Get housing help
Affordable housing programs for people and families across East Baton Rouge Parish. Start here — a real person can help you at any step.
What are my options?
There are two main housing programs you can apply for through EBRPHA — the Housing Choice Voucher program and public housing communities. Both are designed to make safe, affordable housing accessible to income-eligible individuals and families.
Rent in the private market
The Housing Choice Voucher program — sometimes called Section 8 — helps you rent a home from a private landlord. You choose where to live; EBRPHA pays part of your rent directly to the landlord. Your share is based on your income, so housing stays affordable as your circumstances change.
- Choose any landlord who accepts the voucher
- Pay roughly 30% of your income toward rent
- Voucher can move with you through portability
Live in an EBRPHA community
Public housing communities are properties owned and managed directly by EBRPHA. You apply for a unit in one of our communities and, if approved, pay an income-based rent. On-site managers and support services are available to help residents thrive.
- EBRPHA-owned and managed properties
- Income-based rent in your community
- On-site support and community managers
Need emergency housing?
EBRPHA waitlists may be closed. If you need housing right away, these resources can help connect you with immediate shelter and assistance in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Dial 211
Call or text 211 to reach the Louisiana 211 helpline — a free, confidential service connecting you to local health and human services, including emergency shelter, food assistance, and housing support.
Common questions
Quick answers about eligibility, programs, and what to expect.
Browse resourcesWith the Housing Choice Voucher, you rent from a private landlord of your choice and EBRPHA pays part of your rent. With public housing, you live in an EBRPHA-owned community and pay an income-based rent directly to EBRPHA. Both are affordable, but they serve different needs and have separate waitlists.
Eligibility is based on household income, family size, and citizenship or eligible immigration status. Most households earning at or below 50% of the area median income may qualify for the voucher program. Eligibility is confirmed during the application review.
Yes. You can apply for both the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist and public housing communities simultaneously. Each has its own application and waitlist — being on one does not affect the other.
After applying, you'll receive a confirmation and an application ID. If selected from the waitlist, you'll be invited to a briefing, complete eligibility paperwork, and then begin your housing search or move-in process depending on the program.
EBRPHA waitlists may not be open at all times. If you need immediate housing, call 211 or contact local organizations like Catholic Charities BR or the Capital Area United Way, who can connect you with emergency shelter and support services.
Documents, forms & more
Find applications, checklists, policy documents, and guides for every step of the housing process.