Homelessness
If you are homeless, threatened with homelessness, or know someone who is click on the links on the left for more information and advice.
Referral Process
You can apply for accommodation yourself if you are homeless, directly at a project, by simply turning up. If there is a vacancy, you will be interviewed to determine if it is suitable for your needs.
You will be given a decision that same day. If we are unable to provide you with accommodation, we will contact our other projects to see if there are any vacancies. To save yourself a journey, it might be easier for you to ring the project first.
We do not keep a waiting list and consider applicants as they apply. Vacancies can occur at any time, sometimes unexpectedly, so you may need to contact us daily.
If you are unable to apply yourself, a member of your family, friend or an agency (e.g. Housing Department, Health Services, Probation, other Hostels, Drop-in Centres, etc.) can apply on your behalf provided that you have given them permission to do so.
You may be offered a place initially for up to 28 days. With your help we can assess your needs. An extension to your stay could be granted provided that you have housing related support needs, that you require 24 hour Hostel accommodation and that you are willing to work with staff to meet your needs.
If you do not meet these requirements, you will be expected to move on to more suitable accommodation and our staff will try to assist you with this.
Allocations Policy
If more than one person applies at the same time for a vacancy, we will assess the needs of an individual following the guidelines within our Allocations Policy. The person who we determine has the most need will be offered the vacancy.
Exceptional Circumstances
Upon request and with co-operation, Leicester City Council will accommodate clients from other County Authorities where there is a Housing Related Support Need, i.e. persons fleeing domestic violence, harassment, environmental needs etc.
What we do and what you can expect
An assessment is made to make sure that the right services are available to assist and provide support. Below are the services you can expect help in accessing.
HOUSING
- Setting up / Help finding suitable accommodation
- Help maintaining tenancies
- Help maintaining safety & security
- Help in gaining access to other services
HEALTH
- Emotional support, guidance and advice
- Advice & support on substance use issues
- Access to and registering with GP, Comminuty Pychiatrict Nurses and community practice nurses.
CULTURAL NEEDS
- Due to the high demand on our services, we will try where possible to accommodate requests around culture and religious needs, but may not be able to do so immediately.
- Sign posting to cultural specific counselling
- Referrals to cultural specific treatment services
- Access to local & community organisations
- Interpretation services
- Cultural & religious needs provided for in catering & non-catering hostels through menu's & cooking equipment
FINANCE
- Help applying for community care grants, housing benefit, budgeting & crisis loans.
- Advice on welfare benefits to maximising your income
- Advice on rent arrears and debt management
- Budgeting and shopping
MEANINGFUL OCCUPATIONS
- Advice on education / adult learning
- Advice on job prospects
- Access to voluntary work & services
- Training activities. E.g. Computing, IT, interview practise
- Arts and crafts
LIFE SKILLS
- Developing domestic & life skills. (E.g. cooking & cleaning)
- Behavioural management. (E.g. anger & anxiety workshops)
- Help in establishing social contacts and activities through sports, social trips, excursions and befriending programmes
- Help in establishing personal safety & security. (E.g. sharps disposal)
SAFETY IN HOSTELS
- 24 hour staffing
- Confidential services that are professional and non judgemental
- Risk assessment
- CCTV coverage
- Facilities for all abilities.
- A Health & Safety conscious environment
What we expect from you
Service users need to be prepared to work with staff and appropriate agencies to address any issues that may have an effect, or have previously had an effect, on accommodation and independent living.
All of these services can be accessed by your key worker or support staff in the individual hostels.
No appointment is necessary