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Community Resources

⚖️ Law & Rights
🤝 Social & Culture
🏠 Housing
💼 Employment
💰 Finance
❤️ Health
🚗 Transportation
👨‍👩‍👧 Family
📚 Education
🌳 Community
🛠️ Life Skills
🛒 Shopping Tips

⚖️

The Law & Your Rights

📞 Calling 911
Use only for real emergencies — danger, crime, or medical crisis.
⚠️ False calls can be a crime
🍺 Alcohol & Drugs
Illegal possession or use can lead to arrest. Know the law.
⚠️ Can lead to arrest
🚗 Drinking & Driving (DUI/DWI)
A serious crime in Louisiana. Never drive after drinking.
⚠️ License suspension, fines, jail
🛡️ Know Your Rights
You have the right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer, and protection from unlawful search.
🚫 Sexual Harassment & Assault
Unwanted sexual comments, behavior, or any non-consensual act is illegal.
⚠️ Civil and criminal consequences; serious felony
🏠 Domestic Violence
Abuse within a household — physical, emotional, or financial — is illegal and you can get help.
⚠️ Criminal penalties; help is available
🚷 Stealing & Trespassing
Taking property or entering property without permission are crimes.
⚠️ Criminal charges
⚖️ Discrimination
Illegal when based on race, gender, religion, etc. in jobs, housing, and public services.

🤝

Social & Culture Tips

👋 Greetings
Say hello, shake hands, and use polite words. Shows respect.
🧼 Cleanliness
Maintain personal hygiene and clean shared spaces. Seen as respectful.
⏰ Punctuality
Be on time. Late arrival is seen as disrespectful in U.S. culture.
🗣️ Personal Space & Volume
Respect personal distance and speak at a moderate volume in public.
✅ Consent
Yes means yes and no means no. Ignoring consent can be illegal.
💬 Small Talk
Simple conversations about weather, sports, or family help build friendships.
🌈 Inclusive Language
Use respectful terms for all people. Offensive language can hurt others.
⛪ Religion & Gender Equality
Freedom of religion is a protected right. Men and women have equal rights under U.S. law.
🍽️ Tipping
Tip 15–20% at restaurants, and for taxis and other services. Expected in the U.S.
🧒 Punishing Children
Physical punishment laws vary by state. Child abuse is illegal and taken very seriously.
🐶 Dogs & Pets
Follow pet leash laws and always clean up after your pet. Fines possible.
📋 Life Events
Birth, marriage, and death require official legal documentation.

🛒

Shopping Tips

📏 Measurement Conversions
The U.S. uses inches, pounds, and Fahrenheit. Ask store staff for help or use a conversion app.
📅 Expiration Dates
Always check “Best By” or “Use By” dates on food. Never eat expired products.
🏷️ Store Cards & Coupons
Sign up for free loyalty cards at grocery stores to save money on every purchase.
♻️ Garage Sales & Thrift Stores
Goodwill, Salvation Army, and garage sales have quality items at very low prices.
↩️ Returns & Rebates
Keep your receipt. Returns usually require the original receipt and may have a time limit.

🌳

Community Resources

Statewide
Public Libraries
Free books, internet access, programs, and community resources — no cost to use
Statewide
Volunteers of America – Southeast Louisiana
📍4152 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119
Affordable housing, supportive services, homelessness
🌐 voasela.org
📞 (504) 482-2130
National
Louisiana Department of Transportation
Carpooling, HOV lane guidance, transit information
🌐 dotd.la.gov

🏠

Housing

Finding Housing & Rental Assistance
Statewide
Louisiana Housing Corporation
📍2415 Quail Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Rental assistance, Section 8, first-time homebuyer help, landlord listings
🌐 lhc.la.gov
📞 (225) 763-8700
Statewide
Catholic Charities – Baton Rouge
📍1900 S Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge
Emergency housing, refugee support, case management, rent assistance
🌐 ccdiobr.org
📞 (225) 336-8700
New Orleans
Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO)
📍4100 Touro St, New Orleans, LA 70122
Public housing, Section 8 vouchers
🌐 hano.org
📞 (504) 670-3300
Baton Rouge
East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority
📍4546 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Housing vouchers, low-income housing
🌐 ebrpha.org
📞 (225) 923-8100
Lafayette
Lafayette Housing Authority
📍115 Kattie Dr, Lafayette, LA 70501
Rental housing, vouchers
📞 (337) 233-5045
Shreveport
Northwest Louisiana Housing Corporation
📍401 Edwards St, Shreveport, LA 71101
Affordable housing development and support
🌐 nwlhc.org
📞 (318) 221-0589
Statewide
Habitat for Humanity Louisiana
Long-term affordable housing and home repair programs
🌐 habitat.org
Statewide
Salvation Army Louisiana
Emergency shelter, housing transition, household items
🌐 salvationarmyusa.org
Tenant Rights, Lease Help & Problem Resolution
Statewide
Acadiana Legal Service Corporation
📍1020 Surrey St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Lease help, evictions, landlord disputes, tenant rights
🌐 la-law.org
📞 (337) 237-4320
New Orleans
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
📍1010 Common St #1400, New Orleans
Tenant rights, unsafe housing, eviction defense, lease review
🌐 slls.org
📞 (504) 529-1000
Statewide
Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center
📍404 S Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans
Discrimination, unfair repairs, unfair lease terms
🌐 lafairhousing.org
📞 (504) 596-2100
New Orleans
Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative
📍2533 Columbus St, New Orleans
Tenant advocacy, unfair landlords, lease explanation in simple language
📞 (504) 304-5747

💼

Employment

Finding Jobs & Job Training
Statewide
Louisiana Workforce Commission
Job search, resume help, interview coaching, unemployment benefits, minimum wage guidance
🌐 louisianaworks.net
📞 (225) 342-3111
Statewide
Louisiana Works Career Centers
In-person job search, resume and cover letter assistance — multiple locations
🌐 laworks.net
📞 (866) 783-5567
Statewide
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana
Job placement, training, resume building, mock interviews
🌐 goodwillno.org
New Orleans
Urban League of Louisiana
Workforce development, professional behavior training, job readiness
📞 (504) 620-9647
New Orleans
Delgado Community College
📍615 City Park Ave, New Orleans
Job training, ESL programs
📞 (504) 671-5000
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Community College
📍201 Community College Dr, Baton Rouge
Career programs and workforce training
📞 (225) 216-8000
Worker Rights & Wage Issues
National
U.S. Department of Labor
Wage laws, overtime rights, paycheck issues, worker protections, unpaid wages
🌐 dol.gov
📞 (866) 487-9243
National
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Workplace discrimination complaints and worker protections
🌐 eeoc.gov
📞 (800) 669-4000
Online Job Search Platforms
Indeed
Search millions of jobs by location and type
🌐 indeed.com
LinkedIn
Professional networking and job search
🌐 linkedin.com
Snagajob
Entry-level and hourly job listings
🌐 snagajob.com

💰

Finance & Money

Taxes
National / Louisiana
IRS VITA / TCE – Free Tax Preparation
Free tax prep for eligible filers, limited-English speakers, older adults, people with disabilities
🌐 irs.gov
Louisiana
United Way VITA – Louisiana
Free community tax help during tax season
🌐 unitedwaysela.org
Statewide
IRS Free File
Free federal online tax filing for eligible taxpayers
🌐 irs.gov/freefile
Statewide
Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP)
File and pay Louisiana taxes, check refund status, manage payment plans
🌐 latap.revenue.louisiana.gov
Banking, Budgeting & Credit
National
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Budgeting basics, bank accounts, credit cards, emergency funds, money tools
🌐 consumerfinance.gov
National
FDIC – GetBanked & Money Smart
Why bank accounts matter, checking/savings basics, fake-check scam prevention, free financial education
🌐 fdic.gov
National
AnnualCreditReport.com
Get your free credit reports safely. Everyone is entitled to a free annual report.
🌐 annualcreditreport.com
National
IdentityTheft.gov
Official federal site to report and recover from identity theft
🌐 identitytheft.gov
Insurance & Utilities
Statewide
Louisiana Department of Insurance
📍1702 N 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Insurance consumer help, claims guidance, file complaints
🌐 ldi.la.gov
📞 1-800-259-5300
Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana
Electricity setup, bill help, payment assistance
🌐 entergy.com
📞 (800) 368-3749
Louisiana
Atmos Energy
Gas service setup and bill assistance
🌐 atmosenergy.com
📞 (888) 286-6700
Statewide
Louisiana Housing Corporation – Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Utility bill help and crisis assistance for low-income households
🌐 lhc.la.gov
📞 (225) 763-8700

❤️

Health & Medical

Statewide
Louisiana Department of Health
Hospital guidance, family planning clinics, disease prevention, health hazards
🌐 ldh.la.gov
📞 (225) 342-9500
Louisiana
Ochsner Health – Urgent Care
Urgent care clinics for non-emergency treatment — multiple locations
🌐 ochsner.org
📞 (866) 624-7637
National
Healthcare.gov
Understanding health insurance and coverage options
🌐 healthcare.gov
National
SAMHSA – Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Mental health, counseling, depression support, alcoholism help and treatment
🌐 samhsa.gov
📞 (800) 662-4357
National
CDC – Centers for Disease Control
Vaccinations, check-ups, disease prevention, hygiene, child health, exercise
🌐 cdc.gov
Statewide
WIC Program
Nutrition support for pregnant women, infants, and children
🌐 fns.usda.gov/wic
📞 (800) 251-2229
National
American Red Cross
First aid training and emergency response
🌐 redcross.org
📞 (800) 733-2767
National
USDA MyPlate – Nutrition
Healthy eating guidelines and nutrition resources
🌐 myplate.gov

🚗

Transportation

Statewide
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)
Driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, driving rules, honking laws, car purchase/titling
🌐 expresslane.org
📞 (225) 925-6146
Statewide
Louisiana Department of Insurance – Car Insurance
Required car insurance information and coverage guidance
🌐 ldi.la.gov
📞 (800) 259-5300
Statewide
Louisiana Highway Safety Commission
Child passenger safety laws and car seat requirements
🌐 lahighwaysafety.org
📞 (225) 925-6991
Statewide
ACLU Louisiana – Police Stops
Know your rights when stopped by police
🌐 laaclu.org

👨‍👩‍👧

Family

National
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Parenting guidance and child welfare information
🌐 childwelfare.gov
National
Safe Kids Worldwide
Child injury prevention and safety tips
🌐 safekids.org
National
Planned Parenthood
Family planning, reproductive health services
🌐 plannedparenthood.org
National
March of Dimes
Pregnancy health information and baby care resources
🌐 marchofdimes.org

📚

Education

Statewide
Louisiana Department of Education
K-12 school system structure, school finder, report cards
🌐 louisianabelieves.com
📞 (877) 453-2721
National
Colorín Colorado – ESL Resources
Resources for English language learners (ESL) and their families
🌐 colorincolorado.org
National
GreatSchools
Search schools and view ratings and performance data
🌐 greatschools.org
National
National PTA
Parent-teacher conferences, parent organizations, school communication
🌐 pta.org
Statewide
Louisiana Board of Regents
College, university, and vocational school pathways in Louisiana
🌐 regents.la.gov
📞 (225) 342-4253

🛠️

Life Skills

National
USA Learns – Learn English Free
Free online English language learning for adults
🌐 usalearns.org
National
USPS – Post Office
Mailing services, stamps, packages, address changes
🌐 usps.com
📞 (800) 275-8777
National
National Do Not Call Registry
Stop unwanted telemarketing calls
🌐 donotcall.gov
📞 (888) 382-1222
National
FTC – Online Safety & Scams
Internet safety, avoiding scams, protecting your privacy online
🌐 consumer.ftc.gov
National
Ready.gov – Document Storage
How to safely store important documents like passports and IDs
🌐 ready.gov

📞

Need help finding resources?

Dial 211 anytime to be connected to local housing, food, health, and emergency services in Louisiana — free and confidential.

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