1
Contact the homelessness team
Tell your council or housing authority clearly: “I am homeless and need to make a homelessness application.” Ask for the out-of-hours number if offices are closed.
Are you in immediate danger?
Call 999 if you are in immediate danger, seriously ill, injured, or unsafe. If you need urgent medical help but it is not a life-threatening emergency, use NHS 111.
If you have nowhere to stay tonight
Do not wait for a directory listing to confirm a bed. Accommodation must be arranged directly by the responsible council, housing authority, or support provider.
2
Explain what makes you vulnerable
Mention children, pregnancy, disability, illness, age, domestic abuse, violence, care history, prison release, or any other reason you may be at greater risk.
3
Ask for the decision in writing
If help is refused, ask for a written decision and contact a housing adviser promptly. Advice services can explain review and appeal options.
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Support routes
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Apply to your local council
Your council must help if you are legally homeless or likely to become homeless within 8 weeks. Use GOV.UK to find the correct council.
Shelter emergency advice
Free housing advice if you are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight, face harm at home, or may lose your home within 2 months.
Scottish council homelessness help
Scottish councils have duties to provide advice, assistance and temporary accommodation to homeless households and people at risk.
Welsh local authority help
Local authorities must help people who are homeless or could lose their home. Contact the housing options or homelessness team.
Housing Executive homelessness help
Contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive if you are homeless or at risk. An out-of-hours emergency number is available.
StreetLink
Connect someone sleeping rough with local outreach services. StreetLink is not an emergency service and does not directly provide accommodation.
Centrepoint Helpline
Housing advice for young people aged 16 to 25 in England who are homeless or worried about becoming homeless.
Op FORTITUDE
A national referral route for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, linking them with supported housing and specialist help.
Nacro housing support
Housing and resettlement services for people leaving prison and others facing homelessness. Ask prison or probation staff for a housing referral before release.
Safe housing after abuse
If home is unsafe because of abuse, use the specialist domestic abuse support page for refuge, helplines, legal help and safer browsing guidance.
Find a Trussell food bank
Find local food banks and check how referrals work. Many food banks require a voucher from an advice agency or local partner.
Turn2us Benefits Calculator
Check benefits and grants that may help with rent, deposits, essentials or financial crisis. Results are estimates, so confirm entitlement before relying on them.
Citizens Advice
Get independent guidance on eviction, rent arrears, benefits, debt, deposits and problems with landlords. Advice routes vary by UK nation.
Check legal aid
You may qualify for legal aid for homelessness, eviction or serious housing problems. Check eligibility and find a legal adviser.
NHS help without a fixed address
You can register with a GP without proof of address, identification or immigration status. Ask NHS 111 for urgent advice when it is not an emergency.
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