Facing Homelessness

Help if you are facing homelessness

If you or someone you know is homeless, use this page as a starting point to find the support you need.

 

This information applies to England only.

There is no single service or piece of advice that can help everyone who experiences homelessness. The support available to you will depend on a number of factors, including your personal circumstances, whether you have children, where you are from and whether you need any additional help beyond finding a home.

This page doesn’t have all the answers, but it should give you some pointers towards the help that will help you get back on your feet.

Local services

Search Homeless England, our online directory of thousands of homelessness services across England, including accommodation, day centres and support services.

Please note that you cannot refer yourself to most hostels and other accommodation services. You will usually need to get a referral from your local council Housing Options service. Use the search facility on Homeless England to find their contact details.

Advice lines and online help

Shelter

The Shelter website offers a wealth of information about your rights and the support you can expect, depending on your personal circumstances. They also run a freephone housing advice helpline – 0808 800 4444.

Citizen’s Advice

Citizen’s Advice offers practical, impartial information online – at adviceguide.org.uk – over the phone and face to face in their local advice centres.

Samaritans

Samaritans are available to listen to you 24 / 7 on 116 123.