Are there grants for felons in Louisiana? Yes. Financial assistance for felons in Louisiana is available through housing programs, education grants, job training initiatives, healthcare coverage, and emergency support services. Many reentry programs in Louisiana, including LAHousingSearch.org, the Louisiana Prisoner Reentry Initiative (LA-PRI), Goodwill Reentry Programs (GRIP & EXIT-318), and the Louisiana Parole Project, provide structured support. In addition, federal programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, and Pell Grants may also offer financial assistance to eligible individuals. This guide explains eligibility requirements, application procedures, and contact details for grants and financial assistance programs available to returning citizens in Louisiana.
Housing Assistance & Reentry Grants for Felons in Louisiana
Housing assistance for felons in Louisiana is one of the most requested forms of support after release. Many landlords and housing programs in Louisiana do not automatically deny apartments to felons, but approval depends on rental history, income, and program guidelines.
LAHousingSearch.org
LAHousingSearch.org is a free online housing locator service that can be used by individuals and families in Louisiana to search for affordable rental housing. The formerly incarcerated individuals in Louisiana can use this platform as a valuable reentry source to find apartments, houses, and rental units all across Louisiana.
You can see a list of properties that accept Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and other rental assistance programs. Users also can search for housing according to their requirement by using the filter options. There are no eligibility requirements, anyone can use the free online housing locator by visiting http://LAHousingSearch.org and enter your ZIP code to search for housing results near you. For any queries, you can simply call 1-877-428-8844.
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) is a faith-based nonprofit organization that offers supportive services to the vulnerable population in the Greater New Orleans area including the individuals that are affected by incarceration. CCANO does not have any dedicated support for felons, but they can get access to e-entry support, case management, transitional housing connections, and other wrap-around services to stabilize their lives. Furthermore, returning citizens in New Orleans, Louisiana can get help with transitional housing support, job readiness, and connection to community resources.
Eligibility For Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans
To be eligible for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, individuals who are recently released from incarceration, experiencing homelessness, housing instability or in need of case management assistance. Applicants must be residents of the service including Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and nearby parishes.
How To Apply For Catholic Charities Services?
You can call or request services by visiting Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans and get help with reentry support. Prepare your document and explain to them your current situation. For any other queries about their services call on (504) 523-3755 or mail them at P.O. Box 58009, New Orleans, LA 70158-8009.
Covenant House New Orleans (CHNOLA)
Covenant House New Orleans (CHNOLA) is a nonprofit emergency shelter and support service provider in the New Orleans area offering safe housing, emergency help and other comprehensive support to help out the young adults including felons. The organization mainly serves the young people who are facing homelessness, disconnection, or exploitation by providing them with emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management, education support, and life-skill services. CHNOLA is open 24/7 and they offer their services free of charges.
Eligibility For Covenant House New Orleans
To be eligible for Covenant House New Orleans, individuals must be adults 16-22 experiencing homelessness, including LGBTQ+ youth and young parents. Individuals with felony convictions are not automatically disqualified but need to meet program criteria.
How to Apply Covenant House New Orleans Services?
Covenant House New Orleans Services are open 24 hours and to get help directly call on (504) 584-1111 and speak with a staff member to know about their services. You can visit in-person at 611 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112. For any further queries you can email them at [email protected].
Welcome Home Outreach Ministries
Welcome Home Outreach Ministries (W.H.O.M.) is a faith-based nonprofit organization that offers dedicated help to the returning citizens in Louisiana by providing supportive services after release to become stable. Welcome Home Outreach Ministries is not a government program but they work relevantly to address the barriers faced by individuals due to felony records by offering them with transitional housing support, life-skills training, employment guidance, counseling, and mentorship.
Eligibility For Welcome Home Outreach Ministries
To be eligible for Welcome Home Outreach Ministries services, individuals who are returning after incarceration, seeking transitional housing support, life-skills resources, mentoring, or re-entry programming and committed towards personal growth, recovery, and reintegration. Each program has a different criteria and it is best to contact the organization.
How to Apply For Services From Welcome Home Outreach Ministries?
To apply for Services From Welcome Home Outreach Ministries, you need to contact them directly by call at 240-660-7409. Describe the staff about your housing requirements and challenges that you are facing. Go through the interview and submit paperwork as requested. To learn more about the programs visit Welcome Home Outreach Ministries. For further queries or guidance email them at [email protected].
Louisiana Prisoner Reentry Initiative (LA-PRI)
The Louisiana Prisoner Reentry Initiative (LA-PRI) is a statewide collaborative framework that offers support to the returning citizens in Louisiana. LA-PRI collaborates with government agencies, community organizations, law enforcement, probation and parole offices, and local stakeholders to build a re-entry system that provides access to housing, employment, education, health care, and other emergency support. The main aim is to reduce recidivism and help formerly incarcerated individuals in Louisiana to live a stable life.
Eligibility For Louisiana Prisoner Reentry Initiative (LA-PRI)
To be eligible for Louisiana Prisoner Reentry Initiative (LA-PRI), individuals who are currently incarcerated or recently released from prison or jail in Louisiana, must be seeking support through re-entry programs and need assistance with housing, employment, education, mental health/substance support, transportation, and family reunification.
How To Participate in the Louisiana Prisoner Reentry Initiative (LA-PRI)?
The Louisiana Prisoner Reentry Initiative (LA-PRI) does not have a dedicated application. Instead, you need to connect with your parole or probation officer to get connected to reentry resources under the LA-PRI framework. To learn more about LA-PRI visit the United Way of Acadiana website. For general queries about LA-PRI call on 337-233-8302.
Re-Entry Court Program (Eastern District of Louisiana)
The Re-Entry Court Program in the Eastern District of Louisiana is also known as Rise & Recover, it is a specialized post-conviction judicial program designed to help out individuals including felons. They offer structured supervision, treatment, and support services. Furthermore, you can also get help with probation support, rehabilitation services, employment and life-skills assistance, and regular court appearances.
Eligibility For Re-Entry Court Program
To be eligible for Re-Entry Court Program, individuals who are under post-conviction supervision in the Eastern District of Louisiana, participants who are at moderate to high risk assessment and must have a minimum supervised release term (often two years) remaining to participate. Participants must be willing to participate in substance abuse treatment, cognitive-behavioral programs, employment support, and other rehabilitative services.
How To Apply For Re-Entry Court Program?
To apply for the Re-Entry Court Program, you need to talk to your probation office and ask them to refer you to the Re-Entry Court Program. Furthermore you need to appear before a judge, probation staff, treatment professionals, and attorneys to review your eligibility. You need to accept the conditions of participating and once accepted you will be able to engage in scheduled court sessions. For general enquiries you can call at (504) 589-7700.
Educational Grants For Felons in Louisiana
Education grants for felons in Louisiana can help returning citizens gain skills, certifications, and college degrees that improve long-term employment opportunities.
M.J. Foster Promise Program
The M.J. Foster Promise Program is a Louisiana state financial aid initiative that is designed to help out individuals in Louisiana to pursue post-secondary education and training leading to in-demand jobs in sectors like healthcare, construction, manufacturing, information technology, and transportation/logistics.
The program helps with tuition and fee assistance for the eligible students. It is a powerful program for the formerly incarcerated adults in Louisiana to bring stability to their life through education that will further help with seeking employment. M.J. Foster Promise Program offers awards up to $3,200 per award year for full-time students and up to $6,400 over a three-year period for eligible programs.
Eligibility For M.J. Foster Promise Program
To be eligible for M.J. Foster Promise Program, you must be a Louisiana resident and U.S. citizen, must be 19 years of age or older when completing the application, family income must be at or below 300 % of the federal poverty level, currently unemployed or underemployed, must have a high school diploma or have enrolled in a program. You might not qualify, if you are currently incarcerated or have been convicted of certain violent crimes in the past.
How To Apply For M.J. Foster Promise Program?
To apply for M.J. Foster Promise Program, applicants required to submit the FAFSA application. Submit your M.J. Foster Promise Program application through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA). You need to apply for admission in a participating two-year public college, university, or approved program that is in collaboration with the M.J. Foster Promise program. For general queries about the program email them at [email protected] .
Louisiana GO Grant
The Louisiana GO Grant is a need-based state financial aid grant administered by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) offering help to the low income to moderate income residents in Louisiana. The grant amount can be used to cover the cost of post-secondary college tuition and fees.
This grant is designed to supplement the Federal Pell Grant and reduce the gap between the cost of attendance. Through the GO grant the returning citizens in Louisiana can enroll in education and workforce training. GO Grant awards differ by institution and financial requirements, however the general range is from $300 up to $3,000 per academic year.
Eligibility For Louisiana GO Grant
To be eligible for Louisiana GO Grant, you must be a resident of Louisiana, must be eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant, have financial requirements after subtracting Estimated Family Contribution (EFC/SAI) and all other gift aid from your Cost of Attendance (COA). Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time (minimum 6 credit hours per semester) and meet satisfactory academic progress.
How to Apply For Louisiana GO Grant?
To apply for Louisiana Go Grant you need to submit your FAFSA and choose your Louisiana college or university. Furthermore your financial aid office will determine GO Grant eligibility. Follow your school procedures and submit documents as requested by them. To know more about the Go Grant visit LOSFA’s Student Hub to track your application status.
Job Training & Employment Programs for Felons in Louisiana
There are several job programs for felons in Louisiana including Goodwill, the Louisiana Parole Project, and Community Incentive Grant partners. Furthermore, some employers in Louisiana participate in second-chance hiring initiatives, which help qualified individuals with felony records secure stable employment opportunities.
Goodwill Reentry Programs for Felons in Louisiana
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana and Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana both offer reentry and workforce development services to individuals with felony records in Louisiana helping them to become self-sufficient through case management, job readiness training, employment support, mentoring, and referrals to community resources. The main aim of GRIP is to address challenges that are faced by incarcerated individuals and help them to connect with education, workforce training and other supportive services.
Eligibility For Goodwill Reentry Programs for Felons in Louisiana
To be eligible for Goodwill Reentry Programs for Felons in Louisiana, you must be 18 years old, must be residing in Southeastern or North Louisiana, need proof of justice involvement and some services require applications to be released within a few months of release or recently released. Remember, individuals with certain sex offenses are not eligible.
How To Apply For Goodwill Reentry Programs for Felons in Louisiana?
To apply for Goodwill Reentry Programs for Felons in Louisiana, you need to visit a Goodwill Opportunity Center and express your interest for the re-entry programs. You need to go through assessment & enrollment and work with your case manager. To learn more about their programs visit the official website of Goodwill. Southeastern Louisiana residents can enquire on (504) 456-2622, whereas the North Louisiana residents can call on (318) 868-4701
Louisiana Parole Project
The Louisiana Parole Project (LPP) is a nonprofit re-entry organization that offers help to the individuals with felony convictions in Louisiana to successfully transition from incarceration back into the community. The returning citizens face various challenges like housing instability, lack of employment, lack of support networks, and barriers to community integration. Louisiana Parole Project offers case management, transitional housing referrals, mentoring, and advocacy services and connects them with various essential resources.
Eligibility for Louisiana Parole Project
To be eligible for Louisiana Parole Project, individuals having felony convictions currently on parole or preparing or release in Louisiana, must be facing housing instability, employment barriers, or lack of supportive services after incarceration and willing to participate in program planning and case management to improve reintegration outcomes.
How To Apply For Louisiana Parole Project?
To apply for Louisiana Parole Project, contact LPP directly by phone at (504) 328-7281 or email them at [email protected]. You can also visit their office in person located at 1011 Napoleon Ave., Suite 100, New Orleans, LA 70115. To learn more visit the Louisiana Parole Project website.
Community Incentive Grant (CIG) Program
The Community Incentive Grant (CIG) Program is a state-funded grant initiative administered by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS&C) and it is a part of the state’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI). The CIG program reinvests a portion of the state’s criminal justice savings into community-based programs and services that will help in reducing recidivism and provide better reentry support to individuals after release.
The program collaborates with nonprofit organizations, local governments, and community partners to help out the felons all across Louisiana to reintegrate into the community. There is no direct application, you need to contact your parole office and ask about the CIG program. Further your assigned officer will determine your eligibility and guide you with the overall process. To get information about the program email at [email protected].
Urban League of Louisiana (New Orleans)
The Urban League of Louisiana (ULL) in New Orleans offers workforce development, re-entry support, and career pathways to the formerly incarcerated adults. One of the key programs under them is the Urban Youth Reentry Program (YARP) that offers job readiness, credentialing opportunities, apprenticeships, and placement support to individuals having a history of incarceration. Returning citizens can earn credentials through this program and build a stable future by getting employment opportunities in high-demand industries.
Eligibility For Urban League of Louisiana (New Orleans)
To be eligible for programs from Urban League of Louisiana, individuals must have a history of incarceration or felony convictions, must be 18 to 24 years old (for the Youth Reentry Program), eligible to work in the U.S and must participate in workforce training and employment preparation.
How Felons Can Apply For Urban League of Louisiana ?
To apply for the Urban League of Louisiana, you need to contact them at (504) 620-2332 to inquire about re-entry and job services. For YARP, you can submit online applications through the ULL website. You can also visit in person at 4640 S. Carrollton Avenue, Suite 210, New Orleans, LA 70119 and know everything directly about the application procedure.
JOB1 (New Orleans)
JOB1 is the City of New Orleans Business & Career Solutions Center that offers help to the job seekers including felons, to prepare and secure employment. JOB1 offers various services including help with career counseling, job readiness training, placement support, and connections to employers. Returning citizens in New Orleans, Louisiana can get help to overcome barriers to employment and get a stable career path.
Eligibility To Access JOB1 Services in New Orleans, Louisiana
To be eligible for Access JOB1 Services in New Orleans, Louisiana, individuals must be formerly incarcerated, residing in the New Orleans metropolitan area and seeking for employment and other job training or skills. Unemployed, underemployed or someone seeking career advancement are eligible.
How To Apply For JOB1 Services in New Orleans?
To apply for JOB1 Services in New Orleans, you can directly call them at (504) 658-4500 or email them at [email protected]. They are located at 1307 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113. To learn more about their services visit the official website of Job 1.
Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS)
The Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) is a state agency within Louisiana’s workforce and disability system working to help out the individuals who are facing barriers with employment. LRS is not a felon-only program, it offers help with employment support services including personalized counseling, job preparation, training referrals, placement assistance, and ongoing support. LRS can be a great option for felons to get into the workforce through their training and easily reintegrate into the community.
Eligibility For Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS)
To be eligible for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), you must be a Louisiana resident, must have a physical, mental, cognitive, or emotional disability that causes barriers to employment and must participate in job training and other skill based programs.
How to Apply For Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS)?
To apply for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), you need to contact your nearest regional office and talk to a counselor. LRS will evaluate your eligibility and create an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) plan. To learn more visit the official website of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS). For any further queries about LRS call at (225) 219-2225 or (800) 737-2958. They are located at 1001 N. 23rd Street, P.O. Box 91297, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9297, USA.
National Programs For Felons in Louisiana
Government benefits for felons in Louisiana are available through federal and state assistance programs. There are programs like SNAP, Medicaid and TANF that help with food assistance, healthcare, or financial support.
The Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell Grant)
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based U.S. federal financial aid award that is available for undergraduate students in Louisiana including felons. The Second Chance Pell initiative helps the incarcerated individuals to get access to Pell Grant. The Federal Pell Grant can be used to pursue certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. To apply or check eligibility, complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. For general queries related to the Federal Pell Grant call on (225) 219-1012 or email them at [email protected].
The Federal Bonding Program in Louisiana
The Federal Bonding Program in Louisiana helps individuals with felony convictions to get easily hired. Most of the employers hesitate to recruit individuals with felony convictions, however the federal bonding program offers a free fidelity bond insurance that covers for any losses caused due to employee dishonesty for the first six months. The standard coverage is $5,000 to $25,000 per bond, to apply you need to contact the local Louisiana Workforce Center. For general queries about the federal bonding program call on 1-800-233-2258.
SNAP For Felons in Louisiana
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also known as Food Stamps in Louisiana available for individuals with felony convictions if they meet income and household guidelines. SNAP can be used for purchasing groceries like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy through an EBT card. The SNAP benefits range from $298 for a single person to $1,789 for an eight-person household. You can apply for SNAP through the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) online or in person. For any application support you can call at 1-888-524-3578.
TANF For Felons in Louisiana
TANF is known as Cash Assistance Program in Louisiana, that is available for the low income families with children. Felons in Louisiana are eligible for the program, if they meet the standard rules of the program. It is a short-term cash assistance and employment support program in Louisiana. Remember, individuals with a felony drug conviction are permanently disqualified from TANF in Louisiana. You can submit your Cash Assistance Program using the LA CAFÉ portal or call them at 1-888-524-3578 for assistance.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers help to gain job skills and secure employment through workforce programs for felons in Louisiana. WIOA services are delivered through the local Louisiana Workforce Center, the eligible felons get access to job training, career counseling, resume help, paid work experience, and supportive services. For general queries call at (225) 342-3111 or visit laworks.net
Louisiana Medicaid
The Louisiana Medicaid offers coverage for felons and gives access to health to the people with felony convictions after release. Remember, your eligibility does not end by incarceration. Medicaid does not pay for services during incarceration but once released you can get access to their services in Louisiana. You can apply for Medicaid through MyMedicaid.LA.gov and for general queries call at 1-888-342-6207.
Are There Emergency Help For Felons in Louisiana?
Emergency financial help for felons in Louisiana is available through local nonprofit organizations, churches, and 211 referral services. You can visit 211 Louisiana or simply calling 2-1-1, it is a free and confidential service that offers help with housing, rental assistance, food banks, utility help, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and reentry support programs. A trained specialist will be assigned who will further assess your current situation and help you with local referrals. A felony record does not automatically disqualify you from receiving assistance.
Bottom Line
Access to stable housing, employment, healthcare, and education has been shown to significantly reduce recidivism rates, making financial assistance and reentry programs in Louisiana essential for long-term reintegration success. You can get housing assistance through LA Housing Search, job training from WIOA or Goodwill, education funding through the Federal Pell Grant, or basic assistance like SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid. Help is available. The key is to know about your eligibility requirements, contact the agencies directly and apply early. This guide can be your starting point to move forward with confidence and successfully reintegrate in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Are there free grants for felons in Louisiana?
Yes, there are free grants and financial assistance programs for felons in Louisiana, including housing assistance, education funding, job training programs, and government benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF.
Can a convicted felon get housing assistance in Louisiana?
Yes, convicted felons in Louisiana can get housing assistance by visiting LAHousingSearch.org and get help with transitional housing programs, and other nonprofit reentry organizations. There are not such restrictions for felons but it is important to meet program criteria just like other applicants.
Can felons in Louisiana receive government benefits?
Yes, felons in Louisiana might qualify for government benefits like SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and TANF if they meet the basic program requirements. Remember, a felony conviction alone will not automatically disqualify you from government benefits.
How can a felon get financial help after release in Louisiana?
Felons can get financial help after release by simply contacting their parole office or work for programs through local workforce centers. Additionally they can register at LAWorks.net, or call 211 Louisiana to get emergency financial assistance.
Are there education grants for felons in Louisiana?
Felons in Louisiana can apply for Louisiana GO Grant, and the M.J. Foster Promise Program. Whereas, the Federal Pell Grant is also available through Second Chance Pell initiative for individuals who are in prison or jail. FAFSA is required to apply for most of the education grants or programs.
What job programs are available for felons in Louisiana?
There are employment programs for felons in Louisiana like the Goodwill Reentry Programs (GRIP & EXIT-318), WIOA workforce training, Urban League reentry programs, and JOB1 (New Orleans).
Does a felony conviction automatically disqualify you from grants in Louisiana?
No, most of the programs do not automatically disqualify felons from grants in Louisiana. However, it is important to meet income, residency, and program criteria.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or government advice. Program availability, eligibility requirements, contact details, and benefit amounts may change at any time without notice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not represent or endorse any specific government agency, nonprofit organization, or program mentioned in this guide. It is recommended to directly verify eligibility, application procedures, and current program status. A felony conviction does not automatically guarantee eligibility for any program, and final approval is determined by the administering authority.
