ABOUT HOMELESSNESS

​You don’t need to be sleeping on the streets to be considered homeless: in fact most people who are classed as homeless aren’t on the streets. But they all share the common factor of having no place where they have a right to stay, or that is reasonable for them to continue living in.  ​

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Are you homeless?

You may be:

• about to be evicted
• ‘sofa-surfing’ or staying with friends or family temporarily
• in other temporary accommodation, including a hostel
• at risk of violence
• unable to afford your current accommodation and pay for food, heating etc.
• unable to stay living with your family or partner because the accommodation is unsuitable. 

Where to get help

Your first step may be to approach your local council. They will offer advice and assistance depending on your circumstances. To help them assess these quickly, take as much evidence as you can. This might include:

• I.D. for everyone in your household (e.g. birth certificate/passport)
• Proof of any benefits you are on
• Proof of child benefit and/or or proof of pregnancy if applicable
• A copy of your tenancy agreement
• Eviction notice served by your landlord
• Court possession papers
• A letter from anyone who has asked you to move out 

If your household includes children or other vulnerable people, you are likely to be considered a priority need and the council may agree they have a duty to accommodate you. The council will need to satisfy themselves that you did not become homeless intentionally.

If you are single and homeless you may be able to use local advice or drop-in services. In Plymouth, you can also get advice on your housing situation at our HISS Drop-in sessions (see below for info). 

Your housing officer at the council may refer you to one of our services (for example the Renting Support Service) for help with your situation. It is important to note that (with the exception of the Plymouth Resettlement temporary accommodation scheme) we do not own or manage any properties directly, and we are not an emergency accommodation provider.  Access to these services will usually be by the council in the first instance. ​
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​Plymouth Housing Advice
1st Stop, 71 New George Street
Plymouth PL1 1RF                                
01752 305496
housingoptions@plymouth.gov.uk

​Teignbridge Housing Advice
Forde House, Brunel Road
Newton Abbot TQ12 4XX
01626 361101
housing@teignbridge.gov.uk

Exeter Housing Advice
Civic Centre, Paris Street
Exeter EX1 9SA
01392 265726
housing.advice@exeter.gov.uk

Plymouth Drop-ins