IF YOU ARE BEING TOLD TO LEAVE

If things are getting difficult at home, get information and support as soon as possible, for example to look at your options or apply for supported accommodation or independent accommodation.

If you are being asked to leave where you are living get advice as soon as possible. Something may be done to stop it happening, or to give you more time to plan what you are going to do.

If your landlord is telling you to leave or doing something that makes it difficult to stay, e.g. threatening or harassing you, get help immediately from Castlegate, HARP, CAB or the Homeless Prevention Team (see also problems with where you live).

The Homeless Prevention Team and the Young Person’s Accommodation Worker (who works with 16/17 year olds) at Customer Advice Centre can help explain your options, and intervene on your behalf if possible. They may also have some funds to help you find accommodation or to keep you at home.

There are also homeless prevention schemes run by Scarcroft Project and York Housing Association:

Scarcroft Project can offer ongoing support if you are 16–18 and in danger of being kicked out (e.g. by family or friends).

York Housing Association can offer you ongoing support if you are 16+ and in danger of being kicked out or evicted; especially if it has happened before (you don’t have to be a tenant of theirs).

If you are homeless and from outside York

If you aren't from York or don't have a local connection such as work, family, etc. (get advice if you are not sure) it is likely that you will be assisted to return to your area (though no one will make you go back). This doesn't mean that no organisations in York will help you though. Make sure you ask for help and information, especially if you're in any kind of emergency, such as fleeing violence.

If the local authority have a duty to help you (see: kicked out or about to be? emergency accomodation) they must investigate your situation, make a decision on your case, and make a proper referral to your area before they assist you back there (but you can appeal this decision - get advice). They may have a duty to accommodate you until this is all completed.

If it is not safe for you to go back to where you are from, tell your adviser or the person you see at Customer Advice Centre. The Council cannot send you back if it isn't safe. The council may then have a duty to house you in York.

If you have to leave home

  • Try to take all important papers with you i.e. birth certificate, passport (for identification), National Insurance card/number, driving licence, bank book, medical card, address book, exam certificates, benefit papers etc.
  • Pack only essential clothes and toiletries - you may have to carry your stuff around. Take your mobile phone and charger, and any medication you take. You can get the rest of your stuff later if you can't take it all now.
  • Save as much money as you can in advance.
  • If you can, set off early in the day and preferably early in the week. A lot of the places that can help you are only open in office hours, and not at weekends.
  • Sorting out benefits as well as a place to stay usually takes a lot of time and can be stressful - be prepared for a long day.

If you want to let someone know you are safe without phoning them yourself, phone Message Home (for 18+) or the Runaway Helpline (for under 18s) who will pass the message on for you without saying where you are. They can also refer you to other agencies.

A PLACE TO STAY - 16+

If you have just been kicked out, the first thing you need will probably be somewhere safe to stay the night. You'll need to find somewhere for at least a few days, to give yourself time to sort things out. Try asking your friends or relatives first. They probably won't mind putting you up, as long as you make it clear it's only for a short while. The council may have a duty to house you. (See kicked out (or about to be?): emergency accomodation)

York Nightstop offers young people 16-25 safe and secure accommodation for one night at a time in the homes of trained volunteers. You will also be offered an evening meal, a chance to freshen up, and breakfast. You will need to be referred by another organisation - e.g. Castlegate, CAB, Peasholme Resettlement Centre, Salvation Army or Customer Advice Centre.