Homeless support services

England — rough sleeping

If you are sleeping rough right now, rough sleeping is defined as bedding down in open spaces — doorways, parks, bus shelters, tents, or any place not designed for human habitation. In England, if you present yourself to your local council as someone who is currently sleeping rough or who will be tonight, they must carry out an assessment and provide at least emergency interim accommodation while they investigate your case. This duty applies regardless of your immigration status, local connection, or past history with the council.

The two most important first steps if you are in this situation are alerting outreach workers and contacting your local authority directly.

Outreach alert

• StreetLink — 0300 500 0914; website, app, or phone; alerts street outreach teams about yourself or someone else sleeping rough
• GOV.UK — if you’re homeless now (rights, council duties, postcode tool for your housing authority)

Your legal rights as a rough sleeper in England — Under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, councils must take reasonable steps to prevent and relieve homelessness for all eligible applicants. If you are at risk within 56 days, they must create a personalised housing plan. If you are already homeless, they must help you find settled accommodation. You do not have to have a local connection to receive emergency help.

Advice & support organisations

Whether you are facing eviction, sofa-surfing, or have been sleeping rough for some time, these organisations can help you understand your options, challenge unfair decisions, and navigate the housing system. Their services are free and confidential.

• Shelter — national helpline 0808 800 4444 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, weekends 9am–5pm), webchat, and face-to-face advice
• Crisis — Skylight centres in England; learning, employment, housing, and health support

London-specific resources

London has a large concentration of rough sleeping and a wide network of specialist services. Beyond national charities, several organisations work specifically in the capital.

• Peabody Trust — housing association; social and supported housing and homelessness prevention
• Glass Door — night shelters across London (winter); year-round casework for benefits, housing, and support
• St Mungo’s — outreach, hostels, and long-term housing support; freephone advice line
• Atlas of London’s homelessness services — borough-level directory (London Homelessness Foundation)

Cold weather in London — During severe cold (often when temperatures drop below freezing for two or more nights), extra emergency beds may open through the pan-London Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). Check your local council’s website and the StreetLink app for activation notices in autumn and winter.

What happens when you contact your council

1. Initial triage — Contact the housing or homelessness team (in person or the out-of-hours emergency line). They assess whether you need emergency accommodation tonight.
2. Full homelessness assessment — A caseworker considers eligibility: homeless or threatened within 56 days, local connection, immigration status (for priority need), and support needs.
3. Personalised housing plan — If you qualify, the council must produce a written plan of steps for you and them to secure accommodation.
4. Emergency or temporary accommodation — If you are in priority need (e.g. families with children, pregnant women, vulnerability due to age, disability, or other reasons), temporary accommodation may be provided while your case is investigated.
5. Final decision — The council issues a formal decision. You can request a review if you disagree. If accepted as in priority need, you may join the housing register or receive help with private rented accommodation.

If the council refuses your application — You can request an internal review within 21 days of a negative decision. After that, you may appeal to the County Court on a point of law. Shelter and Citizens Advice can help you challenge decisions — contact them as soon as possible after a refusal.

No recourse to public funds (NRPF)

If you have no recourse to public funds, you may not be eligible for most council housing assistance or benefits, but you still have options. Some councils have specialist NRPF teams. Charities including St Mungo’s, Praxis, and the NRPF Network can advise. Where children are involved, councils may have duties under the Children Act 1989 regardless of immigration status.

If you are an EU national who arrived before 31 December 2020 and have not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, applying (including late applications where accepted) can significantly affect your eligibility for support.

• Praxis Community Projects — migrants and refugees, including NRPF; casework and legal advice
• NRPF Network — guidance and signposting for people with no recourse to public funds

If you are at risk of becoming homeless

The best time to seek help is before you lose your home. If you have a section 21 or section 8 notice, rent arrears, or notice from friends or family, contact your council’s housing team or Shelter immediately. You should be treated as threatened with homelessness and the council must take steps to prevent it.

Do not wait until eviction day — earlier contact usually means more options (landlord negotiation, discretionary housing payments, emergency grants).

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) — If you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and cannot cover rent, ask your council about a Discretionary Housing Payment. They are not guaranteed, but councils have a budget; Shelter can help with applications.