Where to get help
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
There are a number of organisations that help people sleeping on the streets. They have specialist knowledge of the problems you may have and the services available. Some organisations have staff to help people with drug, alcohol or mental health problems.
The services for people sleeping on the streets are based mainly in cities and large towns. Rural areas also have services, but they may be more limited. Use the Advice Services Directory to find an agency that can tell you what is available in your area, which might include:
Day centres
Day centres are places that people sleeping on the streets can go to during the day. People who have left the streets can also use them for activities and companionship even if they are living in their own homes.
The services provided by each day centre vary, as do their opening times. Most do not open at weekends or in the evening. Generally, day centres provide:
- cheap or free food
- laundry room
- washing facilities
- activities
- advice on finding accommodation and benefits
- access to medical treatment.
Soup runs
In some areas, agencies distribute free food and drinks to people sleeping on the streets. They usually visit certain areas at specific times of the evening and/or early morning.
Outreach teams
Not all areas have outreach teams. In some areas, they are known as Contact and Assessment Teams (CATs). Some areas have outreach teams attached to day centres. They work on the street. They advise people how to find accommodation and may help them to get it. They can also help with claiming benefits.
Hostels and nightshelters
Hostels and nightshelters provide housing for people sleeping on the streets.
Hostel accommodation can be:
- temporary (on a daily basis or for one to six months)
- permanent
- supported (for people who are ready to move on to their own home)
- high-care (for people with medical needs).
Some hostels will accept people who turn up at the door. Other hostels need a referral from an agency. This could be a day centre or an outreach team. Vacancies fill quickly and once the hostel is full, people are turned away.
Accommodation varies from hostel to hostel. Residents might have their own room, they might share a room or they may sleep in dormitories. Some hostels are for certain groups of people, for example, young people, older people and people with mental health problems.
Generally, hostels provide:
- meals or cooking facilities
- laundry room
- washing facilities
- games/TV room(s).
You have to pay to stay, but the staff will help you apply for benefits.
Night shelters are usually free. They are generally for short stays, usually a few days. People normally have to leave in the morning and can't return until the evening. If you want information about hostels and shelters that might be available in your area, use the accommodation search on Homeless UK's website.
Resettlement teams
Some hostels may have a resettlement worker or team. They can help to find longer term housing. They may also help people to find work or a training scheme.
