KICKED OUT (OR ABOUT TO BE)? - EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION
The Council may be able to offer you emergency accommodation and eventually a permanent place if you )or someone who lives with you) are homeless and:
- are responsible for dependant children
- are pregnant
- are 16 or 17 years old see if you are under 18
- is vulnerable because of a physical diasbility, learning difficultly, mental health problem or some other special need or circumstance
- are homeless because of flood, fire etc
Tell the Customer Advice Centre about any of the above, about any medical problems you have, or if you are escaping violence or abuse. You should also tell them if you have spent time being 'looked after' by Social Services or have been in prison, on remand or in the armed forces, no matter for how long. You can have an interview in private if you wish, and with either a man or woman if you prefer.
York Women's Aid - provide safe temporary accommodation for women (and any children) fleeing domestic violence.
What happens next?
If you are offered temporary accommodation you will be given a support worker, and they will look at your support needs with you and monitor how well you manage. For example your practical skills, if you pay your rent (or rent contribution if you get Housing Benefit), your behaviour etc. You are likely to be in temporary accommodation for some time, and your support worker or case worker will help you make referrals to supported accommodation if this is appropriate. Otherwise you will eventually be offered a Council or Housing Association tenancy.
All housing offered to you when you are homeless has to be suitable. However suitable does not mean perfect. If you are offered housing that you are not happy about, you should accept it, and then get advice from Castlegate or HARP.