You don’t have to be living on the streets to be classed as homeless

Homeless people are just that. They are PEOPLE.

One of our client’s, Perrie* said ““The hardest part,” she explains, “is the uncertainty. You never know when or where you’ll have to move next. The lack of a permanent address makes it harder to secure a job, and being homeless becomes a cycle that’s incredibly hard to break.”

Last month, Citizens Advice highlighted the troubling increase in homelessness issues amongst the people our advisers are helping across the UK. People affected include those sleeping on the streets, in temporary housing, or on friends’ couches. This is especially the case among those who are disabled or have chronic health conditions, further emphasising the vulnerability of those hit hardest by the housing crisis.

Rising housing costs, paired with economic uncertainty, are pushing many into homelessness or insecure living situations. Our advisers are supporting people like Perrie* and Liam*, who struggled to keep a roof over their heads.

How we supported Perrie to secure a stable home

For Perrie, 42, life changed suddenly after she lost her job due to long-term illness. With no income and her savings depleted, she was unable to keep up with rent and was soon forced into temporary housing. Living without privacy or the security of a stable home took a toll on her mental and physical well-being. Perrie turned to Citizens Advice. Here, she found advisors who helped her understand her options for seeking permanent housing through her local council. Citizens Advice not only provided her with information but also the encouragement and clarity she needed to help herself. Through their guidance, Perrie secured safer housing and applied for benefits to help her with everyday living costs, restoring her independence.

How we helped Liam gain emergency temporary housing

Liam, 23, went through his own traumatic experience with homelessness after a fallout with his family left him without shelter or financial support. Living rough on the streets was harsh, exposing Liam to danger and isolation. Like many others in his situation, Liam struggled to find consistent food, shelter, and safety. A friend suggested he contact Citizens Advice. From the first phone call, Liam felt more hopeful about his future. Our advisers connected him with resources that he didn’t know were available to him such as crisis funding and benefits. We also helped Liam to contact his local council about registering on the Housing Register and obtaining temporary emergency accommodation.

What to do if you are facing homelessness or have nowhere to live

Our advisers help people even they’re not on the streets but living in unsuitable conditions, like couch-surfing or facing eviction. To receive council assistance, you must be legally homeless or threatened with homelessness. How much help you get depends on your circumstances. It’s worth applying for help even if you’re not sure you’ll get it – councils have to make decisions on a case-by case-basis.

You’re legally homeless if you have no place to live in the UK or abroad, can’t access your home (for example, due to unlawful eviction), can’t reasonably stay in your home due to violence, poor conditions, or unaffordability, or have no place to keep a moveable home (for example, a caravan). You’re considered threatened with homelessness if you must leave your home within eight weeks, such as receiving a valid eviction notice, or being asked to leave temporary accommodation.

If you’re not a British citizen, applying for homeless help could affect your right to stay in the UK. Contact your nearest Citizens Advice before applying for help.

Citizens Advice advisers can help you – with the right support, individuals can rebuild their lives and move toward a secure, brighter future.

Discover more: You can find more information about what steps to take if you are facing homelessness issues on the national Citizens Advice website. click here.

*Not their real names to protect confidentiality

Citizens Advice South West Surrey contact details: