If you’re homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, we are here to help. Here’s what you can expect, step by step, when you get in touch.
Step 1: Getting in touch
Housing Solutions Phone:
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm: 0114 273 6306
emergency (out of hours): 0800 7311 689
Address: Howden House, 1 Union St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2SH
What to expect when visiting Howden:
- be prepared for long wait times
- if possible, avoid bringing children as the day may be lengthy
- arrive early to help your visit go more smoothly
Step 2: Initial assessment
A Housing Officer will speak with you to help understand your situation. This might happen:
- over the phone
- in person
We’ll ask you for some information about:
- where you’re staying now
- why you’re at risk of homelessness
- your support needs
- your immigration status and local connection (if applicable)
Step 3: Confirming your situation
We will decide if you are:
- homeless or at risk within 56 days
- eligible for help
- in priority need or not
- intentionally homeless or not
This is based on the rules set out in homelessness law.
Step 4: Your Personal Housing Plan
If you're owed a duty, we’ll work with you to agree a Personal Housing Plan (PHP). This sets out the steps:
- you will take (such as looking for housing and attending appointments)
- we will take (such as helping you apply for housing and contacting landlords)
You’ll get a written copy of this plan.
Step 5: Help to prevent or relieve homelessness
Depending on your situation, we’ll try to:
- prevent you from losing your current home
- relieve your homelessness by helping you find somewhere else to live
This might include:
- advice and negotiation with landlords or family
- referrals to supported housing
- help accessing private rented housing
- temporary accommodation (in some cases)
Step 6: Further decisions
If we can’t prevent or relieve your homelessness, we’ll assess whether we have a longer-term duty to help you. This depends on things like:
- whether you’re in ‘priority need’
- if you became homeless intentionally
- if you have a local connection
We’ll explain any decision in writing and tell you your rights to request a review.
Step 7: Ongoing support and advice
Even if we don’t have a duty to house you, we may still help you with advice, referrals, or support services. We’ll do our best to make sure you understand your options.
Important to Know:
- please keep in touch and tell us if anything changes
- you have the right to ask for a review if you disagree with a decision
- you can bring someone with you to appointments for support