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Homeless or About to Be? Helplines and Emergency Help in the UK

Where to get help quickly if you have nowhere to stay.

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DSS Housing & Benefit-Friendly Rentals
Homeless or About to Be? Helplines and Emergency Help in the UK DSS Housing & Benefit-Friendly Rentals

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Housing · Emergency help

Need help with homelessness?

Councilout-of-hours line
Shelterfree advice
StreetLinkrough sleeping
999if in danger
In short: If you're homeless tonight, contact your local council's housing team; every council has an out-of-hours emergency number. Shelter offers free expert housing advice by phone and online. If you see someone sleeping rough, use StreetLink to connect them with local outreach services. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999. Councils have legal duties to help people who are homeless or at risk within 56 days.
Your council

Homelessness assessment, emergency accommodation if you may be in priority need.

Out of hours

Councils have emergency numbers for nights and weekends.

Shelter

Free helpline and online advice on housing rights.

StreetLink

Alert outreach teams about someone sleeping rough.

Domestic abuse

National helplines and councils can help urgently.

Young people

16 and 17-year-olds should be supported by children's services.

If you're at risk of losing your home

1
Act earlyContact the council as soon as you get notice.
2
Get adviceShelter or Citizens Advice.
3
Keep documentsNotices, ID and income proof.
4
Explore optionsStaying, negotiating or finding a new home.

Need a new home?

  • We welcome tenants receiving benefits
  • Work with council schemes
  • Clear move-in costs

Frequently asked questions

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Is there a 24-hour homeless helpline?

Councils have out-of-hours emergency lines. Shelter's helpline has set opening hours.

What must the council do?

Assess you and help prevent or relieve homelessness; provide emergency accommodation if you may be in priority need.

How do I help a rough sleeper?

Use StreetLink, and call 999 if they are in danger.

Looking for a private rental?

Register and tell us about your situation.

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Related guides

HomelessnessEviction and council housingSupportHelp to rent in LondonHousingCouncil homes available now
RentalContact us
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