Southwest Louisiana has a strong network of organizations ready to help when times get tough. This page brings together local resources for food assistance, utility bills, housing, medical care and more. These programs serve Calcasieu Parish and the surrounding SWLA area. Always call ahead to confirm hours and availability.
Food assistance
Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana
Monthly food distributions at several SWLA sites, including a Lake Charles warehouse. Also helps with SNAP applications. No one is turned away from the food program.
- Phone
- (337) 439-7436
- Address
- 1225 2nd Street, Lake Charles
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Website
- catholiccharitiesswla.com
- Listing
- Open it in our directory
Manna Ministries Lake Charles
Food pantry serving zip codes 70601, 70605, 70607 and 70615. The first 40 families each Wednesday. You must interview with staff on arrival, so come early.
- Phone
- (337) 474-1500
- Address
- 1500 Country Club Rd, Lake Charles 70605
- Hours
- Wednesdays only, 9 AM to 11 AM
Water's Edge Gathering
Free groceries with no income requirements. Open to everyone: low-income families, single parents, seniors, veterans and anyone in need. No strings attached.
- Hours
- Thursdays, 11 AM to 2 PM
- Area
- Lake Charles
- Listing
- Open it in our directory
Faith & Friends Food Pantry
Serves low-income individuals and families once per month. Income eligibility is based on the federal poverty guidelines. Same-day application on your first visit.
- Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
- Area
- Calcasieu Parish
Abraham's Tent
Food pantry in Lake Charles, a partner of Catholic Charities SWLA and Second Harvest Food Bank. Call ahead to confirm current hours before visiting.
- Phone
- (337) 439-9330
- Address
- 2424 Fruge St, Lake Charles 70601
- Listing
- Open it in our directory
SNAP benefits (Louisiana DCFS)
Monthly food assistance for low-income households. Catholic Charities SWLA can help you complete an application in person at no cost.
- Apply online
- dcfs.louisiana.gov
- In-person help
- Catholic Charities, (337) 439-7436
Utility bill assistance
LIHEAP (Calcasieu Parish Police Jury)
Federally funded help with electricity and gas bills for low-income households. Priority goes to seniors 60 and older, households with children under 5, and people with disabilities. Serves about 6,000 Calcasieu residents a year.
- Address
- 2001 Moeling St, Lake Charles
- Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 8 AM to 11:30 AM, in person
- Info
- calcasieu.gov
Catholic Charities SWLA: emergency utility assistance
Emergency help with electric, gas and water bills. Phone only, Monday mornings at 9 AM. No walk-ins. Limited cases per week, first come, first served.
- Phone
- (337) 439-7436
- When to call
- Monday mornings only, starting at 9 AM
Housing assistance
Catholic Charities SWLA: emergency rental and mortgage help
Assistance for renters and homeowners who have fallen behind. Covers Calcasieu, Allen, Beauregard, Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes. Phone only, Monday mornings at 9 AM. No walk-ins.
- Phone
- (337) 439-7436
- When to call
- Monday mornings only, starting at 9 AM
- Website
- catholiccharitiesswla.com
City of Lake Charles: homeowner rehabilitation grant
Federal CDBG-funded grants for low-to-moderate income homeowners to make essential repairs. You must live within Lake Charles city limits. No repayment required.
- Phone
- (337) 491-1440
211: housing and shelter referrals
Louisiana's 211 helpline connects you with emergency shelter, transitional housing and other housing resources in Calcasieu Parish based on your situation.
- Call or text
- 2-1-1
- Available
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Other local resources
WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
Supplemental food, nutrition education and health referrals for low-income pregnant women, new moms and children up to age 5. All applying household members must attend the appointment.
- Apply
- ldh.la.gov/wic
Catholic Charities: prescription assistance
Help covering the cost of non-narcotic medications. Bring an exact cost printout from your pharmacy. Psychiatric medications require a referral from a therapist or caseworker.
- Phone
- (337) 439-7436
Catholic Charities: bus tickets
Up to 4 Lake Charles city bus tickets per person per month for those who need local transportation. You must appear in person to receive tickets.
- Phone
- (337) 439-7436
- Limit
- 4 tickets per person per month
Medical assistance
SWLA Center for Health Services
Federally qualified community health center offering primary care, dental, mental health, OB/GYN and pharmacy services. Fees are on a sliding scale, and no one is turned away for inability to pay.
- Phone
- (337) 439-9983
- Address
- 2000 Opelousas Street, Lake Charles
- Hours
- Mon 8 AM to 5 PM, Tue 8 AM to 7 PM, Wed and Thu 8 AM to 5 PM, Fri 8 AM to 2 PM
- Website
- swlahealth.org
- Listing
- Open it in our directory
Calcasieu Parish Health Unit (LDH)
State public health unit offering immunizations, STD screening and treatment, family planning, children's health services and WIC. Medicaid application staff are also available on site.
- Phone
- (337) 478-6020
- Address
- 3236 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles
- Hours
- Mon 7 AM to 5:30 PM, Tue to Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM, first Saturday 8 AM to noon (RH clinic only)
- Website
- ldh.la.gov
- Listing
- Open it in our directory
Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana)
Free or low-cost health insurance for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. Adults 19 to 64 qualify up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Apply online, by phone, or in person at the Calcasieu Parish Health Unit.
- Apply online
- myldh.la.gov
- By phone
- 1-888-342-6207
LaCHIP (children's health insurance)
Health insurance for children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but who still need affordable coverage. Children up to age 18 qualify up to 255% of the federal poverty level. Same application process as Medicaid.
- Apply online
- myldh.la.gov
- By phone
- 1-888-342-6207
Information gathered from public sources. Hours and availability can change, so always call ahead to confirm. Know a resource we missed? Email info@lakecharles.com and we'll add it.