Being without a home is hard and upsetting but remember, you’re not alone. Many services are there to help you get back on your feet again by giving you safe accommodation. This guide outlines the steps that should be taken when applying for housing as a person who lacks shelter so that aid may be easily found wherever it is needed.

Know What You Are Entitled To
Before you seek housing support, find out what rights you have as someone who doesn’t have a fixed abode.

Councils in England have legal duties towards people living in homelessness or threatened with homelessness

Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 – this law makes it mandatory to prevent homelessness among residents while also assisting those already without homes.
Priority Need Status – some groups will take precedence over others when allocating houses.
For example families with dependent children, expectant mothers (including those expecting multiples) and individuals considered vulnerable may receive priority consideration during allocation processes.

Get in Touch With Your Local Authority
It might be useful to approach the nearest council offices for advice, signposting or even direct assistance if needed.
Finding Out About Your Local Authority
The government website provides details of all UK council contacts
Emergency Aid
These offices can be visited in person where there is immediate need or alternatively phone calls can be made explaining exactly what has happened.

Give Them the Right Information
When making applications for residential support, applicants should accurately describe their situation:

Personal Identity Details: give full names plus dates of birth and reliable contact numbers where one can easily be reached if necessary.
Residence Record – explain current living arrangements and how these led into homelessness.
Documentary Support – collecting identification papers; income verification receipts; eviction notices; medical records etc., greatly helps during application process for housing support by backing up claims.

Assessment Process
Local authorities usually carry out assessments to determine the level of eligibility for assistance with dwelling related issues

Initial Appraisal – a housing officer will look at individual circumstances to see if they fit within the homelessness or threatened with becoming homeless definitions.
Personalized Housing Plan (PHP) – if successful, council officers and applicant shall agree on various steps required in securing accommodation plus other services deemed necessary.

Temporary Shelter
Where an assessment team categorizes a person as having high priority needs, then temporary homes should be provided while search for more permanent solutions continues.

Immediate Sanctuaries: For short-term housing, hostels and bed & breakfasts etcetera (whether they run privately or by the local authority) are used.
Length of stay at these facilities: People can live in these places for a while longer or shorter than others depending on individual circumstances vis-a-vis the number of affordable rental units within communities that could be available to them.
Long Term Housing Choices: It may also be possible to obtain additional help from the council to find a permanent home near where you live.

Applying for Social Housing: Applying for houses, flats or estates etc. owned by the council
Private Renting Opportunities: There are private rented properties available that can be secured with assistance such as advance rent payments or deposit guarantees from relevant agencies working closely with local authority departments responsible for these matters
Supported Accommodation: Specialised living arrangements designed for vulnerable groups who require more support than is provided by standard lettings, such as people with mental health problems or physical disabilities.

Financial Assistance:
There are various financial packages which might help meet housing costs and other essential needs.
Allowance/Universal Credit for Housing: You may be able to claim benefits like this which will pay your rent along with other necessary living expenses.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP): If you can’t afford to pay your rent, you may be awarded extra money towards it by the local council.
Local Welfare Assistance: Some councils give cash grants when you’re in crisis and need help covering things like food, clothing or utility bills.

Access Support Services: In addition to support around accommodation itself; there are many different types of service that can help people with their overall well-being.
Healthcare Services: You can get healthcare through NHS – including mental health services and addiction support.
Jobcentre Plus/Employment Agency: Get help finding a job.
Legal Housing/Advice: Shelter or Citizens Advice provide housing-related legal guidance.

Advocacy and Support Organisations
There are many organisations that work with homeless people and can offer further assistance.

Shelter: Provides support, advocacy and advice for homeless individuals.
Crisis: Offers a range of services aimed at ending homelessness including housing, education and employment support
Local Charities: Many charities operate locally providing food, clothing, shelter and other essential services for people in crisis

Keep In Touch and Keep Up to Date
Once you have applied for support and received some initial help, it is important that you stay in touch with your housing officer or key worker at the local authority or support organisation(s) involved in your care or accommodation package.

• Regular Updates: Let the Housing Officer know about any changes in your situation so that they can review what type/amounts of support may be necessary at different times before during after supported housing placements etc..
• Stay Involved: Take active part in each activity step outlined within Your Personal Housing Plan (PHP) not just to raise but also demonstrate commitment towards securing longer term housing solutions by seeing them through to the end.

It can be difficult to apply for housing when you are homeless, but the process can become easier if you are aware of what steps to take and what resources are available to you. Therefore, make an effort to know your entitlements; contact your local authority; give them all relevant information about why they should help with housing; apply for financial support from different places such as DHP or JSA, then utilize those facilities – e.g., NHS healthcare – and pretty soon you might end up with a roof over your head. Remember that there’s no reason why one should go through this alone because many charities deal specifically with people in similar situations so get in touch today!