Get help from the council

Letter template: Ask for help

Copy our sample text into an email to your council’s homelessness team.

[Use the subject heading: Homelessness application]

I am writing to make a homelessness application under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.

I want to speak to a homelessness officer urgently.

I need help because [the reason you are or will be homeless].

I am in priority need because [include any from this list that apply]:

  • I have dependent children who live with me

  • I am pregnant (or someone you live with is pregnant)

  • I am homeless because of domestic abuse

  • I am a care leaver aged under 21

  • I am vulnerable (e.g. because of old age, disability or mental illness)

  • I am homeless after (a flood, fire or other disaster)

I am applying for myself and for [names of anyone who lives with you].

Attach any evidence that you have. For example:

  • a copy of an eviction court order

  • your notice from your landlord or mortgage lender

  • a letter from a friend or family you’re staying with saying they’ve asked you to leave

Download

You can also send the letter as an email attachment or through the post:

How to contact your council's homeless team

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Last updated: 18 May 2022

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By sharing your story, you're helping spread the message of what we do so that we can help even more people.