A number of different personal and social factors can contribute towards people becoming homeless. These may include: debts, mortgage or rent arrears, eviction, unemployment, breakdown in family relationships and disputes, domestic violence and abuse, poor physical and mental health, coming out of care or prison, drugs or alcohol problems etc. If you contact the MWN Helpline we will signpost you to the most appropriate service according to your situation. For example, we could help find the contact numbers for your local council or if appropriate help to find you a refuge. However, you may find the information below useful.
Emergency Housing from your Local Council Your council has a duty to provide accommodation to those considered in priority need such as vulnerable people. Examples of people considered vulnerable are: victims of abuse who have had to leave their home due to threats and abuse, pregnant women, families with dependent children, the elderly, have a disability or have a mental illness. You should contact your local council's housing department. All councils should have a 24 hour telephone service for people in emergency situations.
Refuges Women who become homeless because of abuse, violence or threats may be able to get a place in a refuge. To find out about a refuge space, you can contact the Muslim Women's Network Helpline who can help to find a refuge space. Alternatively, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is operated by the charity, Refuge, on 0808 2000 247. Shelter's Free Housing Advice Helpline (0808 800 4444) The helpline provides advice and information for people with a housing problem or who are homeless. Issues dealt with include housing rights, harassment, illegal eviction, rent and mortgage arrears, disrepair, housing benefit, domestic violence, hostel placements and finding accommodation.
Night Schemes for 16 to 25 year olds (www.depaulnightstopuk.org) If you're aged 16 to 25 and homeless, a 'Nightstop' scheme in your area may be able to arrange temporary emergency accommodation with someone with a spare room in their home. This scheme is run by DePaul UK. The scheme provides safe emergency accommodation for homeless young people aged 16-25 in the homes of approved volunteer hosts. Each volunteer provides a private bedroom, an evening meal, breakfast and washing facilities and toiletries. This can be for one night a week, for days at a time, for up to six weeks.
Housing Associations Housing associations are not-for-profit organisations that provide permanent, rented accommodation. They provide accommodation for people on low incomes who cannot afford to buy or rent privately, including those who are homeless or living in poor conditions. To get housing association accommodation you usually have to register on a waiting list and allocations are usually made according to the level of housing need. Most homes are rented to people nominated by local councils.
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MWN Helpline is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided and listing any organisation does not imply its endorsement.
As part of Shelter Scotland's work to tackle homelessness, we run many different projects across Scotland. These projects are developed to address local needs, but also to demonstrate solutions for others to implement. Search for service here.
A number of different personal and social factors can contribute towards people becoming homeless. These may include: debts, mortgage or rent arrears, eviction, unemployment, breakdown in family relationships and disputes, domestic violence and abuse, poor physical and mental health, coming out of care or prison, drugs or alcohol problems etc. If you contact the MWN Helpline we will signpost you to the most appropriate service according to your situation. For example, we could help find the contact numbers for your local council or if appropriate help to find you a refuge. However, you may find the information below useful.
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