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Homeless Accommodation
Many people who don't have a roof over their heads or are facing homelessness may be able to get help and be found a home through Sheffield City Council's Housing Solutions department. .
The City Council has legal duties to find permananent accommodation for people in the following circumstances:
- You are homeless or face homelessness within the next 28 days. This can be because you have nowhere to live at all, no legal right to stay where you are, or because your present home is unsuitable;
- You are vulnerable, either as an individual or as a family, for example because you have young children who are living with you, or have a severe medical problem which makes it hard for you to find somewhere to live;
- You are not prevented from using public services due to your immigration status;
- It is not your fault you lost your last home – you have not become homeless intentionally;
- You have local links – for example, through family or work with Sheffield.
Even if you do not meet all of the qualifications,the Council may have to at least provide temporary accommodation whilst they look at your case, or provide help in finding accommodation.
For more information
You can download Shelter's Homeless leaflet from their website.
How to apply to the Homeless Section
You can apply by going to the City Council's main office – Howden House, 1, Union Street. This is open every weekday 8.30am – 5.30pm. You should see one of the Customer Service Advisors, and make it clear to them that you want to make a homeless application. The Homeless Section phone number is 0114 2734406/2735142. Outside of working hours you can contact the emergency number – 0114 2442441 or Freephone 0800 7311689.
Once you make your application, the Homeless Section has to:
- Investigate your case – they must ask you questions, and if necessary do follow up work, to find out if you qualify for help from them;
- If they agree you are homeless, vulnerable, and are not prevented from using public monies because of your immigration status, they have to offer you somewhere to stay in the short term whilst they carry on looking at your case. If necessary they should store your furniture and belongings.
- They must confirm the decision of your application in writing– even if they decide you are not homeless. You have 21 days to challenge any decision they make on your case – it is probably best to take independent advice before putting in a request for a review;
- If they agree to rehouse you permanently they must make you one suitable offer of somewhere to live. If you turn this down they may no longer have to help you – so it is worth taking advice before you make a decision. Remember you can ask for a review of their decision – you can even do this if you accept an offer of accommodation that is unsuitable for you.
For a list of Solicitors and Advice Agencies, please see the downloadable document on the Housing Aid page.
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