Get a place to stay if you're homeless and on the streets
Find out about hostels, nightshelters and other emergency housing options if you're homeless and on the streets.
How to get into a hostel or nightshelter
You'll need a referral to get into many hostels and nightshelters (especially in London). This means an agency or council will need to contact the hostel on your behalf.
Some hostels and nightshelters will let you call them yourself or turn up in person. This is called self referral.
If you're offered a space in one of these 'direct access' hostels, you can usually move in straight away. Some hostels run a waiting list.
Search for a hostel
Look for hostels or nightshelters on the Homeless Link site and find out how you can be referred.
You can contact Streetlink if you're worried about someone who is on the streets.
Go to the council
You can apply to the council for help. If you're homeless and meet meet certain criteria, they must try to help you find somewhere to live. This could be a referral to a hostel.
The council will have to provide short term emergency housing if you also have a priority need.
Find out how to apply as homeless to your council
Other emergency options
Find out more about hostels and night shelters if you're homeless and on the streets.
Find out about other practical help you can get while on the streets
If you need more help
If you're struggling to get help with housing from the council, a Shelter adviser may be able to help you find out your rights and look into your options.
Last updated: 10 December 2019
