Emergency accommodation provides temporary housing for people in crisis situations, including those who are homeless, fleeing violence, or facing other emergencies. It offers immediate shelter and safety while longer-term solutions are found.
What is Emergency Accommodation?
Emergency accommodation is temporary housing provided in crisis situations. It includes:
- Night Shelters: Overnight accommodation for rough sleepers
- Hostels: Temporary accommodation with support services
- B&Bs and Hotels: Emergency placements by local authorities
- Refuges: Safe accommodation for people fleeing violence
- Crisis Accommodation: Short-term housing in emergencies
When is Emergency Accommodation Needed?
Emergency accommodation is needed for:
- Homelessness: People who are homeless or at risk
- Domestic Violence: People fleeing abuse
- Eviction: People facing immediate eviction
- Disasters: People displaced by fires, floods, etc.
- Crisis Situations: Any situation requiring immediate housing
Types of Emergency Accommodation
Night Shelters
- Overnight accommodation
- Usually open evenings to mornings
- Basic facilities
- Support and advice available
- Often run by charities
Hostels
- Temporary accommodation
- Shared or private rooms
- Support services available
- Help moving on to permanent housing
- May have time limits
B&Bs and Hotels
- Emergency placements by local authorities
- Temporary solution
- May be in different areas
- Basic facilities
- Usually short-term
Refuges
- Safe accommodation for people fleeing violence
- Confidential locations
- Specialist support services
- Help with safety planning
- Support moving on
How to Access Emergency Accommodation
Contact Your Local Authority
- Homelessness Application: Make a homelessness application
- Assessment: Council will assess your situation
- Duty to Help: Council has duty to help eligible people
- Emergency Placement: May provide emergency accommodation immediately
- Out of Hours: Contact out-of-hours services for emergencies
Direct Access Services
- Night Shelters: Some accept direct referrals
- Hostels: May accept self-referrals
- Refuges: Contact domestic violence services
- Charities: Many charities provide emergency accommodation
Your Rights in Emergency Accommodation
Right to Suitable Accommodation
- Accommodation should be suitable for your needs
- Consideration of health, family circumstances, etc.
- Right to challenge if unsuitable
- Right to request review
Right to Support
- Access to support services
- Help finding permanent housing
- Advice and advocacy
- Regular reviews
Right to Safety
- Safe and secure accommodation
- Protection from harm
- Confidentiality (especially in refuges)
- Support with safety planning
Moving On from Emergency Accommodation
Support to Move On
- Help finding permanent accommodation
- Support with applications
- Financial support
- Ongoing support services
- Help accessing benefits
Time Limits
- Emergency accommodation is temporary
- Time limits vary by type
- Support to move on should be provided
- Regular reviews of progress
Browse Emergency Accommodation Providers
Find emergency accommodation providers in your area. These services provide immediate shelter and support in crisis situations.
Image Gallery
External Resources
Government Resources
Support Organisations
Shelter
Leading homelessness charity providing emergency support
https://england.shelter.org.uk
Crisis
National charity for homeless people
https://www.crisis.org.uk
Women's Aid
Support and refuges for women and children fleeing domestic violence
https://www.womensaid.org.uk
StreetLink
Service to connect rough sleepers with local support
https://www.streetlink.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is emergency accommodation?
Emergency accommodation is temporary housing provided in crisis situations, including night shelters, hostels, B&Bs, and refuges. It offers immediate shelter while longer-term solutions are found.
How do I get emergency accommodation?
Contact your local authority immediately if you're homeless or in crisis. They have a duty to assess your situation and may provide emergency accommodation. You can also contact charities and direct access services.
How long can I stay in emergency accommodation?
Emergency accommodation is temporary. Time limits vary, but support should be provided to help you move to permanent housing. Regular reviews ensure progress is being made.
What is the difference between emergency accommodation and temporary accommodation?
Emergency accommodation is immediate, short-term shelter in crisis situations. Temporary accommodation is provided by local authorities while they help you find permanent housing and may last longer.
Can I get emergency accommodation if I'm not eligible for local authority help?
Yes, charities and voluntary organisations provide emergency accommodation regardless of eligibility. These include night shelters, hostels, and refuges.
What support is available in emergency accommodation?
Support can include help finding permanent housing, benefits advice, support services, safety planning (in refuges), and ongoing support to help you move on.
Is emergency accommodation safe?
Emergency accommodation should be safe and secure. Refuges provide confidential, safe accommodation for people fleeing violence. All providers should have safety measures in place.
Can I bring my children to emergency accommodation?
Yes, emergency accommodation should be suitable for families. Local authorities have a duty to accommodate families together. Refuges often accommodate families with children.
What if I'm placed in emergency accommodation far from home?
You can request a review if accommodation is unsuitable, including if it's too far from your area. However, in emergencies, you may need to accept what's available initially.
How do I move on from emergency accommodation?
Support should be provided to help you move to permanent housing. This includes help with applications, financial support, and ongoing support services. Regular reviews ensure progress.