Need Help? You’re Not Alone

If you’re facing homelessness, sleeping rough, or know someone who is, here you’ll find clear, practical ways to get help and stay safe.

  • A person talking on a cell phone while pointing at a map featuring a house icon, suggesting they are searching for or locating a home.

    Contact Plymouth City Council

    Get in touch as soon as possible, as they may be able to offer support before things get worse.

  • Illustration of a person talking on the phone and holding a leaflet with a house icon.

    Speak to Your Bank or Landlord

    Explain your situation, as many can agree payment plans or provide short-term help.

  • Red brushstroke roof above the word "SHELTER" in red text.

    Call Shelter for Advice

    Shelter is a housing and homelessness charity that offers free expert advice on 0344 515 2399 or 0808 800 4444.

Drop-in Centres & Charities

Even if you have nowhere to stay, there are places in Plymouth where you don’t need an appointment. They can help with hot meals, showers, somewhere safe to rest, advice on housing and benefits, training and job search support, and friendly spaces to meet people.

  • Green background with a white crest featuring a lion's head and crown, and the text 'Plymouth City Council' in white.

    Plymouth City Council

    The Community Connections Team can give advice on housing, benefits, and local support services. They are often the first point of contact if you are at risk of homelessness or need urgent help.

    01752 668000
    communityconnections@plymouth.gov.uk

    Learn More
  • Logo for The Zone supporting young people, featuring geometric shapes and text in blue and black.

    The Zone Plymouth

    The Zone supports young people with housing, mental health, and wellbeing. They provide advice, guidance, and a safe space for those aged 16–25 who need extra support.

    01752 206626
    enquiries@thezoneplymouth.co.uk

    Learn More
  • Shekinah logo with black footprints, the word 'shekinah' in lowercase, and the tagline 'building lives and futures'.

    Shekinah Plymouth

    Shekinah offers practical help such as hot meals, showers, and safe spaces, as well as training, employment support, and advice for people facing homelessness, poverty, or social exclusion.

    01752 203480 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm)
    reception@shekinah.co.uk

    Learn More
  • Red mug with the words 'Plymouth Soup Run' in white text, surrounded by red knitted gloves.

    Plymouth Soup Run

    Local churches, businesses and many other organisations are involved, all making the Plymouth Soup Run accessible to some of the city’s most needy 365 days of the year.

    0800 654 6006
    info@plymouthsouprun.org.uk

    Learn More

Private Rented Access Service

If you’re struggling to find a stable place to live, we can help you rent from a private landlord in Plymouth. You might qualify if you:

  • Are homeless or at serious risk of becoming homeless

  • Live locally and have a low income or benefits

  • Can’t afford a deposit

  • Are willing to rent privately and ready to manage a tenancy

Extra help is available for under-25s, people on probation, and those with refugee status.

How to apply:
You can be referred by Plymouth City Council, probation services, temporary housing providers, or other agencies. If you have a support worker, ask them to get in touch—or call 01752 293730 to speak to the team directly.

Plymouth Resettlement Support Service

For people with refugee status starting a new life in Plymouth, we offer free, tailored help to:

  • Find safe, long-term housing

  • Access benefits, healthcare, and English classes

  • Connect with job support and the local community

You’ll work with your own support worker to create a plan that meets your needs. In some cases, we can provide a deposit guarantee.

To access our service:
Ask Students and Refugees Together (START) to refer you, or talk to your existing support worker. You can call them on 07841 985252 or email dent@startsw.co.uk