Moving off the streets
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
Sleeping on the streets can be dangerous and should only be done as a last resort if there is no other option available. This section gives information about getting off the streets and into accommodation.
If you want to move off the streets you need to find out what services are available in your area. These could help you to get emergency, temporary or long-term accommodation. Use the Advice Services Directory to find an advice centre that can help you. If you want information about hostels and shelters that might be available in your area, use the accommodation search on Homeless UK's website.
What are the first steps?
In most cities and large towns, there are specialist agencies to help people sleeping on the streets. They may run day centres, outreach teams and resettlement services. What is available and how they can help will vary from area to area. Rural areas also have services, but they may be more limited.
Some services are for people who have been sleeping on the streets for a long time, rather than for people who have recently started sleeping on the streets.
Some agencies will not work with people from another area. If you are from another area, you may be encouraged to return to that area and receive help from the agencies there.
When you make contact with an outreach team or workers in a day centre, the staff may, in the first instance, try to help you find a place for that night in a hostel or night shelter.
Can I get into a hostel?
Some hostels are direct access. This means that you turn up at the door when they open to see if they have any vacancies. Other hostels ask for a referral from an agency, such as a day centre or an outreach team. There are not normally enough places for everyone who needs one.
You may need proof of benefits and a form of ID before you can stay. If you do not have either, the staff should be able to help you get them. But you might not be able to stay until you have them.
How much do hostels and night shelters charge?
Night shelters are usually free but in most hostels you will probably be charged for your stay. Housing benefit will cover most of the cost, but you will probably be asked to pay a small contribution for your meals. The staff should help you apply for housing benefit.
What if I have specific needs?
While staying at the hostel, staff may assess your particular situation to see if you have any specific needs. You may need medical care, counselling or help with claiming benefits.
In some areas, there are hostels for particular groups of people, including:
- young people
- older people
- people with mental health problems
- heavy drinkers.
The staff in these hostels will have specialist knowledge of the problems faced by each group. They may also work for, or know of, agencies that can provide help and move on accommodation.
What if I have pets?
Most hostels and night shelters do not accept pets. If you have a pet and you are trying to get into emergency accommodation, you will need to check to see if they accept pets.
How long can I stay?
The length of your stay will vary from hostel to hostel. Some hostels have a maximum stay of one month. Other hostels may let residents stay for six months or longer.
Night shelters are mostly short term, usually, for one, three or seven nights. Some night shelters have a limit on the number of nights you can stay there. For example, you might only be able to stay for three nights in any week.
Where can I move to afterwards?
Move on accommodation is for people who have left the streets while they find somewhere permanent or long term to live.
A worker will help you to draw up a plan to sort out your:
- health
- benefits
- work
- training
- housing.
It can take a long time to prepare to live in long term housing.
Move on accommodation and how to get it varies. It may be a self-contained flat within a hostel. Or it can be a self-contained flat away from the hostel. A support worker should visit regularly to see if you are having any problems managing the responsibility of your own home.
When you are ready to live independently, the staff may contact a council or housing association to help find accommodation. You might be able to apply to the council as homeless.
If the council can't help, the support worker may be able to help you move into private rented accommodation. Some homeless agencies can help pay for a deposit or rent in advance. They may have links with other agencies that can help in finding somewhere to live.
