring copies to intake. (dcfs.la.gov)
Assuming every thrift will issue vouchers: Only certain stores honor agency vouchers; always call first (SVdP or your case manager can confirm).
Waiting for a shutdown notice to seek help: Ask for payment arrangements now; Entergy, CLECO, and SWEPCO all list installment options or grants. See Entergy bill help, CLECO assistance, and SWEPCO assistance. (entergy.com)

Reality Check — Funding & Wait Times

Funding opens and closes: In 2025, TCA (Orleans) posted multiple pauses and reopenings for LIHEAP. Schedules can change without much notice. Check the agency’s page the morning you plan to go. (tca-nola.org)

Weather protections are limited: Louisiana’s no‑disconnect rules are tied to heat warnings or freezing days; they don’t stop all shutoffs. Always ask for a medical delay if anyone has a life‑threatening condition and set a payment plan. See LPSC consumer guidance. (lpsc.louisiana.gov)

Stock changes daily: Voucher programs depend on donations. You may get a dresser one week and wait for a couch the next.

Diverse Communities — Targeted Tips and Contacts

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask SLLS about name/gender marker issues in benefits files and housing rights; New Orleans’ Out of the Closet offers affordable housewares and onsite HIV testing. For safety planning and emergency support, call 211 for inclusive shelters. (slls.org)
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Note disability in LIHEAP and utility calls; this can qualify you for priority or special funds like Entergy’s Power to Care. Ask utilities about “medical certificate” delays; if needed, point to LPSC guidance. (uwcl.org)
Veteran single mothers: Contact the VA social work team and ask about HUD‑VASH or move‑in essentials; reach the New Orleans system via the Southeast Louisiana VA and request a HUD‑VASH referral (search “Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System HUD‑VASH” on VA’s site). Pair with SVDP for vouchers. (svdpbr.net)
Immigrant/refugee single moms: Call CCANO for immigration and case management; ask for interpreters. For WIC and maternal services with language support, call Partners for Healthy Babies. (ccano.org)
Tribal members: Reach your tribal office to ask about local assistance or partner vouchers: United Houma Nation, Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, and Tunica‑Biloxi Tribe. These offices often coordinate disaster relief or connect to parish services. (unitedhoumanation.org)
Rural single moms with limited access: Use Louisiana 211 to arrange mail‑in applications and ask if your parish office can accept scanned documents by email. Consider neighbor‑to‑neighbor options like Freecycle and church deliveries. (louisiana211.org)
Single fathers: Most programs listed are gender‑neutral. You can apply for LIHEAP, LIHWAP‑style water help (where available), SNAP, and furniture vouchers; if you face bias, ask SLLS to advise.
Language access & accessibility: Ask for “large‑print applications” and interpreter services; 211 can text back resources, and agencies provide TTY lines (LPSC TTY 800‑648‑6056). Call ahead to request accommodations. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

County‑Specific Variations (Parishes)

Orleans Parish: TCA caps daily LIHEAP intake and posts changes online. Some programs require in‑person line‑ups early. See TCA updates. (tca-nola.org)
East Baton Rouge: The City–Parish Office of Social Services allows online LIHEAP intake; watch your email for document requests. See Office of Social Services. (brla.gov)
Caddo/Shreveport: CCAA runs LIHEAP plus SWAP water help. Pair with SWEPCO assistance for electric arrears. (caddocaa.org)

Timelines & What to Expect — Table

Action	Typical timeline	Notes
LIHEAP crisis with disconnect	Same day–72 hours	Varies by parish and season; bring disconnect notice. (lhc.la.gov)
LIHEAP non‑crisis	About 10–15 business days	Funding opens/closes; check your agency’s page (e.g., TCA). (tca-nola.org)
SVdP furniture voucher	3–14 days	Depends on donations; may require home visit.
SHP bed request	1–6 weeks	Chapter build schedules vary. (shpbeds.org)
Cribs for Kids	1–3 weeks	Partner slot availability; safe‑sleep class may be required. (cribsforkids.org)

Always call to confirm current availability before applying.

Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

Ask for the reason in writing: Request: “adverse action notice”. Keep it.
Fix and refile: If it’s missing docs, upload via CAFÉ and call the office to confirm receipt. (dcfs.la.gov)
Appeal: For benefits issues, follow the appeal instructions on your notice; for housing or utility‑related denials, call SLLS and request help with an expedited appeal or negotiation. (slls.org)
Escalate utility disputes: If you can’t resolve with the company, contact the Louisiana Public Service Commission Consumer Services line listed on their site and share your account notes. See LPSC consumer page. (lpsc.louisiana.gov)

Quick Tables You Can Screenshot

Free & Cheap Household Items — At a Glance

Need	First move	Backup
Beds for kids	SHP request	Ask SVdP for beds if donated stock is available. (shpbeds.org)
Crib for infant	Cribs for Kids partner	Ask PHB helpline for local safe‑sleep resources. (cribsforkids.org)
Starter kitchen	SVdP voucher	Habitat ReStore under $10-$ 50 sets. (svdpbr.net)
Diapers/period	JLNO Diaper Bank	Junior League BR. (jlno.org)

Where to Get Help Setting Up Utilities

Utility	Ask for	Link
Entergy	Payment plan; Power to Care; late‑fee waiver	Entergy bill help (entergy.com)
CLECO	Power of Sharing Fund via Councils on Aging	CLECO assistance (cleco.com)
SWEPCO	Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor; Average Monthly Payments	SWEPCO assistance (swepco.com)
SWBNO	Water Help (via TCA)	Payment Assistance (swbno.org)

FAQs (Louisiana‑Specific)

How can I get a free bed for my child in Louisiana?
Start with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and select your nearest chapter, like LA‑Bossier Parish. Many churches refer directly to SHP, and delivery includes a bed frame, mattress, and bedding. If there’s no chapter near you, ask SVdP about beds in stock. (shpbeds.org)
What furniture help is available if I was hit by a hurricane or flood?
Apply to FEMA IHP and ask for Personal Property assistance (home furnishings, appliances). Ask SVdP about House‑in‑a‑Box in disaster zones, and check United Way SWLA for large furniture distributions. (fema.gov)
Does LIHEAP include water bills in Louisiana?
LIHEAP is for energy (electric, gas, propane). Water help is local: New Orleans has Water Help; Shreveport has SWAP. Call 211 for other parish programs. (swbno.org)
What if it’s dangerously hot—can they still shut off my power?
When the National Weather Service issues a heat warning for your parish, regulated utilities must delay disconnections; similar rules apply in extreme cold. Confirm details at LPSC Consumer News. (lpsc.louisiana.gov)
Can I get a free crib in Louisiana?
Search the Cribs for Kids partner map and call Partners for Healthy Babies at 1‑800‑251‑BABY for a local referral. Many hospitals and health departments participate. (cribsforkids.org)
Where do I go for a quick voucher in Baton Rouge?
Check SVdP Baton Rouge and the City–Parish Office of Social Services for LIHEAP and CSBG intake; ask for a furniture voucher referral. (svdpbr.net)
I’m on CLECO or SWEPCO—any special funds?
Yes. CLECO’s Power of Sharing Fund serves elderly/low‑income households via Councils on Aging; SWEPCO’s Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor provides one‑time grants via local agencies. (cleco.com)
Is there help for household goods in New Orleans if I’m exiting homelessness?
Your case manager can request furnishings through the UNITY of GNO network when you are housed; pair with SVdP for extra items. (coc.unitygno.org)
What’s the fastest way to find free items near me?
Join your local Buy Nothing community and Freecycle. Post your “need” list with sizes and pickup times. (buynothingproject.org)
Who do I call if I need legal backup with a landlord or benefit denial?
Apply with SLLS (free civil legal aid) or call 1‑844‑244‑7871. For utility disputes you can’t resolve, consult LPSC Consumer Services. (slls.org)

Printable Application Steps — For Utilities and Furniture

Call: your parish Community Action Agency and schedule LIHEAP (ask about crisis vs. non‑crisis). Use LHC’s provider list. (lhc.la.gov)
Ask: for referrals to SVdP, Habitat ReStore vouchers, and church partners.
Follow up: every 3–5 days by phone or email until you have an approval date or a voucher pickup time.
Document: names, dates, promises—this helps if you need to appeal or escalate.

Spanish Summary (Resumen en Español)

Esta guía ofrece pasos rápidos para conseguir muebles y artículos del hogar gratis o de bajo costo en Luisiana. Para ayuda inmediata, marque 211 Luisiana o solicite ayuda de energía en LIHEAP (LHC). Para cunas/camas para niños, busque Cribs for Kids y Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Para facturas de agua en Nueva Orleans, pida el programa Water Help en SWBNO. Para pañales y artículos menstruales, visite JLNO Diaper Bank. Para ayuda legal civil, contacte SLLS.
Nota: Esta traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA. Revise los detalles llamando a las agencias antes de ir.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
— Bold note — Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This content is for general information only and is not legal advice or an official determination of eligibility. Program rules, funding, and timelines change. Always verify with the agency or utility before traveling or making financial decisions. If you’re in danger or without power in life‑threatening heat, call 911, and notify your utility of a medical emergency and request a same‑day medical delay.

Final Tip

When you call or apply, say this clearly: “I’m a single parent with minor children; we’re setting up a safe home and need basic furniture and household items.” That phrasing often triggers the right referral list.

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