YouSpeak to a Shelter adviser
Contact a Shelter adviser online or by phone
Our expert advisers will:
- check if you qualify for emergency housing from the council
- look at other emergency options for you
- tell you about local services that may help further
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.
Go to the council
You can apply to the council for help. If you’re homeless and meet immigration and residence rules, 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.
Other emergency housing options
Find out about different emergency housing options if you’re homeless and on the streets. You can also find out how much hostels and other options will cost.
Get practical help
Find out about other practical help you can get while on the streets, including where to get the following:
- hot meals
- showers
- clothing
- advice
- support
- training Contact a Shelter adviser online or by phone