Providing emergency accommodation

Preventing rough sleeping through effective emergency solutions

One in four areas in England has no emergency accommodation for single homeless people. However, every area needs to put in place a response to emergency housing need to prevent those at risk of homelessness from having to sleep rough. Homeless Link carried out research into responses to emergency housing need which you can read about in our  Emergency Housing Need Report.

Case Studies: Putting a response in place

We have produced some case studies which highlight examples of where local authorities and third sector agencies have implemented alternative responses to emergency accommodation.  Download the case studies below. Thank you to all the agencies who shared their experiences with us.

Do you have an example of emergency housing need in your area? Share your own practice so we can highlight this on our website.

Alternative types of emergency provision:

Our research found that 57% of areas with no direct access hostel had some form of other emergency provision. These case studies highlight some alternatives:

• Nottingham Nightstop: temporary accommodation for young people across Nottingham
• Hope Worldwide Two Step Programme: Nightstop accommodation for single homeless people
• CARIS Islingston Cold Weather Shelter: local church networks providing emergency accommodation

Cross Boundary Arrangements:

For areas with low levels of rough sleepers and limited resources, addressing emeregncy housing need on a wider context  can offer a more co-ordinated and efficient response.

• Porchlight: taking a county-wide approach to prevention in Kent
• Herts Young Homeless Group: supporting young people into accommodation across Hertfordshire
• Framework Elizabeth House: a jointly commissioned hostel for three authorities in Nottinghamshire

Quick Access into the Private Rented Sector:

• Pendle Bond Guarantee Scheme: a PRS response in an area of low demand
• Derbyshire Housing Aid SmartShare Scheme: supporting access to PRS schemes, particularly in rural areas

Local Authority perspective:

• County Durham Homelessness Action Partnership (HAP): a cross sector partnership approach to emergency housing need
• Calderdale Council: working effectively with neighbouring authoroties