Close to eviction in Baton Rouge, LA

(Request from Robin in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) How do I get help I’m close to eviction rent is over due and I need help coming up with the money I could cover the late fees if I could only get $700 I’m a single parent and this month has just been hard for me and I’m begging because I have no where else to go.

Dear Robin,

You are indeed in a tough spot if you are behind on your rent. Fortunately there are organizations as well as lenders that can help you avoid eviction in Baton Rouge, LA.

We did a feature about rental assistance programs in Baton Rouge in 2012 that might be helpful for you. It featured assistance that is provided by the Salvation Army. This can be an especially generous benefit for families that have experienced extreme hardship.

An example could be a traumatic event, such as a fire or family emergency. The Salvation Army tends to focus more on short-term immediate financial emergencies, so it could be a viable option if you are evicted and have no place to go.

We also featured Catholic Charities as another organization located in the Greater Baton Rouge area that could provide additional assistance. The Diocese of Baton Rouge has a number of chapters that serve local geographic areas. Tangipahoa Parish is one such chapter of the Diocese of Baton Rouge that we have featured in the past.

Loan options may be available for you, but should only be taken if you are employed and anticipate that you can repay the loans within just a few months. There are some pitfalls to look out for.

For example, a look into Allied Cash Advance revealed a less than transparent disclosure of average loan rates on its website. However, according to the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED), Louisiana lacks the types of consumer protections that limits loan fees charged by payday lenders.

CFED’s 2013 Predatory Lending Scorecard cited average loan rates of 574% for payday loans, and 81% APR for installment loans in Louisiana. Loans at these prices are unaffordable for any family.

A much cheaper option is a personal loan through Neighbors Federal Credit Union. Residents or employees in the Greater Baton Rouge area may qualify for membership, giving them access to the equivalent of unsecured rental loans start as low as around 9% APR.

If you are employed, then a loan can be a feasible option, assuming that you stay away from predatory lenders charging usurious loan rates. For a more serious financial crisis, you may qualify for some of the rental assistance programs that are available to Baton Rouge residents.