Places In Shreveport That Offer Assistance With Paying Utility Bills

Paying utility bills can be a financial burden, especially for low-income families and individuals. Fortunately, there are organizations and programs in Shreveport that can help by providing assistance with paying utility bills. This article will highlight some of the main places in Shreveport that help pay utility bills.

Socialization Services

Socialization Services is a non-profit organization that helps low-income families and individuals in Shreveport pay their utility bills through the Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP). To qualify for assistance, applicants need to provide documentation showing they are enrolled in programs like Food Stamps, FITAP, CCAP, or SSI.

Socialization Services can assist with water and sewer bills up to two months of billing Their office is open Monday-Thursday from 9am-3pm and is located at 3017 W 70th Street You can contact them by phone at 318-671-5800,

Caddo Community Action Agency

The Caddo Community Action Agency (CCAA) is another local non-profit that administers SWAP to provide utility bill payment assistance. They have two locations in Shreveport

• 625 David Raines Rd. Open Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm. Phone: 318-425-2401

• 1729 Ford Street. Open Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm. Phone: 318-222-2436

To receive assistance from CCAA, applicants need to meet the same eligibility criteria as Socialization Services. CCAA can also help pay water and sewer bills up to 2 months.

Other Local Non-Profits

There are a few other non-profits in the Shreveport area that may be able to provide limited financial assistance with utility bills:

• Catholic Charities of North Louisiana – Provides emergency assistance for gas and rent bills. Phone: 318-865-0200. Address: 902 Olive St, Shreveport.

• Helping Hands For Freedom (HHFF) – Offers life needs financial assistance which can sometimes include utilities. Phone: 602-845-1390.

• Salvation Army – May be able to assist with electric bills in emergency situations through their Pathway of Hope program. Phone: 318-424-3200. Address: 301 Market St, Shreveport.

Government Programs

There are also some government programs that low-income households can apply for to get help with utility bills:

• LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Helps pay a portion of electric and gas bills. Apply through the Louisiana Housing Corporation.

• SEEA – Supplemental Emergency Energy Assistance. Additional help for LIHEAP recipients. Apply through the local Community Action Agency.

• WAP – Weatherization Assistance Program. Helps make homes more energy efficient to reduce utility costs. Apply through the Louisiana Housing Corporation.

Payment Plans and Conservation Tips

If you don’t qualify for financial assistance, consider contacting your utility providers directly to set up payment plans or long-term assistance programs. They also likely have tips on their websites for conserving energy and reducing your bills.

Final Tips

• Reach out to utility providers as soon as you think you’ll have difficulty paying a bill. The earlier the better.

• Prioritize paying electricity first, then water, then gas bills. Electricity is most vital.

• Reduce energy use wherever possible – turn down heat, unplug devices, etc.

• Check if you qualify for any discounts like senior citizen or low-income rates.

• Search for local churches or charities that accept applications for bill pay help.