Baton Rouge Division of Human Development and Services (DHDS): Human Development and Services provides leadership, develops collaborative strategies, and maximizes resources to help children, individuals and families reach their highest level of economic security and stability improving their quality of life. DHDS programs include EmployBR, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP,) Community Service Block Grant (CSBG), Head Start, and more. 

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS): DCFS works to keep children safe, helping individuals and families become self-sufficient, and providing safe refuge during disasters. They believe in treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect while providing services with integrity. 

Workforce / Education 

• EmployBR is the City-Parish Workforce Development system that works to develop a sustainable labor force to meet the needs of industry and citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish. Job seekers can click here to learn more about the resources that are available. 

• Baton Rouge Community College offers a wide variety of workforce development training. You can learn more by clicking here. 

• The Baton Rouge Area Chamber has compiled a list of workforce training initiatives in our region. You can see that list here. 

• Head Start: DHDS operates 10 head start locations across the Parish. Parents who are eligible can apply here. 

• Louisiana Workforce Commissions operates many programs for workers including unemployment insurance. 

 Economic Stability 

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households with payments for home energy services. Assistance is available every six months and payments are made directly to the energy provider.  Proof of income, picture identification, and social security cards for all household members are required along with a bill or printout from the client's utility company. Assistance is contingent upon the availability of funding. 

• Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) may assist with utilities, rent/mortgage, and medication payments. To qualify for the program, clients must bring proof of income, picture identification, Social Security cards for all household members, and proof of residency. Assistance is contingent upon the availability of funds. 

• EBR Emergency Rental Assistance is available through the Office of Community Developmental.

• Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) - Provides cash assistance for eligible children who reside with qualified relatives other than parents.

• Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) - Provides temporary cash assistance to families in need.

• Strategies to Empower People Program (STEP) - The goal of the Strategies to Empower People (STEP) Program is to provide opportunities for work-eligible families of FITAP to receive job training, employment, and supportive services to enable them to become self-sufficient. STEP is the result of the Personal Responsibility and Universal Engagement Act of 2003 passed by the Louisiana Legislature.

Food Security 

• Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank operates food pantries and mobile distributions. 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Provides monthly benefits that help low-income households buy the food needed for good health.

• Woman Infant and Children (WIC): WIC is a supplemental nutrition program designed for woman, infants and children. WIC provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other social services to women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum. Infants and children up to their fifth birthday may also receive benefits. You can learn more and sign up here. 

You can learn more about additional social services located in East Baton Rouge Parish