Emergency accommodation
Follow these steps immediately if you have nowhere safe to sleep tonight.
The council duties described here apply in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own services.
Immediate danger?If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
Action plan
1
Call your local council
Your council must assess what homelessness help it owes you under the law. If you have nowhere safe tonight, contact its homelessness service now. Outside office hours, look for its emergency or out-of-hours housing contact.
Find your local council
Use the GOV.UK finder, then search their site for "housing emergency" or "out of hours".
Find your local council2
What to say
Tell them clearly that you are homeless, or about to be homeless, and that you need help tonight.
Read this script
"I am homeless and have nowhere safe to stay tonight. I am making a homelessness application and I need emergency accommodation."
Make sure to tell them if:
- You are pregnant or have children with you
- You have any physical or mental health conditions
- You are fleeing domestic abuse or violence
- You have been in care, prison, or the armed forces
3
If the council says no
Councils sometimes wrongly turn people away. Know your rights.
- Ask for a written decision. They must explain why they won't help.
- If you are refused, ask for the decision in writing and call Shelter straight away.
Call Shelter for advice
Free expert housing advice. Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Closed weekends and bank holidays.