Emergency housing if you’re homeless: night shelters
Coronavirus update: Many night shelters remain closed because of coronavirus. This includes some cold weather shelters that would normally open in winter.
Contact your council if you're homeless with nowhere to stay.
What is a night shelter?
Night shelters offer a very basic place to stay for anyone who would otherwise be on the streets. You usually have to share the sleeping space with others.
Most night shelters are free. Many provide an evening meal or breakfast at no cost or for a small charge.
You have to arrive by a set time in the evening and leave in the morning.
Night shelter staff or volunteers may be able to give advice on finding somewhere to live and other practical support.
Night shelters during coronavirus
All communal night shelters including winter shelters were closed in March because of coronavirus.
Councils can now decide if night shelters should reopen in their local area. Some may not reopen if there are safer options available.
How to get into a night shelter during coronavirus
Contact your council if you're homeless with nowhere to stay.
Ask about emergency options. Tell them if you're on the streets or sleeping rough.
The council might have special arrangements in place if, for example:
- the weather is very cold
- there are national or local lockdown restrictions in place
You should contact Streetlink if the council don't help or you can't get in touch with them. Streetlink may be able to connect you with local outreach teams.
Health questions
The council or outreach team will ask you some health questions.
You won't be able to stay in a night shelter if:
- you have coronavirus symptoms
- you've had contact with someone with coronavirus within the last 2 weeks
- you're at higher risk because of underlying health conditions
The council or outreach team should find you an individual room with individual washing facilities so you can self isolate. For example, a hostel, hotel or B&B.
Check who's at higher risk from coronavirus on the NHS website.
If you have underlying health conditions, you may be in priority need which could mean the council should also help you with longer term housing.
If you can't get council help because of immigration conditions
You may still be able to stay in a night shelter if there is one in your area. This doesn't count as 'recourse to public funds'.
The No Accommodation Network has a list of homeless charities who were providing night shelters before the coronavirus outbreak.
Check their websites for updates on night shelters and other help.
Still need help?
Last updated - 30 October 2020
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