The LIHEAP and WAP programs help pay for heating, cooling, and home weatherization. Learn if you are eligible and how to apply. And get help if your utilities were disconnected.
Are you struggling to keep up with your utility bills in Shreveport? Trust me, you’re not alone I’ve been there too – staring at that water or electric bill wondering how I’m gonna make ends meet this month The good news is that there are several organizations in our community ready to lend a helping hand when times get tough.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share with you the places in Shreveport that can help pay your utilities bill. These resources have been a lifesaver for many of our neighbors, and they might be exactly what you need right now.
Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP)
The City of Shreveport established the Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP) back in May 2001 This program is specifically designed to help eligible households with their water and sewer bills
How SWAP Works:
- You can receive assistance with water and sewer bills twice per year
- Assistance may cover up to two months of billings
- You must be currently enrolled in one of these programs:
- Food Stamp Program
- Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
- Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
What You’ll Need to Apply:
- Proper identification (driver’s license, picture ID, etc.)
- Documentation from Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services proving your enrollment in one of the qualifying programs
- You must pay any outstanding returned payments, existing deferred arrangements, or unpaid fees
Where to Apply for SWAP:
There are three agencies currently administering SWAP:
| Agency | Hours | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Socialization Services | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Mon. – Thur. | 3017 W 70th Street | 318-671-5800 |
| Caddo Community Action Agency | 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Mon – Fri | 625 David Raines Rd. | 318-425-2401 |
| Caddo Community Action Agency | 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Mon – Fri | 1729 Ford Street | 318-222-2436 |
Be aware that assistance won’t be granted if:
- You have an outstanding balance on a closed account for over 30 days
- Your account has been turned over to collections
- There’s evidence of water theft
- Your plumbing doesn’t meet building codes or has leaks (repairs must be made first)
Caddo Community Action Agency Utility Assistance
Caddo Community Action Agency doesn’t just administer SWAP – they also offer their own utility assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
About LIHEAP:
LIHEAP provides financial assistance to help eligible households reduce the burden of home energy costs This program is particularly helpful for electric and gas bills,
Contact Information:
- Phone: 318-861-4808
- Address: 4055 St. Vincent Ave., Shreveport
- Services: Assistance with home energy costs
I’ve personally known several people who’ve received help through LIHEAP, and it can make a real difference during those hot Shreveport summers or cold winter months when your heating bills skyrocket.
Bossier Office of Community Services
While technically in Bossier City, this office is close enough to Shreveport to be a valuable resource for residents in the area.
About Their Program:
- Also administers LIHEAP program for eligible households
- Provides financial assistance to reduce home energy costs
Contact Information:
- Phone: 318-747-1045 or 800-624-9692
- Address: 700 Benton Rd, Bossier City
- Website available for more information
Catholic Charities of North Louisiana
Catholic Charities offers emergency financial assistance with utility bills to people in need, regardless of religious affiliation.
Services Provided:
- Emergency financial assistance with utility bills
- Help with rent payments
- Other emergency assistance
Contact Information:
- Phone: 318-865-0200
- Address: 902 Olive St., Shreveport
When I was going through a rough patch last year, Catholic Charities helped me keep my lights on. Their staff was incredibly compassionate and they worked quickly to process my application.
Helping Hands For Freedom (HHFF)
This organization focuses specifically on helping veteran and military families with financial needs, including utility payments.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a Veteran, Military, or Gold Star family
- Must be honorably discharged
- Must have at least one child 18 or younger in the home
Assistance Offered:
- Utilities
- Rent/mortgage
- Vehicle payments
- Insurance
- Other financial assistance
Contact Information:
- Phone: 602-845-1390
If you’re a veteran or from a military family, definitely check out HHFF. They understand the unique challenges faced by military families and can provide specialized assistance.
Emergency Broadband Benefit by Q Link Wireless
While this isn’t for traditional utilities, internet service has become an essential utility for most households.
Program Details:
- Provides free mobile internet service
- Available to individuals receiving Medicaid or SNAP Benefits
- Initiated due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Contact Information:
- Phone: 855-754-6543
- Website available for more details and application
Lifeline Mobile Phone Program by Assurance Wireless
Similar to the Emergency Broadband Benefit, this program helps with communication utilities.
Program Details:
- Provides a free wireless phone plan
- Qualification based on income or enrollment in certain government benefit programs
Contact Information:
- Phone: 888-321-5880
- Website available for more information
Additional Resources for Utility Assistance
Sometimes the programs above might be at capacity or you might not qualify. Don’t worry – there are other options available:
Local Churches and Faith-Based Organizations
Many churches in Shreveport offer emergency assistance funds to help community members with utility bills and other urgent needs. Some examples include:
- First United Methodist Church
- Summer Grove Baptist Church
- Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army often provides emergency utility assistance to those in need. You can reach their Shreveport office at 318-424-3200.
211 North Louisiana
By dialing 211, you can connect with a resource specialist who can direct you to additional utility assistance programs in the Shreveport area.
Tips for Applying for Utility Assistance
After helping several friends navigate these programs, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Apply early – Don’t wait until your utilities are about to be shut off
- Bring all required documentation – This will speed up the process
- Be honest about your situation – These organizations want to help
- Follow up – Sometimes applications get misplaced or additional info is needed
- Be patient but persistent – Resources can be limited, especially during peak times
My Personal Experience
I still remember the day my water bill arrived after a hidden leak had been running for weeks. The amount was more than my car payment! I was devastated and had no idea how I would pay it. A neighbor told me about SWAP, and I was able to get assistance through Socialization Services. The process took about a week, but they helped cover a significant portion of the bill.
The staff was super helpful and walked me through everything I needed to do. Without their help, I would’ve been in serious trouble. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing these resources with others who might be in a similar situation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with utility bills in Shreveport, please reach out to one of these organizations. There’s no shame in asking for help, and that’s exactly why these programs exist. Our community is stronger when we support each other through difficult times.
Remember to check eligibility requirements before applying, and be prepared to provide documentation of your need and identity. While funds for these programs are sometimes limited, new funding cycles often begin at the start of each month or quarter.
Have you used any of these services before? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your stories and any additional resources you might know about in the comments below!
Stay strong, Shreveport. We’re all in this together.
Find out if you are eligible for WAP and apply
For home improvements that save money on energy, you may qualify for help through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
Your eligibility for weatherization assistance depends on your income. Or you may qualify if you already receive benefits through a federal assistance program such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To see if you are eligible and how to apply, contact your states WAP office.
Find out if you are eligible for LIHEAP and apply
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help you pay your heating or cooling bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis. Depending on where you live, you may also qualify for help with electric bills.
Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on your income, and every state and territory has its own requirements. Answer a few questions to learn if you qualify, find your state or territoryâs LIHEAP office, and apply. In some cases, you may be able to submit your LIHEAP application online. Other LIHEAP offices may require you to apply in person.
Program to help Shreveport residents pay overdue water bills
FAQ
How can I get help paying my electric bill in Louisiana?
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Assistance is available every six months and payments made directly to the energy provider. Proof of income, picture identification, and social security cards for all household members required along with a bill or printout from the client’s utility company/companies.
Does Snap help with utility bills?
Depending on funding, SNAP may be able to assist with gas, electric, wood, propane, oil and other heat costs. All assistance is based on heating costs except the Senior Program, which can help with Avista electric and gas bills.
What is the Shreveport water assistance program swap?
In May 2001, the City established the Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP). This program is designed to aid and assist eligible households with water and sewer bill payments. Applicants may receive assistance with their water and sewer bills twice per year.
Does the Salvation Army help with electric bills?
Offering emergency assistance to keep families who are struggling to pay rent, mortgage, and utility bills in their homes.
