Details of emergency accommodation and night shelters
If you are homeless tonight then your best option is to try and find emergency accommodation such as a night shelter.
Are you homeless tonight?
If you are homeless tonight then the best option will be to try and find emergency accommodation such as a night shelter or Y.M.C.A.
Night shelters
The night shelters on this list provide emergency accommodation. They have vacancies on a daily basis and are suitable for both male and females. They offer separate sex accommodation, which can vary from dormitory accommodation to shared rooms. They rarely accommodate couples, so if you are a couple you may have to apply to separate night shelters.
Some night shelters operate on a referral basis only, meaning that the Councils homeless department needs to refer you. If it is direct access then you can turn up at the hostel yourself.
What is included?
Many of the night shelters will supply a breakfast or a light meal and some provide a small evening meal. The accommodation will only be open at a certain time in the evening and will close early in the morning after breakfast.
Each night shelter has different policies and some will allow you to leave your belongings during the day whilst others will not.
How do I pay for the night shelter?
The night shelter will make an accommodation charge. If you receive Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support you will need to claim Housing Benefit to help with the cost of this. If you are on a low income, you may also be able to claim Housing Benefit to help towards the charges.
How do I find a night shelter?
Look through this list and make a note of the night shelters you are interested in. If the shelter offers direct access then you phone them directly. The demand for the night shelter can be high. Because of this, the number of spaces can be limited so please ensure that you get to the night shelter at the correct time.
Details of night shelters in the surrounding areas
Open Door Project (St Albans) - 8 Bricket Road, St Albans, Herts.
Tel: 01727 859113
The Open Door Nightshelter is open from: 6.00pm-8.15am. It offers emergency direct access nightshelter on a nightly basis for twelve men and four women aged 18 plus.
Stevenage Haven
Tel: 01438 354884
Website: www.stevenagehaven.org.uk
Email: info@stevenagehaven.org.uk
Stevenage Haven is a charity providing all year emergency night shelter accommodation to homeless women and men in Stevenage and the surrounding area. This service operates on a referral basis only. In order to access this night shelter you must be reffered by Hertsmere Borough Council’s homeless person unit.
North Herts Sanctuary (Hitchin) - 25 Nightingale Road, Hitchin, Herts.
Tel: 01462 435835
North Herts Sanctuary is a 17 bed night shelter for the homeless, offering temporary accommodation in a friendly and comfortable environment. It is a direct access hostel by presenting yourself at the hostel at 7pm on any night
Hostel accommodation
What is the Y.M.C.A?
The Y.M.C.A. is a hostel for men and women who have reached the age of 18 years old and above. It offers single rooms with shared use of bathroom and toilet facilities. The Y.M.C.A. will not take couples.
Each Y.M.C.A. represented on this list have their own policies and request various individual proofs and references. Interviews are offered to applicants and if successful an offer of accommodation is made. The length of the tenancy or licence can vary depending on each individual Y.M.C.A.
How do I pay for hostel accommodation?
The Y.M.C.A. will charge rent for the accommodation they provide. If you receive Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support you will need to claim Housing Benefit to help with the cost of the rent. If you are on a low income you may also be able to claim Housing Benefit. Housing Benefit would be obtained from the Borough Council in whose are you would be living.
How do I find a Y.M.C.A?
Look through this list and make a note of the hostels you are interested in. Phone them to see if they have any vacancies or ask if you could possibly have an interview. Make a note of all the details you are asked to bring with you and a note of the appointment date and time. It would also be useful to take a note of the weekly charges to determine if you can afford it.
Details of Y M.C.A. hostels in the surrounding areas
- Y.M.C.A. Watford
Tel: 01923 353600 - Y.M.C.A. Welwyn Garden City
Tel: 01707 351400 - Y.M.C.A. Waltham Forest, 642 Forest Road, Walthamstow
Tel: 0208 520 0931 - Y.M.C.A. Milton Keynes
Tel: 01908 295600