Emergency housing if you’re homeless: 16 to 25 year-olds

Nightstops: what you can expect

Nightstop provides free overnight accommodation in the home of a volunteer. You get a private room, a hot meal and access to washing and laundry facilities.

You can use the service for up to 3 weeks and may be housed with the same host or different hosts. 

Nightstop is for young people aged 16 to 25, who've become homeless suddenly and need a place to stay because, for example:

• you've been kicked out of your home
• you've fallen out with a family member and are unable to stay with them
• you're fleeing domestic abuse

Different nightstop schemes have different rules about who they'll accept.

For example, some will only accept applicants who don't have a history of violent or anti-social behaviour, a drug or alcohol problem or a health problem they can't support.

Find a Nightstop scheme near you on the Nightstop UK site

Foyers: what you can expect

Foyers provide housing for homeless young people 16 to 25 years old who want to gain skills and get ready to support themselves.

You can usually stay between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the project.

They offer semi-independent living. For example:

• you may get your own bedsit or flat and your own key, and you can stay for anywhere between 6 months and 2 years
• you'll need to pay rent and buy your own food
• you'll get help finding affordable housing when you're ready to leave

They are considered to be safe places and have rules about alcohol, drugs and visitors.

The workers at the foyer are based there 24 hours a day. They'll be able to support you in your training, help you find work and connect you to other services.

If you're over 18 you'll usually have to sign a tenancy agreement, which means they can evict you if you don't pay the rent, for example.

Find your nearest foyer on the Foyer Federation site

Still need help?

Contact a Shelter adviser online or by phone