Voices from the Line - 2nd Week of February 2026

We regularly receive calls from individuals of retirement age who are working at least one job each to be able to make ends meet. Many of these households are one paycheck away from financial crisis.

This week’s highlighted call came from an elderly caller seeking utility assistance. The caller’s spouse had surgery last month, causing them to lose work while they recover. Without the second income, they are struggling to pay their bills. They are receiving assistance for their water bill but also need temporary assistance with their utility bill. The caller mentioned that they inherited a home from their mother, but it is currently not livable. They are trying to fix it up so they can move into the house and not have a rent payment. They also mentioned that their child who is fleeing a domestic violence situation is currently living with them as well. This caller has no previous history of calling 211 for assistance.

In this case, our caller was referred to two different programs for utility assistance as well as to a program that assists with home repairs.

Did you know that while utility companies are not obligated to offer utility assistance to low-income customers, many utility companies in our area offer services that include bill payment assistance, energy efficiency upgrades and weatherization services. If you know of someone who may qualify for assistance, tell them to call 232-Help (337-232-4357) or 211 to learn which programs they may qualify for.

Through their Rebuild Together program, Catholic Charities provides home repairs and renovations to homeowners who are unable to make necessary improvements to their homes due to financial hardship, age, or disability. Restrictions apply. Call 232-Help (211) to learn more.