Procedure for requesting assistance

Funding is EXTREMELY limited this year.  A larger than usual number of requests and decreased funds means that we may NOT be able to pay total rent or utility requests.  Our assistance services are for EMERGENCIES ONLY and you must be able to demonstrate to your case manager what has caused this month’s emergency and how you will pay next month.   

PLEASE NOTE: ALL REQUEST NORMALLY TAKE 5-7 BUSINESS DAYS TO BE PAID. Please do not wait until your “cut off” or eviction date to request assistance.

Clients must request assistance from other community sources (churches, social services agencies, 211* on the telephone, etc.) BEFORE requesting assistance from this agency.

1. Client making request must be up to date with all SLAC paperwork, including current proof of income, before a request will be accepted or considered.

2. Call and speak with client's Case Manager. S/He will set an appointment for the client to bring in the bill and determine if client’s needs fit the eligibility for assistance.  Clients cannot receive assistance by phone request or dropping off bills at the front desk.  Requests must be completed by the client with their Case Manager.

3. If eligible and the assistance request meets federal guidelines, the request will be submitted.  All REQUESTS MUST BE MADE AND SUBMITTED BY NOON (12PM) ON TUESDAYS.  Any requests completed after that time will be considered the following week.

4.  The request will be discussed by the Housing Committee on WEDNESDAY afternoon.  CLIENT SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT A BILL WILL BE PAID JUST BECAUSE ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN REQUESTED.

5.  Approved bills are normally paid within seven (7) days following their approval.  It is procedure to mail checks directly to landlords or utility companies, unless otherwise requested.  A client must request “pick up” of rent checks at the time the assistance request is made if the check is not to be mailed.

6.  This assistance is limited to emergency situations and is limited to five (5) times per year.  This is NOT an “automatic” five times - a client must be screened and approved/denied for each request separately and requests may be denied based upon need or funding.  There is a cap on the amount assistance available to any client/household.  Once that cap has been reached, no more assistance will be available, regardless of how many times the client has used the assistance program.

7. CURRENT copies of your utility bill, mortgage payment stub, lease, and rental agreement are required with your request. Failing to provide these may result in a delay or denial of your request.


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Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council                   425 Kingsley St. Lake Charles, LA 70601             337.439.5861                 www.SLAC.org