Hostels and Refuges

In most towns and cities there are hostels, crash pads or night shelters that are intended as a 'stop gap' for homeless people for a short period of time. Some you need to be referred to (by the Council's housing department or by Social Services, for example), but others are 'direct access' (meaning you can go there without having to go to any other agency first).

Hostels are usually run by the Council, a Housing Association or a charity. Many have low level support services that will help you get back on your feet and find something permanent.